Ekadashi Vrat – Dates, Rituals and Significance

What is Ekadashi Vrat?

In Hinduism and Jainism, Ekadashi is considered a highly spiritual day, which occurs on the 11th day after a full moon and the 11th day after a new moon. It is a common practice among many sects to fast during this day, the reason being that the state of the alignment of the planets on that particular day is such that the water in our bodies is influenced by the lunar phases and this can lead to imbalances in the body. Abstaining from food and cleansing oneself during this time is believed to be beneficial to the body and protects from any negative influences in the body due to the lunar phases.

2020 Ekadashi – Krishna Paksha Ekadashi 2020

Apr 04, 12:58 am – Apr 04, 10:30 pm
Kamada Ekadashi

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What are the different Ekadashi Vratham/ Ekadashi Vrat?

Usually, there are 24 Ekadashi that occurs over the course of a year, with two extra Ekadashi occurring during a leap year. Each Ekadashi has a different significance, with a list of recommended practices assumed to benefit individuals. It is a day during which, people observe a partial fast that also includes avoiding food products like beans and grains. 

The different types of Ekadashi are:

• Safla Ekadashi
• Putrada Ekadashi
• Shattila Ekadashi
• Jaya Ekadashi
• Vijaya Ekadashi
• Amalaki Ekadashi
• Paapmochini Ekadashi
• Kamada Ekadashi
• Varuthini Ekadashi
• Mohini Ekadashi
• Apara Ekadashi Jyeshtha
• Nirjala Ekadashi
• Yogini Ekadashi Ashadha
• Devshayani Ekadashi
• Kamika Ekadashi
• Pavitra Ekadashi
• Aja Ekadashi
• Padma Ekadashi
• Indira Ekadashi
• Papankusha Ekadashi
• Rama Ekadashi
• Devprabodhini Ekadashi
• Utapanna Ekadashi
• Moksha Ekadashi

What is Ekadashi Vrat Timing?

The cut-off time for Ekadashi is calculated as 96 minutes before sunrise. This means that the 10th day of the lunar month has to conclude 96 minutes before the scheduled sunrise. If this doesn’t happen, then Ekadashi will fall on a corresponding day.

When is the Ekadashi fast broken? 

The Ekadashi fast is broken after sunrise on the 12th day of the lunar month.

Ekadashi 2020 Dates: All you need to know

Shukla Paksha Ekadashi 2020	Krishna Paksha Ekadashi 2020
Jan 06, 3:07 am – Jan 07, 4:02 am Pausa Putrada Ekadashi	Jan 20, 2:51 am – Jan 21, 2:06 am Shat Tila Ekadashi
Feb 04, 9:49 pm – Feb 05, 9:31 pm Jaya Ekadashi	Feb 18, 2:33 pm – Feb 19, 3:02 pm
Mar 05, 1:19 pm – Mar 06, 11:47 am Amalaki Ekadashi	Mar 19, 4:26 am – Mar 20, 5:59 am Papamochani Ekadashi
Apr 04, 12:58 am – Apr 04, 10:30 pm Kamada Ekadashi	Apr 17, 8:04 pm – Apr 18, 10:17 pm Varuthini Ekadashi
May 03, 9:09 am – May 04, 6:13 am Mohini Ekadashi	May 17, 12:42 pm – May 18, 3:08 pm Apara Ekadashi
Jun 01, 2:57 pm – Jun 02, 12:04 pm Nirjala Ekadashi	Jun 16, 5:40 am – Jun 17, 7:50 am Yogini Ekadashi
Jun 30, 7:49 pm – Jul 01, 5:29 pm Shayani Ekadashi	Jul 15, 10:19 pm – Jul 16, 11:45 pm Kamika Ekadashi
Jul 30, 1:16 am – Jul 30, 11:50 pm Sravana Putrada Ekadashi	Aug 14, 2:02 pm – Aug 15, 2:20 pm Aja Ekadashi
Aug 28, 8:38 am – Aug 29, 8:17 am Parsva Ekadashi	Sep 13, 4:14 am – Sep 14, 3:16 am Indira Ekadashi
Sep 26, 7:00 pm – Sep 27, 7:46 pm Padmini Ekadashi	Oct 12, 4:39 pm – Oct 13, 2:36 pm Parama Ekadashi
Oct 26, 9:00 am – Oct 27, 10:46 am Papankusha Ekadashi	Nov 11, 3:23 am – Nov 12, 12:41 am Rama Ekadashi
Nov 25, 2:42 am – Nov 26, 5:10 am Prabodhini Ekadashi	Dec 10, 12:51 pm – Dec 11, 10:04 am Utpanna Ekadashi
Dec 24, 11:17 pm – Dec 26, 1:54 am Mokshada Ekadashi

Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi and Ekadashi Fasting rituals:

There are certain food restrictions that need to be followed on Ekadashi day. The longstanding rule has been that individuals must avoid peas, grains, and any type of cereals. Milk products, fruits, and root vegetables are on the list of permissible edibles. People following the Ekadashi vratham must not consume any sort of meat, liquor, or tobacco products during the fasting period.

What edibles are permitted during Ekadashi fast?

• Avoid consuming peas, grains, or any type of cereals.
• You can have limited portions of milk, fruits, dry fruits, roots, and vegetables.
• Do not pluck Tulsi leaves during Ekadashi vrat as it is said that Lord Vishnu is offered Tulsi on Ekadashi and Dwadashi. It is forbidden in Hindu scriptures.
• Do not use powdered asafoetida (hing) in any preparation, as it generally contains grains.
• On Ekadashi Vrat non-veg (meat, fish, eggs), mushrooms, liquor, intoxicants (cigarettes, tobacco), and other tamasic food are strictly prohibited. 

Breaking an Ekadashi Vrat fast:

Ekadashi fast must be broken the next day after sunrise. If you are not on nirjala fast, you can take grains. In nirjala fast, you can break it with non-grain items like milk or fruits. 

Who should observe Ekadashi Vrat?

Ekadashi Vrat is safe as a cleansing ritual for everyone unless any medical condition prevents you from fasting for any period of time. If you have any concerns if Ekadashi Vrat is safe for you, please check with your doctor about your condition. As indicated by sacred writings, from the age of eight to the age of eighty, all individuals should fast on Ekadashi Vratham days.

Ekadashi Vrat Mantras:

Reciting ‘Om Narayana Vidmahe, Vasudevaya Dheemahi, Thanno Vishnu Prachodayaat’ is said to benefits devotees largely. It is also recommended that there be prayers during the evening, which invoke Lord Vishnu. Chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra 108 times is also said to reap rich benefits and bring about a certain calming effect on the body.  

Ekadashi Benefits- Significance of Ekadashi Vrat

Fasting on the Ekadashi day regulates the fat content in the body to a large extent. In the process of diminishing fat in the body, rest and a wholesome feeling of contentment are felt as well. It is said that Ekadashi is a good time for individuals to enhance their awareness of their surroundings as well as within themselves. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana says fasting during this phase also ensures that one is rid of sins to a large extent, owing to the spiritual nature of the day. Ekadashi is also said to be a day during which individuals profess their undying faith and love for Lord Krishna.