ekadasi

The Holy Day of Shrii Hari....updated 26th September 2009

To view some of the text on this page you will need the Balaram FONT Download it 4 FREE here

The Science Behind the Ekadasi Fast - by Avadhut dasa

EkAdasii Meditation - sadhana

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati's Navadwip Panjika Intro':

Vaishnava Calendar Page - with links to current years' Events and EkAdasiis:

Ekadasi Vratas according to Hari Bhakti Vilas smriti:

Sadachara Vinodha book by Sri Vyasanakare Prabhanjanacharya

Each and Every EkAdasii in detail - their observances, benefits, and individual origin:

Basic Rules for understanding the Vaishnava Calendar - Panjika:

Srila Prabhupada speaking about Ekadasi - many quotes:

The Story of Ekadasi - how the day came to be:

The significance of Mahadwadasii:

ekadasi http://www.salagram.net/ekadasi-page.htm

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All Ekadasiis: (NOTE the stories are now again available and used with permission)

How to break an ekadasi fast:

Ayurvedic understanding of breaking the fast on the dwadasi morning:

Vaishnava Calendar Software 4 FREE

EkAdasii Recipies - Now Available

What to do if you cannot fast - Narottamdasa RSA

Ekadasi humour......

Join the HKNet newsletter mailing list to get a few days warning prior to each ekadasi plus many

other Krishna conscious related subjects; Click on the following icon:

Ekadasi Meditation, Vows and Story:

Regarding Vaishnava Calendars: please go to my calendar page

KrishnaDays.com, the web site of the GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee of

the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).http://www.krishnadays.com/eng/

Authorized Vaishnava Calendars for your location.

Also now available

Vaishnava Calendar Reminder Software Download

It can be downloaded for free from http://calender.iskcondesiretree.info/vaishnavareminder.htm


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once you download it and installed it then when it says run say yes and go to Options screen,

then in the middle of that grey page you'll see PLACE SEARCH, click that, and find your place:

Any problems in downloading please get back to me and request I send the calendar of your town and

country

If you still can't get it contact me

Ekadasi Morning Meditation on the Lord: Lotus Feet: Om Damodaraya Namah

Thighs: Om Madhavaya Namah

Private Parts: Om Kamapataye Namah


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Hips: Om Vamanaya Namah

Navel: Om Padmanabhaya Namah

Stomach: Om Vishvamutaye Namah

Heart: Om Jnanagamyaya Namah

Throat: Om Srikanthaya Namah

Arms: Om Sahasrabahave Namah

Lotus Eyes: Om Paramayogine Namah

Forehead: Om Urugayai Namah

Nose: Om Narakeshvaraya Namah

Hair: Om Sarvakamadaya Namah

Head: Om Sahasrashirshaya Namah

Midday: Bathe in river, lake or pond. Chant, while smearing mud upon body: "O

Asvakrante! O Rathakranthe! O Visnukranthe! O Mrttike! O Mother Earth! Kindly remove all

the sins I have accumulated throughout many past lives so that I may enter the sacred abode of

the Supreme Lord."

Light fortnight Ekadasi: meditate upon the 12 holy names

of Lord Vishnu while applying tilaka.

Dark fortnight: meditate upon 16 holy names:

om vasudevaya namah, om keshavaya namah, om narayanah namah, om madhavaya namah, om

sankarshanaya namah, om govindaya namah, om vaishnave namah, om madhusudanaya namah,

om pradyumnaya namah, om trivikramaya namah, om vamanaya namah, om sridharaya namah,

om aniruddhaya namah, om hrishikeshaya namah, om padmanabhaya namah, om damodarayah

namah.

One should read about the particular Ekadasi (The Ekadasi book).

Do not sleep in day, take massage, engage in sex life,

take intoxication, touch impure people, shave.

On Dvadasi, one should not sleep in the day, eat in another's home, eat more than once,

eat urad dahl, rub oil on the body. One may break the fast at the right time by drinking water if

eating is difficult to arrange.

