Krsna Das
14 February 2010, 09:35 AM
Dandavat Pranamas !
I have created this thread for presenting the glories of Ekadashi fasts: Any person having any question to ekadashi should post his comment here:
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=5309
General questions on Ekadashi
1.Why should one observe fast on ekadashi?
Once pAp-purush (the embodiment of sin) appeared before Lord Visnu and requested: “Dear Lord, you alone are the source of every living and non living entity in this universe. You have created me also, for punishing the atheists or persons averse to you and your devotion. But in this age of Satya-yuga, everybody is engaged truthfully in your devotional service, no one is an atheist. So I do not see any place for me to reside.” Lord replied – “ You should stay in all kinds on grains on the day of ekadashi. People who eat grains on this day, will actually accumulate sin“ My devotees will observe a fast on this day, to remain away from sin.
kadasyam samayantyam prapunantyam jagattrayam
sthatavyam annamasritya bhavata papa purusa
sansare yani papani tany eva ekadasi dine
annam asritya tisthanti sriman narayana ajnaya
(Padma Purana, Kriya Yogasara 22.46,50)
When Ekadasi arrives, at that time, all of the sins from the three worlds reside in grains in the form of a sinful person. Whatever sins are available in this world, they all together reside in grains on Ekadasi day by the order of Lord Sri Narayana.
2.Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ekadashi:
Mahaprabhu’s mother (Sachi-mata) did not used to observe fast on ekadashi. Lord requested his mother to observe this fast strictly, since that is what is expected from a Vaisnava. Lord also requested to Sanatana Goswami to differentiate between a mixed ekadashi and a pure ekadashi, so that the devotees are not bewildered about the actual day on which fast should be observed. [ NOTE THAT ekadashi fast is sometimes observed the next day, i.e. on Mahadwadashi]:
"You should recommend the avoidance of mixed Ekadasi and the performance of pure Ekadasi. You should also describe the fault in not observing this. One should be very careful as far as these items are concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing devotional service." (Sri Caitanya to Sanatana Gosvami, CC Madhya-lila 24.342)
3.What is the correct muhurta (date as well as timing) for following the fast:
- If the tithi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise of the next day (lost) it is combined with the next tithi.
- If the same tithi falls on sunrise two days in a row, observances are scheduled on the first day; except Ekadasi, Amavasya, or Purnima tithis which are scheduled for the second day.
- Ekadasi must come in prior to the brahma muhurta (1 hour 36 min before sunrise). When it does so it is called Suddha Ekadasi, pure Ekadasi. If it begins after that, it is considered impure and is therefore to be observed on the Dvadasi (making Mahadvadasi or compounded) on the next day.
- If Ekadasi falls on sunrise two days in a row, fasting is observed on the second day.
- If Ekadasi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise the next day it is considered Lost, too short, thus not full, and impure. Therefore the next day is called Unmillani Mahadvadasi.
- If Dvadasi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise on the next day (Trayodasi), it is also lost, and is to be observed as Trisprsa Mahadvadasi.
- If Dvadasi falls on the sunrise two days in a row the first Dvadasi becomes Vyanjuli Mahadvadasi.
- When the following Amavasya or Purnima falls on sunrise two days in a row the preceding Dvadasi becomes Paksa-Vardhini-Mahadvadasi, Paksa based. Parama Ekadasi in the month of Purusottama.
4.Since the calculation is very complex, how can we know the authentic timings for “fast” :
You can go to this site and then select the zone you are in, and the calendar will be generated for you:
http://www.purebhakti.com/resources/...inmenu-71.html (http://www.purebhakti.com/resources/vaisnava-calendar-mainmenu-71.html)
NOTE THAT it is important to break the fast at correct timings, otherwise the fast becomes nishfal (means goes in vein)
5.How should we observe ekadashi?
Since this day is dear to Lord Hari, one should observe fast from all the grains and read Bhagwatam and Ramayana. Important thing is that one should do sankirtan, or congregational chanting of holy names. One should also do japa as much as possible.
Traditionally, one is also required to do jagran during night and do sankirtan till morning. If that is not possible, one should atleast do sankirtan for 1-3 hrs in the night, or till midnight.
6.Please discuss the mahatmya (glories) of ekadashi.
AMALAKI EKADASHI
The glories of Amalaki – ekadashi was narrated by Muni Vashishtha to King Mandhata as follows:
During the creation of this cosmos by Lord Visnu, by his supreme desire to manifest this amalaki-fast in this world, the amalaki-tree appeared. This amalaki tree and it’s fruits is very dear to Lord Visnu. [Amalaki means the tree of amla fruit].
When Brahma Ji did Srsti-rachna (creating the material world by the mahat-tattva manifested by Lord Visnu), he was very surprised to see this amla-tree, as were the devas of swarga and the sapta-rishis. They thought – “Whenever the cosmos was created by Brahma Ji before, we never saw a tree like this. Every other creature, existed in all the previous kalpas, but this tree is never seen before. Which tree is this?
