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.
