Fundamentals And Importance Of ” Ekadashi” According To The Hindu Tradition.
In Sanskrit, the eleventh day of two fortnights of the waxing and waning Moon, in the lunar month, is known as Ekadashi. The Bhagwat Geeta describes Ekadashi as the day when Lord Krishna explained the significance of fasting on this auspicious day to Arjuna. Continue reading to learn more about this Hindu festival’s significance. Yogis and sages have been emphasising the need of diverting sense acts from materialism to divinity in Vedic culture since time immemorial. Fasting on Ekadashi is one of those spiritual practices.
According to Hindu scripture, Ekadashi has two words: Eka (1) and Dasha (2). (10). The true Ekadas is transferring the activity of the 10 senses and the mind from earthly objects to God.
We should regulate our ten senses and one mind, according to Ekadashi. It is important not to allow thoughts of lust, rage, avarice, and other negative emotions to enter one’s mind. Ekadashi is a penance that should be performed only for the purpose of realising and pleasing God.
The concept of Ekadashi
In Hindu and Jain culture, the day of Ekadashi is considered auspicious. It occurs on the eleventh day of the month’s two lunar cycles, Krishna and Shukla Paksha. Ekadashi represents eleven senses, five sense organs, five action organs, and one mind spiritually. To commemorate the day, people fast by regulating their eleven senses and ingesting only approved meals while abstaining from others.
The Origins of Ekadashi
Murdanav was a demon that lived during the Satyuga period. He intimidated all decent people and devotees on the planet, and he also terrified all the Devaas. As a result, Devaas descended from heaven and sought refuge with Lord Vishnu. They prayed to Lord Vishnu to keep them safe. God’s mercy for his followers is boundless. As a result, he sped away in his quickest vehicle, “Garuda.” He fought for 1000 years with Murdanav, who was unbelievably strong, and he was still fighting with all of his might and energy. As a result, Lord Vishnu changed his strategy.
Lord Vishnu pretended to be fatigued by the battle and hid in a Himalayan cave. He chose to sleep in this massive cave. By chasing Lord Vishnu, Murdanav arrived at the cave. He followed Him after seeing him asleep inside the cave. He used his sword to assassinate Lord Vishnu. As he was about to swing the sword, Lord Vishnu’s body was abruptly transformed into an exceedingly gorgeous and luminous lady wielding a sword.
Murdanav was seduced by her attractiveness and proposed to her. “I would marry someone who can defeat me in war,” she remarked. Murdanav accepted her offer. He began a battle with that divine lady. Murdanav was eventually vanquished and killed by the holy lady during the battle.
Lord Vishnu awoke to the sound of fighting and saw the lady who had killed Murdana. Lord Vishnu awoke to the sound of fighting and saw the lady who had killed Murdanav. Lord Vishnu gave the name Ekadashi to the lady who appeared from Him. The waxing moon was on its eleventh day at the time. Lord Vishnu was pleased with her deed and advised her to seek a boon. ‘As I evolved from your Ekadash Indriyas (eleven senses of the body), I shall be known as Ekadashi,’ the Ekadashi asked Lord Vishnu. People should observe Ekadashi Vrat and regulate their Ekadash Indriyas (Senses) on this day since I am filled with penance. No one should eat grains such as rice, wheat, or beans on the day of my Vrat.
Lord Vishnu agreed, and every year on the 11th day of the brilliant half of the moon and the dark half of the moon, Hindus observe Ekadashi Vrat either fasting or consuming Falahari delicacies. Lord Vishnu also promised that followers who fast and pray on Ekadashi will receive his most favoured benefits! This storey is based on the Hindu scripture Padma Puranam.
The moral of the narrative is that spiritual strength is developed when the senses and mind are disconnected from the materialistic world. We become more dumb, nasty, and powerless the more we enjoy sense items.
It’s not that we don’t enjoy our senses. In truth, sense things adore us, and once they have totally sucked us dry, they simply disappear. Despite the fact that Rishis and Munis such as Vasishth Muni and Vishwamitra Muni were all housewives, they were in complete control of their lives. They focus all of the senses and the thoughts on God. They were in charge of the senses and the mind because they were in charge of the household. When they master their senses and minds, they gain power, which strengthens their relationship with God.
Types of Ekadashi
In a year, there are 24 different forms of Ekadashi, each of which is associated with a different incarnation of Lord Vishnu. During the fast, each is accompanied by precise eating regulations that must be followed in order to put mental energy in the appropriate direction and avoid evil behaviours.
#1. Ekadashi Putrada
The eleventh day of the bright half of the lunar cycle, Putrada Ekadashi, occurs in January. It means ‘provider of boys,’ and fasting on that day, along with giving puja to Lord Vishnu, can bring children to the devotee. Devotees begin their fast on Ekadashi morning and end it the next morning. During the fast, they are not permitted to consume rice, lentils, garlic, or onion. Those who are unable to adhere to the severe fasting restrictions may consume milk and fruits. On this day, non-vegetarian foods are absolutely forbidden in Hindu families.
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