Ekadashi is the eleventh day that comes after the new moon or full moon of each lunar month according to the Vedic calendar. According to the spiritual belief of most Hindus and religious figures, the adoption of austerities during this period of the lunar cycle is very beneficial for he alth and spiritual purification. This article will tell you about this tradition, which originates in Southeast Asia.
What is the Hindu calendar
The Hindu calendar is a collective term for the various lunisolar calendars traditionally used in India. It is often called panchanga. The most studied and known are the following:
- Shalivahana Shaka found in South India.
- Vikram Samvat, found in the Northern and Central regions.
- Tamil calendar used in Tamil Nadu.
- Bengali used in Bengal.
They are all based on the lunar cycle. The Hindu New Year begins in the spring. However, in regions like Kerala, the solar cycle is emphasized, which is called the Malayalam calendar, and the New Year begins in autumn.
What is Ekadashi
Ekadashi - translated from Hindi means "eleven". The term refers to the eleventh lunar day of each of the two lunar phases that occur in the Hindu calendar month - Sukla Paksha (the radiant moon period, also known as the waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (the waning moon period, also known as the waning phase).
In Hinduism and Jainism, this period of time is considered a spiritual day and is usually observed by partial fasting. Beans and grains are not consumed by believers at this time, because they are supposed to be contaminated by sin, as it is supposed in Hinduism. What can you eat on Ekadashi? According to tradition, only fruits, vegetables and dairy products are allowed. This period of abstinence starts from sunrise until sunset the next day. The Ekadashi calendar is very popular among Hindus.
Hindu rules state that everyone between the ages of eight and eighty should fast, including avoiding water. What can be eaten on Ekadasi for people suffering from diseases? People who are sick, have he alth problems and pregnant women are exempt from this rule and can consume light food, including milk and fruit.
Moon position
The time of each rite of asceticism depends on the position of the Earth's satellite. The Hindu calendar marks the progression from full moon to new moon, which is divided into fifteen equal arcs. Each arc measures one lunar day, called a tithi. The time during which the celestial satellitetravels a certain distance is the duration of this period. Ekadashi refers to the eleventh tithi. This period corresponds to the exact phase of the waxing and waning moon.
Normally there are twenty-four sacred days a year for spiritual cleansing. Sometimes in a leap year there can be two extra days. Each period of this cycle has special benefits and blessings, which are achieved by performing certain actions. Ekadashi in January is called Shat-tila Ekadashi, as well as Bhaimi Ekadashi.
Rules for fasting
How to observe the rite correctly? The best austerity during this period is absolute abstinence from food and water in order to achieve a state of cleansing from sins. For someone who finds it difficult to observe such a fast, it is recommended to eat a meal that includes permitted foods once in the afternoon. This is a prerequisite for this rite of spiritual purification.
What can you eat on Ekadashi: food list
The diet during fasting may consist of:
- any vegetables;
- fruit;
- water;
- fermented milk products,
- sugar.
Prohibited during this period are:
- mushrooms;
- cereals;
- legumes;
- spinach;
- honey;
- eggplant;
- sea s alt.
Other types of s alt such as plain white s alt are acceptable. It is also forbidden to eat in other people's houses. On these days, you should try to drink and eat no more than once. In one of the texts of Hinduism, the great deity Krishna says that one whofully observes this rite, will receive a reward in full, and one who observes the fast partially will receive only part of the benefits. These are the general rules for fasting Ekadashi.
How to get the best result from penance
To receive a full spiritual blessing while observing this tradition, you should not sleep during the day, do not shave, do not rub with oils, do not eat from plates and cups made of bronze, do not touch the female sex during menstruation, avoid gatherings with the use of alcohol.
What is the essence of Ekadashi? In ancient teachings, the main result of fasting is spiritual purification. That is, a person, through the rejection of the pleasure of eating, becomes closer to the divine, and also becomes more enlightened. It is believed that the heavenly powers become closer to an enlightened person spiritually by observing this ancient tradition.
Who should observe penance
According to Hindu sacred texts, every person over the age of five is required to fast during this period of time. Anyone who is unable to observe it due to a serious illness or old age is obliged to find a spiritually developed person and donate something to him. He can also simply study the meaning of each Ekadashi. This action is recommended as one of the methods for achieving the best result of sacred austerity.
Ekadashi times vary by time zone
The time of the beginning and end of this Indian fast is of tremendous importance and dependsfrom the time zone of a certain region. Thus, the period of observance of asceticism in India, America and Russia may differ by a whole day. In order to calculate the exact time of entry and exit from austerity, experts calculate a calendar for certain time zones. There are even specialized devices for calculating its timing.
How to interrupt and restore Ekadashi
After observing the rite of asceticism, one should end the fast at a certain period of the day after sunrise on the next day. If it stops after the given time, it is considered not observed. If the Hindu austerity was not observed by chance, then it can be carried out on the next day - dvadashi, in this case, you can end the fast on the third day - traiodashi. To end it, you can simply use any grain, that is, eat what is forbidden during this period.
If it coincides with dashas - the tenth day of the lunar cycle, then there is no need to fast. However, if it coincides with dvadashi - the twelfth day, then such an Ekadashi is called "pure fasting" or mahadvadashi, and it is recommended to strictly perform it.
However, it is important to remember that living in justice and being in harmony with nature should not only be two days a month, observing a strict or light fast. To become a spiritually enlightened person, this life principle must be adhered to constantly. So, the article provides information about the essence of this phenomenon and what you can eat on Ekadashi.
