Ekadashi Vrat: Significance, Fasting Rules & Top 5 Auspicious Ekadashis

Ekadashi is an auspicious day that falls on the eleventh lunar day of each month's two lunar phases, Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. In a spiritual context, it refers to eleven senses: five sensory organs, five organs of action, and the mind. It is regarded as one of the most fortunate days to practice Vrat (fast). Vrat is practiced by regulating the ten senses and the mind while eating fruit, milk, and a few vegetables while avoiding rice, beans, and grains. Scientifically speaking, the moon has a direct influence on a person's mental frequency on certain days.
Thus, vrat is said to assist guide high mental energy in the appropriate direction and prevent bad behaviors. It is penance performed in order to tame our senses and achieve a higher degree of consciousness. A year is divided into 24 Ekadashi, each having its own importance and linked with distinct avatars of Lord Vishnu. 

Table of Contents:

1. Spiritual and Scientific Significance of Ekadashi
2. Different Types of Ekadashi Fasting (Nirjala, Sajala, Farali)
3. Health Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat
4. The Story Behind Ekadashi
5. How to Observe Ekadashi – Fasting & Puja Vidhi
6. Top 5 Must-Observe Ekadashis in a Year
7. Conclusion 

Spiritual and Scientific Significance of Ekadashi

Every 30th and 48th day, the body reactivates and rejuvenates itself, and eating a lot of food during that period might cause bad sensations and pain in the body. The Vedas advised observing a full or partial fast throughout the three days of Ekadashi. This refers to the waning and waxing cycle of the moon.

Different Types of Ekadashi Fasting (Nirjala, Sajala, Farali)

Ekadashi is commonly practiced in the following ways:
• Nirjala: This refers to not consuming any food for the entire day.
• Sajala: It refers to running the body all day on water, fruit juices, and other liquid foods.
• Farali: It implies to exhaust the entire body by consuming only milk and fruits.

Health Benefits of Ekadashi Vrat

Ekadashi cleanses the mind and maintains the body healthy by cleansing and rejuvenating bodily fluids. It inhibits the growth of any type of tumor and prevents carcinogenic disorders.
• It also helps to keep blood sugar levels under control, reducing the risk of diabetes illnesses.
• It aids in the conversion of fat globules to energy, hence eliminating excess fat and cholesterol.
• After fasting, the body feels more energized and refreshed.

The Story Behind Ekadashi

Ekadashi is a Vrat (simplicity) that began several years ago. Once, Lord Narayan was relaxing when a demon named Mundanav challenged him to a fight. Mundanav had a boon (wish) that he would not be defeated by a man. So Lord Narayan created a damsel from the eleven spiritual portions of his body. Mundanav was so taken with this damsel that he requested her to marry her. The damsel accepted on the condition that he battle her and destroy her before she would marry him. Mundanav was blinded by passion and immediately agreed to fight her. During the fight, the damsel killed Mundanav. Lord Narayan was satisfied with the damsel and granted her a boon.
The damsel begged Lord Narayan, "As I evolved from your Ekadash Indriyas (eleven spiritual parts of the body), I shall be known as Ekadashi." I am filled with Taap (penance), thus I urge people to practice Ekadashi Vrata and manage their Ekadash Indriyas on this day. Lord Narayan accepted, and ever since, all Hindus have celebrated Ekadashi Vrat by fasting or eating farrari delicacies. On this day, many individuals observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, which involves abstaining from eating and drink. In the Vachnamrut, Swaminarayan Bhagwan defines a real Ekadashi Vrat as withdrawing the 10 indriyas and the eleventh, the mind, from worldly pursuits and focusing them on God and devotional activities.

How to Observe Ekadashi – Fasting & Puja Vidhi

Fasting is a vital aspect of Ekadashi. One should be informed of the puja vidhi for the specific Ekadashi. One should not consume any food that is banned on a certain Ekadashi. For example, Yogini Ekadashi urges devotees to consume only fruits. So, eliminating needless food items might help you focus on an Ekadashi. On an Ekadashi, people traditionally fast all day. Those who are unable to fast for the entire day might observe a partial fast by eating fruits and liquids. On certain Ekadashi, devotees remain up till dawn to honor Lord Krishna.
For example, during Amalaki Ekadashi, devotees worship the Amla tree, which is thought to be Lord Krishna's home. They offer coconuts and flowers to the tree and perform ceremonies.
Advantages of Ekadashi Vrat
• Fasting on Ekadashi boosts spiritual strength, improves immunity, relieves reactionary sins, detoxifies the body, and replenishes energy levels.

Top 5 Must-Observe Ekadashis in a Year

Putrada Vaikunth Ekadashi - This auspicious day is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is especially important for devotees seeking blessings for offspring and family wellbeing. A fast on this day is said to bring happiness, prosperity, and heavenly grace.
Paap mochani Ekadashi - Papmochani Ekadashi is a special day on which devotees honor Lord Vishnu with great devotion. It falls between Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri, making it a particularly auspicious time for pujas and having significant spiritual significance.
Nirjala Ekadashi - Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu sacred occasion that occurs on the eleventh lunar day of the waxing fortnight in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. This ekadashi gets its name from the water-free fast practiced on this day. It is said to be the most strict and hence most holy of the 24 ekadashis.
Devshayni Aashadhi Ekadashi - The eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the brilliant fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June - July) is also known by numerous other names . This day is sacred to Vaishnavas, believers of the Hindu preserver deity Vishnu, because it is believed to be the day the deity's Yognidra begins.
Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devutthana Ekadashi - Prabodhini Ekadashi is also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi and Dev Uthaan Ekadashi. This day is only dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and is highly revered in the Hindu religion. This Ekadashi is celebrated all over the world with great love and dedication as Lord Vishnu awakens after four months (Chaturmaas) and emerges from the Ksheer Sagar. Dev Uthani Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.

Conclusion

Although all Ekadashis are regarded as sacred and helpful, there is no set list of five that all Sanatanis must observe. However, several Ekadashis are very noteworthy and are frequently highlighted, such as Nirjala Ekadashi, which is regarded as the most rigorous and rewarding, as well as Papmochani, Devshayani, Devuthani, and Putrada Ekadashi, which are also regularly observed.