Lord Visnu replied in the form of akash-vani – “ This amalaki tree is my vibhuti in this material world. I have manifested this tree for the benefit of society. Any person, who worships this tree, or offers the fruits of this tree to me on ekadashi day of phalguna month (shukla –paksha), and observes fast, becomes very dear to me, and attains my spiritual abode in the end.”
Vashistha muni then said to Kind Mandhata –
There was once a kingdom named VaidishA, where all the brAhmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge, great bodily strength, and fine intelligence. Oh lion among kings, the whole kingdom was full of Vedic sounds, not a single person was atheistic, and no one sinned. In this way, O best of kings, the citizens of VaidishA lived many long years in great happiness and prosperity. Giving up all varieties of materialistic religion, they completely dedicated themselves to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.
Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii EkAdasii arrived, conjoined with DvAdasi. King Chitraratha realised that this particular fast would bestow especially great benefit, and thus he and all the citizens of VaidishA observed this sacred EkAdasii very strictly, carefully following all the rules and regulations. After bathing in the river, the king and all his subjects went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where an Amalakii tree grew, and offered his prayers to amalaki tree and Lord Hari.
After offering these excellent prayers, King Chitraratha and his subjects remained awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping according to the regulations governing a sacred EkAdasii fast. It was during this auspicious time of fasting and prayer that a very irreligious man approached the assembly, a man who maintained himself and his family by killing animals. N this day, by chance, this person was not able to find anything to eat, and burdened with both fatigue and sin, the hunter saw the king and the citizens of VaidishA observing Amalakii EkAdasii by performing an all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the beautiful forest setting, which was brilliantly illuminated by many lamps.
The kirtan of holy names of Lord was going on continuously, and this went till the morning. This hunter was not able to sleep because of the sound of drums played in the kirtan. In this way, he observed this fast, unknowingly. Due to this, in his very next birth he was born as a great king endowed with may chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers. His name was VasUratha, the son of King VidUratha, and he ruled over the kingdom of Jayanti for thousands of years. Later he attained the abode of Sri Visnu, Vaikuntha Loka.
Vasistha Muni says to king mandhata :
"Therefore, Oh King Mandhata," the venerable Vasishtha Muni concluded, anyone who observes this holy Amalakii EkAdasii will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, so great is the religious merit earned from the observance of this most sacred fast day."
I have created this thread for presenting the glories of Ekadashi fasts: Any person having any question to ekadashi should post his comment here:
http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=5309
General questions on Ekadashi
1.Why should one observe fast on ekadashi?
Once pAp-purush (the embodiment of sin) appeared before Lord Visnu and requested: “Dear Lord, you alone are the source of every living and non living entity in this universe. You have created me also, for punishing the atheists or persons averse to you and your devotion. But in this age of Satya-yuga, everybody is engaged truthfully in your devotional service, no one is an atheist. So I do not see any place for me to reside.” Lord replied – “ You should stay in all kinds on grains on the day of ekadashi. People who eat grains on this day, will actually accumulate sin“ My devotees will observe a fast on this day, to remain away from sin.
kadasyam samayantyam prapunantyam jagattrayam
sthatavyam annamasritya bhavata papa purusa
sansare yani papani tany eva ekadasi dine
annam asritya tisthanti sriman narayana ajnaya
(Padma Purana, Kriya Yogasara 22.46,50)
When Ekadasi arrives, at that time, all of the sins from the three worlds reside in grains in the form of a sinful person. Whatever sins are available in this world, they all together reside in grains on Ekadasi day by the order of Lord Sri Narayana.
2.Chaitanya Mahaprabhu on ekadashi:
Mahaprabhu’s mother (Sachi-mata) did not used to observe fast on ekadashi. Lord requested his mother to observe this fast strictly, since that is what is expected from a Vaisnava. Lord also requested to Sanatana Goswami to differentiate between a mixed ekadashi and a pure ekadashi, so that the devotees are not bewildered about the actual day on which fast should be observed. [ NOTE THAT ekadashi fast is sometimes observed the next day, i.e. on Mahadwadashi]:
"You should recommend the avoidance of mixed Ekadasi and the performance of pure Ekadasi. You should also describe the fault in not observing this. One should be very careful as far as these items are concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing devotional service." (Sri Caitanya to Sanatana Gosvami, CC Madhya-lila 24.342)
3.What is the correct muhurta (date as well as timing) for following the fast:
- If the tithi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise of the next day (lost) it is combined with the next tithi.
- If the same tithi falls on sunrise two days in a row, observances are scheduled on the first day; except Ekadasi, Amavasya, or Purnima tithis which are scheduled for the second day.
