What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi (Sanskrit: ekādaśī — “eleventh”) is a special spiritual day in the Hindu tradition, observed on the 11th lunar day (tithi) after the new moon (shukla-paksha) and after the full moon (krishna-paksha).

Thus, in each lunar month there are two Ekadashis — one in the bright half of the moon and one in the dark half.

Meaning and Significance of Ekadashi

🌿 Fasting and purification
Ekadashi is a day of abstaining from grains and legumes, as well as indulgences. Many practice strict fasting (only water or fruit), while others take a softer approach.

🌿 A day of Vishnu
Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on these days it is easier to connect with His energy, receive divine protection, and blessings.

🌿 Karmic cleansing
Sacred texts (such as the Padma Purana) state that observing Ekadashi helps destroy accumulated sins and frees one from karmic bondage.

🌿 Yoga and meditation
Ekadashi is auspicious for prayer, chanting mantras (especially Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya), spiritual practices, and reading scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Ekadashi in Daily Life

• Fasting strengthens the body, purifies the mind, and makes one more resilient to passions and habits.

• It is often called a “fast of the mind,” as it trains one to control desires and redirect energy to the Higher.

🌙 In essence, Ekadashi is not just a fast, but an energetic gateway that opens twice a month, allowing deeper union with oneself and with the Divine.

Types of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is not a single fast but a system of sacred days, each with its own name, story, and spiritual meaning. There are about 24 Ekadashis in a year (sometimes 26, if there is an extra lunar month — adhika masa).

Each month has two Ekadashis:

• one in the bright half (shukla-paksha),

• one in the dark half (krishna-paksha).

Here are some well-known ones:

🌑 Winter & Spring

• Saphala Ekadashi (Dec–Jan) — brings success and fulfillment of desires.

• Putrada Ekadashi (Jan) — “granting a son,” linked with family wishes.

• Shattila Ekadashi (Jan–Feb) — purification from sins; giving food and sesame is recommended.

• Bhaimi / Jaya Ekadashi (Feb) — victory over inner enemies, liberation of ancestors.

• Vijaya Ekadashi (Feb–Mar) — grants victory; Lord Rama observed it before crossing to Lanka.

• Amalaki Ekadashi (Mar) — worship of the amalaki tree, purification of body and spirit.

🌸 Summer

• Papamochani Ekadashi (Mar–Apr) — “liberating from sins.”

• Kamada Ekadashi (Apr) — fulfillment of desires.

• Varuthini Ekadashi (Apr–May) — offers protection.

• Mohini Ekadashi (May) — day of the Divine form Mohini, dispels illusions.

• Apara Ekadashi (May–Jun) — removes heavy sins.

• Nirjala Ekadashi (Jun) — strictest fast (no food, no water); said to equal all other Ekadashis combined.

☀️ Autumn

• Yogini Ekadashi (Jun–Jul) — clears negative karma.

• Devshayani (Hari Shayani) Ekadashi (Jul) — beginning of Chaturmasya (four holy months).

• Kamika Ekadashi (Jul–Aug) — brings peace and harmony.

• Pavitropana (Putrada) Ekadashi (Aug) — again “granting a son.”

• Annada Ekadashi (Aug–Sep) — fasting from grains strongly purifies the body.

• Parshva (Vamana) Ekadashi (Sep) — dedicated to Vamana-deva, incarnation of Vishnu.

🍂 Winter

• Indira Ekadashi (Sep–Oct) — liberates ancestors.

• Pasankusha Ekadashi (Oct) — frees the soul from samsara.

• Rama Ekadashi (Oct–Nov) — frees from attachments.

• Prabodhini (Devutthana) Ekadashi (Nov) — awakening of Vishnu, end of Chaturmasya.

• Utpanna Ekadashi (Nov) — the “birth” of Ekadashi Shakti itself.

• Mokshada Ekadashi (Dec) — “granting liberation”; also the day of the revelation of the Bhagavad Gita.

✨ Specially significant Ekadashis: Nirjala, Prabodhini, Mokshada, Amalaki.

Rules for Observing Ekadashi

🔹 Preparation (the evening before)

• Eat light food (without grains and beans).

• Read scripture (e.g. Bhagavad Gita), meditate before sleep.

🔹 On Ekadashi

• Food: avoid grains and legumes. Allowed: fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, honey. Options:

  • Light fasting (fruit, milk, water).

  • Strict fasting (only water).

  • Complete fasting (nirjala — no food, no water).

• Mantras & Prayer: repeat mantras of Vishnu, especially:
  🕉 Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
  or the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

• Practices: meditation, pranayama, yoga, scripture reading, charity.

• Mind & Speech: fast from gossip, criticism, negativity. Cultivate gratitude and service.

🔹 Breaking the fast (Parana)

• Done on the next day (Dvadashi), at the prescribed time.

• Traditionally with sanctified food (fruit, milk, simple grains).

• If broken late, the merit of Ekadashi is reduced.

Levels of Observance

1️⃣ Level 1 — Beginner (soft fast): avoid grains/beans, eat fruits, milk, nuts, light meals. Focus on prayer, avoid negativity.
✅ Suitable for beginners or those with health/work demands.

2️⃣ Level 2 — Intermediate: fast on fruits, milk, water. Spend more time in prayer, mantra chanting, and meditation. Avoid social noise.
✅ Suitable for those balancing body-cleansing and spiritual practice.

3️⃣ Level 3 — Advanced: strict fast (nirjala or only water), dedicate the whole day to prayer and meditation. Break the fast at the proper time.
✅ For experienced practitioners in good health.

Ekadashi and Autophagy

• Ekadashi as spiritual fasting: cleansing the mind, releasing karma, opening “energetic gateways” to the Divine.

• Autophagy as biological fasting: cellular cleansing, rejuvenation, repair (activated after 12–16 hours, peaking around 24–36 hours).

🌿 Together, they form a holistic purification:

• Soul + Body.

• Spiritual fasting uplifts the consciousness, while physiological fasting detoxifies the body.

Thus, Ekadashi is both a religious tradition and a universal practice for longevity and spiritual growth.