The Divine Origin of Ekadasi
Ekadasi-devi and the Demon Mura
The origin of Ekadasi is described in the Padma Purana. During Satya-yuga, a fearsome demon named Mura terrorized the demigods, forcing them from their heavenly abodes. The demigods sought shelter from Lord Vishnu, who engaged in a great battle with Mura that lasted for one thousand celestial years.
Apparently fatigued from the battle, Lord Vishnu retired to a cave in Badarikashrama to rest. The wicked demon Mura followed Him there and, seeing the Lord asleep, prepared to attack. At that moment, a beautiful, effulgent young goddess manifested from the body of Lord Vishnu. Armed with brilliant weapons, she challenged Mura, and after a short fight, she swiftly beheaded the demon.
When Lord Vishnu awoke, he was pleased to see the demon slain. The goddess introduced herself as being born from Him. The Lord, delighted by her divine service, granted her a boon, he named her Ekadasi, as she had appeared on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle. He declared that anyone who fasts on this day would be freed from all sins and attain his/her supreme abode.
This first Ekadasi is known as Utpanna Ekadasi, the day of Ekadasi-devi's appearance.
How to Observe Ekadasi
The Primary Observance: Fasting from Grains & Beans
The most important rule for observing Ekadasi is to abstain completely from all grains and beans (pulses). This includes, but is not limited to:
- Rice, wheat, corn, millet, barley, and all types of flour made from them (e.g., bread, pasta).
- Lentils (dal), chickpeas, kidney beans, peas, and all other legumes.
- All spices cooked in oil, such as mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and asafoetida (hing).
- Certain vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens.
- Any oils other than ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil.
- Any salt other than rock salt (sendha namak).
- Any sweeteners other than jaggery or honey.
The purpose of this fast is to minimize the demands of the body and use the extra time and energy for spiritual activities.
What Can Be Eaten? (Phalahar)
If one is not able to fast completely (a "nirjala" fast without water), it is permissible to consume non-grain foods, often called "phalahar." Acceptable items, prepared without restricted ingredients, include:
- Fruits, nuts, and milk products (unless Cāturmāsya restrictions apply).
- Certain vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin, cucumber, and squash.
- Flours made from non-grains, such as water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta) or buckwheat (kuttu ka atta).
It is important to eat simply, just to maintain the body, so that focus can remain on spiritual activities.
Increased Spiritual Activities
Ekadasi is the perfect opportunity to increase one's hearing and chanting of the Lord's holy names. Devotees spend the day:
- Chanting extra rounds of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.
- Reading from sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- Listening to discourses (Hari-katha) about the pastimes of the Lord.
- Visiting the temple and engaging in service.
Breaking the Fast (Parana)
The Ekadasi fast is broken the next morning (Dvadasi, the twelfth day) during a specific time window after sunrise. This is called Parana. The fast is traditionally broken by taking some grain prasadam.
You can find the exact Parana times for our location on our new calendar page.
Other Important Observances
Cāturmāsya: The Four Holy Months
Cāturmāsya is a four-month period of special vows and austerities observed by Vaishnavas, typically from July to November. It begins on the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Āṣāḍha (often coinciding with Guru Purnima) and concludes on the first day of the waxing moon in Kārtika (Utthana Ekadasi).
During this period, devotees intensify their spiritual practices and observe specific dietary restrictions, which are in addition to the regular Ekadasi observances:
- First Month: No leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, cabbage, lettuce).
- Second Month: No yogurt.
- Third Month: No milk.
- Fourth Month: No urad dal (black gram) and other beans.
These vows are undertaken to please the Supreme Lord and to deepen one's devotion.
Purusottama Masa: The Most Auspicious Month
Purusottama Masa, also known as Adhik Masa or the "extra month", occurs approximately every two to three years in the Vaishnava calendar. It is considered the most auspicious month for spiritual advancement, as it is directly connected to Lord Purusottama (Sri Krishna).
During this sacred month, all spiritual activities, such as chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, hearing Hari-katha, performing worship, and giving charity, are said to yield multiplied benefits.
Devotees often observe additional vows, fasts, and perform special worship during Purusottama Masa, in addition to their regular Ekadasi observances, to maximize their spiritual gains.