"O sages, one who hears about these Ekadasis will learn how to observe them properly.Each

Ekadasi bestows particular benefits on the faithful observer. "One who is physically unable to

fast on Ekadasi may read the glories of each Ekadasi when it occurs and recite all the names of

the Ekadasis; thus he will achieve the same goal as the person who observes the full Ekadasi

vow." (or fast to the best of their ability while still observing ekadasi)

A small on-line booklet on EkAdasii vichAra and AchAra, line of Madhwacharya.

More from the Madhwa line of Vaishnavas here:

Srila Prabhupada speaking about Ekadasi - many quotes


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The Story of Ekadasi(This article was originally written in 1956 by Sri Navincandra Cakravarti, a disciple of Srila

Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and in 1979 translated into English by Vyenkata dasa

brahmacari.)

Many devotees are very inquisitive about the appearance of Sri Ekadasi and about her special

characteristics. Therefore I am presenting this description from the fourteenth chapter of the

Padma Purana, from the section entitled "Kriya-sagara-sara."

Once the great sage Jaimini Rsi said to his spiritual master Srila Vyasadeva, "Oh Gurudeva!

Previously, by your mercy, you described to me thehistory of the glories of the Ganga river, the

benefits of worshipping Vishnu, the giving of grains in charity, the giving of water in charity, and

the magnanimity of drinking the water that has washed the feet of the brahmanas. O best of the

sages, Sri Gurudeva, now, with great enthusiasm, I desire to hear the benefits of fasting on

Ekadasi and the appearance of Ekadasi.

kasmad ekadasi jata tasyah ko va vidhir dvija

kada va kriyate kim va phalam kim va vadasva me

ka va pujyatama tatra devata sad-gunarnava

akurvatah syat ko dosa etan me vaktum arhasi

"Oh Gurudeva! When did Ekadasi take birth and from whom did she appear? What are the rules

of fasting on the Ekadasi? Please describe the benefits of following this vow and when it should

be followed. Who is the utmost worshippable presiding deity of Sri Ekadasi? What are the faults

in not following Ekadasi properly? Please bestow your mercyupon me and tell about these

subjects, as you are the only personality able to do so."

Srila Vyasadeva, upon hearing this enquiry of Jaimini Rsi, became situated in transcendental

bliss. "Oh brahmana sage Jaimini! The results of following Ekadasi can only be perfectly

described by the Supreme Lord, Narayana, because Sri Narayana is the only personality capable


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of describing them in full. But I will give a very brief description in answer to your question."

"At the beginning of the material creation, the Supreme Lord created the moving and

nonmoving living entities within this world made of five gross material elements. Simultaneously,

for the purpose of punishing the humans beings, He created a personality whose form was the

embodiment of sin (Papapurusha). The different limbs of this personality were constructed of the

various sinful activities. His head head was made of the sin of murdering a brahmana, his two

eyes were the form of the sin of drinking intoxicants, his mouth was made of the sin of stealing

gold, his ears were the form of the sin of having illicit connection with the spiritual master's wife,

his nose of the sin of killing one's wife, his arms the form of the sin of killing a cow, his neck

made of the sin of stealing accumulated wealth, his chest of the sin of abortion, his lower chest

of the sin of having sex with another's wife, his stomach of the sin of killing one's relatives, his

navel of the sin of killing those who are dependent on him, his waist of the sin of self appraisal,

his thighs of the sin of offending the guru, his genital of the sin of selling one's daughter, his

buttocks of the sin of telling confidential matters, his feet of the sin of killing one's father, and his

hair the form of lesser, less severe sinful activities. In this way, a horrible personality embodying

all the sinful activities and vices was created. His bodily colour is black, and his eyes are yellow.

He inflicts extreme misery upon sinful persons."

