Human physiology goes through a cycle called Mandala, approximately every 40 to 48 days. Ekadashi is called Hari Vasara, “the day of Sri Hari” and refers to the eleventh day of a fortnight in a lunar month.

In Rig Veda Sun referred as “Atma Karaka” identifying with the soul of the universe as well as the soul of an individual. Sun controls the center of our personality. The Sun is capable of influencing the entire being.

Moon , referred to as “Mano Karaka”, has its influence on our mind. Hence Mind is just a matter; it is a subtle portion of the material substance of what we eat. And it is what we eat which forms our Guna (Quality within) namely Sattva, Rajo & Tamo.

On new moon day, there is darkness Rajo (Quality of Passion) and Tamo (Quality of Ignorance) are predominantly strong on the mind.

On full moon day there is a decrease in the Rajo and Tamo Guna prominence because of the increased illumination.

Ekadashi has its relevance to this relationship between the moon and our mind.

We all know that our body is having energy centers called Chakras. Moon which gets the illumination from the Sun influences the Chakras which in turn influence our mind. Hence there is psychic variation experienced by some on the full-moon and new-moon days.

Mind is an internal energy which has no limits. It finds its presence throughout the body. Mind travels in our body and goes up and down the Chakras. 

Though it goes to every part of the body it has two places which it can say “My Own Place” that is the Ajna Chakra (between the two eye-brows) the Rational Thinking spot and Anahata Chakra (Heart) the Emotional Thinking spot. 

What is Ekadashi

The 11th day after the full moon and 11 day after the new moon is called Ekadashi. In this particular cycle, three specific days (this may different from person to person), our body does not demand food. If we were able to identify those days and not give food to your body, we can handle lots of health issues.

When we listen to the body and should not eat for 3 times in those 48 days. When we observer, there are 3 Ekadashis in 48 days. The possibility of opening the door within is more on this day.

In the fortnightly movement Mind finds itself in its comfortable place in the Ajna Chakra and the Anahata Chakra on Ekadashi (the 11th day). 

In Shukla Paksha Mind is in the Ajna Chakra and in Krishna Paksha, it is in the Anahata Chakra. 

These two Chakras are the abode of mind, mind gets focused and connected to Absolute Consciousness on those days very quickly.

Our ancients have understood this secret and had taken advantage of these two days to focus the mind on Absolute. 

The reason is that the planet itself is in a certain state on that day.  Fasting helps in keeping the body light and stomach free from excessive metabolic activity. 

How to observe Ekadashi

There are two ways you can observe Ekadashi

With Phalahara

Take a light dinner before Ekadashi. Get up early in the morning preferably 6am worst scenario 6.30am. Take a bath in cold water and pray to your ishta devata (The god who you believe in) and make a theertham. If you are unable to do without food, you can ‘Phalahara’ or fruits which are light on the stomach. This also, take in limited quantities twice or thrice in the whole day, so that you will be light next 24 hrs.

Without Phalahara and water (Nirjala)

 Take a light dinner before Ekadashi. Get up early in the morning preferably 6am worst scenario 6.30am. Take a bath in cold water and pray to your ishta devata (The god who you believe in) and make a theertham. Take the theertham 3 times like we get in any temple. 

  • Maintain a silence as much as possible the whole day. 
  • Chant ‘Gayatri Mantra’ 108 times morning and evening. 
  • Avoid business or professional activities as much as possible.
  • Spend the whole day in your home or temple as per your convenience. 
  • After 2-3 hrs you may feel like eating breakfast or drinking. 
  • Don’t think too much about eating or drinking, just be prepared mentally that your body does not need anything today. 
  • Slowly, the mind will start thinking about appetite or hunger or thirst.
  • Believe me, your body will forget about food completely, if you are ready mentally.
  • You may feel a little weak physically or body heat on that day, but don’t worry that’s the time the body is working on melting to extra fat, body healing of any ailments, many unknown things.

Next day in the morning, pray your Ishtadevata and consume water little by little and have your food lightly. 

Why do Ekadashi

Fasting or Nirjala Ekadashi or Upavasa is a practice that has been associated with a wide array of potential health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function and cancer prevention.

Fasting once in fifteen days on Ekadashi will bring a feeling of cheeriness.This helps in controlling mind and also will power.

As per spiritual books, the meaning of fasting lies in the word “UPAVASA”. “UPA” means close to and “VASA” means to stay. Hence “UPAVASA” means to stay close to the Supreme Lord.

Hope you enjoyed the article. I am practicing Nirajala Ekadashi and enjoying the benefits. Hope you also do the same. Experience life within you, Happy Ekadashi!

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