| Ekadashi
Ekadashi is a sacred day, occuring twice a month in the Hindu
calendar - on the eleventh day of the bright half - called Shukla
Paksha and on the eleventh of the dark half called Vad Paksha
(Padma Puran, Uttar Khand 36/5/80). A fast is to be observed
on this day by all Hindus.
Story
of Ekadashi
In Vachanamrut Gadhada II. 8. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has related
the story of Ekadashi:
"Once Bhagwan Narayan was resting. A demon named Murdanav
came and challenged Him to a duel. Suddenly a damsel appeared,
evolved out of the Ekadash indriyas of God. [The ten indriyas
(sense organs) comprise the five karma indriyas (mouth, hands,
feet, anus and genital organs) and five gnan indriyas (eyes,
ears, nose, skin and tongue). The ten indriyas along with the
mind are collectively known as Ekadash indriyas.] Murdanav was
so attracted to this damsel that he asked her to marry him.
The damsel agreed, but only if he agreed to a duel with her,
"Whoever shall defeat me shall marry me." Blinded
by passion, he fought with her. The damsel killed him. Pleased
with her, God granted her a boon. She asked, "O Prabhu!
As I have manifested from your Ekadash indriyas, let my name
be Ekadashi. I am wedded to tap (austerity) and I desire that
people should observe the Ekadashi vrat (fast) and control their
Ekadash indriyas on this day. Bhagwan Narayan agreed."
Ever since, Hindus fast on the eleventh day of sud (shukla)
paksha and vad paksha of the month.
Ideal
Ekadashi
In Vachanamrut Gadhada I, 38, Bhagwan Swaminarayan has elaborated
that a true Ekadashi is when one withdraws the ten indriyas
and eleventh - the mind, from their worldly 'foods' and focuses
them on God and devotional activities. So moderation in daily
leisure activities is desirable.
Ekadashi
Observance
During Ekadashi, a waterless fast is ideal. However those unable
to fast may take liquids, or if needed farari foods. Such fasting
a Hindu tradition to please God, by controlling and curbing
one's desires. Fasting once a fortnight eliminates the body's
toxins and wastes. In turn this clears the mental apparatus,
enhancing mental clarity and meditation. A clogged system leads
to mood swings, malaise, laziness, lethargy and unhealthful
oversleeping. Medical researchers do advocate fasting, on an
average of once a week. Novices to fasting may initially experience
headaches or/and nausea. These tend to clear up with regular
fasting.
Farari foods include tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava,
carrots, turnips, suran - (a type of yam), dairy products, fruits,
nuts, some vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes) and special
type of grains (moraio, rajgaro). One can use all spices to
prepare the farari foods i.e. salt, chilly powder, black pepper,
turmeric, etc.
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