- Ekadasi must come in prior to the brahma muhurta (1 hour 36 min before sunrise). When it does so it is called Suddha Ekadasi, pure Ekadasi. If it begins after that, it is considered impure and is therefore to be observed on the Dvadasi (making Mahadvadasi or compounded) on the next day.
- If Ekadasi falls on sunrise two days in a row, fasting is observed on the second day.
- If Ekadasi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise the next day it is considered Lost, too short, thus not full, and impure. Therefore the next day is called Unmillani Mahadvadasi.
- If Dvadasi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise on the next day (Trayodasi), it is also lost, and is to be observed as Trisprsa Mahadvadasi.
- If Dvadasi falls on the sunrise two days in a row the first Dvadasi becomes Vyanjuli Mahadvadasi.
- When the following Amavasya or Purnima falls on sunrise two days in a row the preceding Dvadasi becomes Paksa-Vardhini-Mahadvadasi, Paksa based. Parama Ekadasi in the month of Purusottama.
4.Since the calculation is very complex, how can we know the authentic timings for “fast” :
You can go to this site and then select the zone you are in, and the calendar will be generated for you:
http://www.purebhakti.com/resources/...inmenu-71.html (http://www.purebhakti.com/resources/vaisnava-calendar-mainmenu-71.html)
NOTE THAT it is important to break the fast at correct timings, otherwise the fast becomes nishfal (means goes in vein)
5.How should we observe ekadashi?
Since this day is dear to Lord Hari, one should observe fast from all the grains and read Bhagwatam and Ramayana. Important thing is that one should do sankirtan, or congregational chanting of holy names. One should also do japa as much as possible.
Traditionally, one is also required to do jagran during night and do sankirtan till morning. If that is not possible, one should atleast do sankirtan for 1-3 hrs in the night, or till midnight.
6.Please discuss the mahatmya (glories) of ekadashi.
AMALAKI EKADASHI
The glories of Amalaki – ekadashi was narrated by Muni Vashishtha to King Mandhata as follows:
During the creation of this cosmos by Lord Visnu, by his supreme desire to manifest this amalaki-fast in this world, the amalaki-tree appeared. This amalaki tree and it’s fruits is very dear to Lord Visnu. [Amalaki means the tree of amla fruit].
When Brahma Ji did Srsti-rachna (creating the material world by the mahat-tattva manifested by Lord Visnu), he was very surprised to see this amla-tree, as were the devas of swarga and the sapta-rishis. They thought – “Whenever the cosmos was created by Brahma Ji before, we never saw a tree like this. Every other creature, existed in all the previous kalpas, but this tree is never seen before. Which tree is this?
Lord Visnu replied in the form of akash-vani – “ This amalaki tree is my vibhuti in this material world. I have manifested this tree for the benefit of society. Any person, who worships this tree, or offers the fruits of this tree to me on ekadashi day of phalguna month (shukla –paksha), and observes fast, becomes very dear to me, and attains my spiritual abode in the end.”
Vashistha muni then said to Kind Mandhata –
There was once a kingdom named VaidishA, where all the brAhmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge, great bodily strength, and fine intelligence. Oh lion among kings, the whole kingdom was full of Vedic sounds, not a single person was atheistic, and no one sinned. In this way, O best of kings, the citizens of VaidishA lived many long years in great happiness and prosperity. Giving up all varieties of materialistic religion, they completely dedicated themselves to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.
Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii EkAdasii arrived, conjoined with DvAdasi. King Chitraratha realised that this particular fast would bestow especially great benefit, and thus he and all the citizens of VaidishA observed this sacred EkAdasii very strictly, carefully following all the rules and regulations. After bathing in the river, the king and all his subjects went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where an Amalakii tree grew, and offered his prayers to amalaki tree and Lord Hari.
After offering these excellent prayers, King Chitraratha and his subjects remained awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping according to the regulations governing a sacred EkAdasii fast. It was during this auspicious time of fasting and prayer that a very irreligious man approached the assembly, a man who maintained himself and his family by killing animals. N this day, by chance, this person was not able to find anything to eat, and burdened with both fatigue and sin, the hunter saw the king and the citizens of VaidishA observing Amalakii EkAdasii by performing an all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the beautiful forest setting, which was brilliantly illuminated by many lamps.
The kirtan of holy names of Lord was going on continuously, and this went till the morning. This hunter was not able to sleep because of the sound of drums played in the kirtan. In this way, he observed this fast, unknowingly. Due to this, in his very next birth he was born as a great king endowed with may chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers. His name was VasUratha, the son of King VidUratha, and he ruled over the kingdom of Jayanti for thousands of years. Later he attained the abode of Sri Visnu, Vaikuntha Loka.
Vasistha Muni says to king mandhata :
"Therefore, Oh King Mandhata," the venerable Vasishtha Muni concluded, anyone who observes this holy Amalakii EkAdasii will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, so great is the religious merit earned from the observance of this most sacred fast day."