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, upon seeing this personality of sin, began

to think to Himself as follows: 'I am the creator of the miseries and happiness for the living

entities. I am their master because I have created this personality of sin, who gives distress to all

dishonest, deceitful, and sinful persons. Now I must create someone who will control this

personality.' At this time Sri Bhagavan created the personality known as Yamaraj and the

different hellishj planetary systems. Those living entities who are very sinful will be sent after

death to Yamaraj, who will in turn, according to their sins, send them tom a hellish region to

suffer.

"After these adjustments had been made, the Supreme Lord, who is the giver of distress and

happiness to the living entities, went to the house of Yamaraj, with the help of Garuda, theking

of birds. When Yamaraj saw that Lord Vishnu had arrived, he immediately washed His feet and

made an offering unto Him. He then had Him sit upon a golden throne. The Supreme Lord,

Vishnu, became seated on the throne, whereupon He heard very loud crying sounds coming from

the southern direction. He became surprised by this and thus enquired from Yamaraj, 'From

where is this loud crying coming?'

"Yamaraj in reply said, 'Oh Deva! The different living entities of the earthly planetary systems

have fallen into the hellish regions. They are suffering extremely for their misdeeds. The horrible

crying is because of suffering from the inflictions of their past bad karma (actions).'

"After hearing this the Supreme Lord, Vishnu, went to the hellish region to the south. When the

inhabitants saw who had come they began to cry even louder. The heart of the Supreme Lord,

Vishnu, became filled with compassion. Lord Vishnu thought to Himself, 'I have created all this

progeny, and it is because of Me thatthey are suffering.'"

Srila Vyasadeva continued: "Oh Jaimini, just listen to what the Supreme Lord did next.

etac canyac ca viprarse

vicintya karunamayah

babhuva sahasa tatra

svayam ekadasi tithih


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'After the merciful Supreme Lord thought over what He had previously considered, He suddenly

manifested from His own form the deity of the lunar day Ekadasi.' Afterwards the different sinful

living entities began to follow the vow of Ekadasi and were then elevated quickly to the abode of

Vaikuntha. Oh my child Jaimini, therefore the lunar day of Ekadasi is the selfsame form of the

Supreme Lord, Vishnu, and the Supersoul within the heart of the living entities. Sri Ekadasi is

the utmost pios activity and is situated as the haed among all vows.

"Following the ascension of Sri Ekadasi, that personality who is the form of the sinful activity

gradually saw the influence she had. He approached Lord Vishnu with doubts in his heart and

began offering many prayers, whereupon Lord Vishnu became very pleased and said, ' I have

become very pleased by your nice offerings. What boon is it that you want?'

"The Papapurusha replied, 'I am your created progeny, and it is through me that you wanted

distress given to the living entities who are very sinful. But now, by the influence of Sri Ekadasi,

I have become all but destroyed. Oh Prabhu! After I die all of Your parts andparcels who have

accepted material bodies will become liberated and therefore return to the abode of Vaikuntha. If

this liberation of all living entities takes place, then who will carry on Your activities? There will

be no one to enact the pastimes in the earthly planetary systems! Oh Keshava! If You want these

eternal pastimes to carry on, then You please save me from the fear of Ekadasi. No type of pious

activity can bind me. But Ekadasi only, being Yourown manifested form, can impede me. Out of

fear of Sri Ekadasi I have fled and taken shelter of men; animals; insects; hills; trees; moving and

nonmoving living entities; rivers; oceans; forests; heavenly, earthly, and hellish planetary

systems; demigods; and the Gandarvas. I cannot find a place where I can be free from fear of Sri

Ekadasi. Oh my Master! I am a product of Your creation, so therefore very mercifully direct me

to a place where I can reside fearlessly.'"

Srila Vyasadeva then said to Jaimini, "After saying this, the embodiment of all sinful activities

(Papapurusha) fell down at the feet of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu, who is the destroyer of all

miseries and began to cry.

