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Hours past midnight are higher than 24:00 and fall on next day. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Ekadashi fasting is observed on every 11th Tithi in Hindu calendar. There are two Ekadashi fasting in a month, one during Shukla Paksha and another during Krishna Paksha. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe Ekadashi fasting to seek His blessings.
Ekadashi fasting spans for three days. Devotees take single meal in the afternoon a day before fasting day to make sure there is no residual food in the stomach on next day. Devotees keep strict fast on Ekadashi day and break the fast on next day only after sunrise. Eating of all type of grains and cereals is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
Devotees can choose to observe fasting without water, with only water, with only fruits, with one time latex food according to their will and body power. However it should be decided before starting the fast.
At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.
Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.
This page list Ekadashi fasting days for Smarthas. Vaishnavas should check Vaishnava Ekadashi Fasting to know Vaishnava fasting days. Vaishnava fasting day might be one day after of Smartha fasting day.
Many people observe Ekadashi Vrat as well as Pradosh Vrat. Usually there is a gap of single day between Ekadashi and Pradosh fasting. However, many times they are observed on two consecutive days. Many devotees want to know how to break Ekadashi fast on the next day when Pradosh is getting observed on the same day. It is suggested to do symbolic Ekadashi Parana with only water and continue the Pradosh without actually breaking the fast. Although seems difficult but it is quite normal in Hinduism to fast on two consecutive days.
There are total Twenty Four (24) Ekadashi Vrata Katha. All 24 Ekadashi in Hindu Calendar not only have different names but also have different Vrata Katha associated with each of them. All Vrata Katha originates from Padma Purana.
Aarti is one of the most important rituals of worshipping any deity. Ekadashi Aarti is a prayer dedicated to Goddess Ekadashi. This Aarti can be sung during Ekadashi fasting and on various occasions related to Ekadashi.
Learn about the food during Ekadashi Fasting. Being careful while eating anything during the Ekadashi fast is highly important. Devotees can know here what they can eat and what they should avoid eating during Ekadashi fasting.
Goddess Ekadashi is considered as the Yoga Maya of Lord Vishnu. Utpanna Ekadashi is the greatest Ekadashi of all. On this day, Goddess Ekadashi was manifested to kill demon named Mura.
It is believed that Vaikuntha Dwaram is opened on this day and devotees who observe fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi attain salvation. This is a popular Ekadashi in Tamil calendar. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive the special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. Consumption of water is prohibited during this fast. By observing the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi, one gets the virtuous results of all the 24 Ekadashis.
Prabodhini Ekadashi is one of the twenty four Ekadashi Vrats which are observed to receive special grace and blessings of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu beliefs, on this day Lord Vishnu wakes up from four months of Yogic sleep. It is also known as the Dev Uthani Ekadashi and Devutthaan Ekadashi.
According to the Purnimanta Hindu calendar, Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ekadashi and according to the Amanta Hindu calendar, Kartika Krishna Paksha Ekadashi is known as Utpanna Ekadashi. Ekadashi fasting is started from Utpanna Ekadashi.
ISKCON devotees can get the complete list of ISKCON Ekadashi fasting dates here. This list will prove highly informative and useful to those who observe the fast of Ekadashi as per the ISKCON.
