Ekadashi

 Ekadashi or Ekadasi is the name given to the eleventh lunar day of the Hindu month. It occurs once during the bright and dark fortnights respectively and since the Hindu month has two fortnights, Ekadashi therefore, occurs twice in each month. Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu God Vishnu and it involves fasting and abstinence which is believed to help with the redemption of sins and the attaining of Moksha or salvation of the individual soul.

 One of the major requirements of observing this fast is the abstinence or rice and other grains which includes beans and pulses etc. Legend has it that a demon by the name of Maura found a dwelling place in rice and a Goddess by the name of Ekadashi emerged from Vishnu to annihilate Maura. As such a new custom began which saw devotees of Vishnu not partaking of rice and other grains on the day of Ekadashi. It was decreed that whoever observes the fast on Ekadashi day will be freed from sins and will eventually achieve Moksha. Several holy books carries commentaries on the significance of observing this fast, the method of doing so and the benefits derived from so doing.

 While a complete fast is recommended, modern times are such that people have adopted compromising practices which involves still having a meal or meals but not consuming foodstuff made with rice and other grains. Then there are those people who are not in the best of health and the elderly who must have a meal at a certain time; they too have made adjustments to the fast. It is common place for people to eat fruits and drink some milk or even water.  

 Now each Ekadashi has a distinct name associated with it. From the first month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar the names associated with Ekadashi are as follows starting with the dark fortnight then the bright:

Papamochani-----Kamada

Varuthini-----Mohini

Apara-----Nirjala
Yogini-----Padma
Kamika-----Putrada
Ajaa-----Parivartini
Indira-----Pasankusa
Rama-----Prabodhini
Utpanna-----Mokshada
Saphala-----Putrada
Shattila-----Jaya
Vijaya-----Amalaki
Parama-----Padmini-----these two occur once in two years when there is Adhika masa or an extra month in the lunar year.

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