Vaishnava vs Smarta Holidays

[Sahasranama]

Several years ago I used to fast on ekadashi, but I got confused. The panchanga often mentions two ekadashi fasts. One is called Vaishnava Ekadashi or Bhagavata Ekadashi and the other is called Smarta Ekadashi.

Could someone please explain me why there is a difference in fasting days?

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namast�


It is all about sunrise... let this article explain : http://www.hindu-blog.com/2010/04/smarta-ekadasi-what-is-smartha-ekadashi.html

praṇām

[sambya]

thanks for the link . i have always wondered about this difference in timings . now i know the reason .

[Sahasranama]

Namaste Yajvan ji,

thanks for posting the link

Since the difference is purely geographical, you should consult the nearest Vishnu temple from your home when there is a problem arising out of Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadasi.

How would you know which one to follow in the Netherlands? Most pundits here are not aware of this.

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namast�

Namaste Yajvan ji,
How would you know which one to follow in the Netherlands? Most pundits here are not aware of this.

If I were in the Netherlands I would follow what the pundits recommend...they will follow their pa�cāṅga� (~calendar~).

praṇām

words
pa�cāṅga - meaning 5-limbed or 5-membered; we look at it as a calendar or almanac treating of 5 items: solar days , lunar days , nakṣatras, yoga-s and karaṇas

[Sahasranama]

Actually they use a panchanga from India. I don't know how useful that is. I once met an acharya from India who could do the calculations from the Indian pancanga and adapt them, but the pundits I know can't do that. I am also not able to see a pundit everytime.

I was just browsing and found a panchanga online where you can fill in your closest city:
http://www.mypanchang.com/panchang2010.html