"After this, Lord Vishnu, observing the condition of the Papapurusha with laughter, began to

speak thus: 'Oh Papapurusha! Rise up! Don't lament any longer. Just listen, and I'll tell you

where you can stay on the auspicious lunar day of Ekadasi. On the day of Ekadasi, which is the

benefactor of the three worlds, you can take shelter of foodstuff in the form of grains. There is

no reason to worry about this any more, because My form as Sri Ekadasi Devi will no longer

impede you.' After giving direction to the Papapurusha, the Supreme Lord, Vishnu, disappeared

and the Papapurusha returned to the performance of his own activities.

"Therefore those persons who are serious about the ultimate benefit for the soul will never eat

grains on the Ekadasi tithi. According to the instructions of Lord Vishnu, every kind of sinful

activity that can be found in the material world takes its residence in this place of foodstuff

(grain). Whoever follows Ekadasi is freed from all sins and never enters into hellish regions. If

one doesn't follow Ekadasi because of illusion, he is still considered the utmost sinner. For every

mouthful of grain that is eaten by a resident of the earthly region, one receives the effect of kiling

millions of brahmanas. It is definately necessary that one give up eating grains on Ekadasi. I very

strongly say again and again, 'On Ekadasi, don't eat grains, don't eat grains, don't eat grains!'

Whether one be a ksatriya, vaisya, shudra, or of any family, he should follow the lunar day of

Ekadasi. From this the perfection of varna and ashram will be attained. Especially since even if

one by trickery follows Ekadasi, all of his sin become destroyed and he very easily attains the

supreme goal, the abode of Vaikuntha."


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Read each story in connection with each individual ekadasi:

Basic Rules for understanding the Vaishnava Calendar.

1/. The Tithi at sunrise rules the day.

2/. If the Tithi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise of the next day (Lost) it is combined

with the next Tithi.

3/. If the same Tithi falls on sunrise two days in a row, observances are scheduled on the first

day; exept Ekadasi, Amavasya, or Purnima Tithis which are scheduled for the second day.

4/. Sometimes it may be seen that on the calendar - panjika it is writen Ekadasi tithi but the

next day it is writen Suddha Ekadasi fasting for ......ekadasi, this is the practical application of

observing Suddha or pure ekadasi, that is free, according to Vaishnava viddhi of an blemish.

Rules for Ekadasi.

Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada makes an interesting comment in his purport to Sri

Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya lila. 9-24-342:

"You should recommend the avoidance of mixed Ekadasi and the performance of pure Ekadasi.

You should also describe the fault in not observing this. One should be very careful as far as

these items are concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing devotional

service."

General Rules for observance are:-

1/. Ekadasi must come in prior to the Arunodaya Viddhi (1hour, 12 mins, before sunrise).

When it does so it is called Suddha Ekadasi - pure ekadasi. If it begins after that, it is considered

impure and is therefore to be observed on the Dwadasi ( making Mahadwadasi or Compounded)

on the next day.

2/. If Ekadasi falls on Sunrise two days in a row, fasting is observed on the second day.

Mahadwadasi.

(If Mahadvadasi is in force, fasting is prohibited on the Ekadasi, but the observance is done on

the Dwadasi. Compound Dwadasi-Mahadwadasi.)

1/. If Ekadasi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise the next day it is considered Lost,

too short, thus not full, and impure. Therefore the next day is called Unmillani Mahadwadasi.

2/. If Dwadasi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise on the next day (Trayodasi), it is

also Lost, and is to be observed as Tri-Sprsa-Mahadwadasi.


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3/. If Dwadasi falls on the Sunrise two days in a row the first Dwadasi becomes Vyanjuli

Mahadwadasi.

4/. When the following Amavasya or Purnima falls on sunrise two days in a row the

preceeding Dwadasi becomes Paksa-Vardhini-Mahadwadasi, Paksa based.

Parama Ekadasi in the month of Purushottam.

Breaking an Ekadasi Fast

If you have observed a complete fast (without even water), you do not need to break it with

grains. You can break it with caranamrita or fruit. Those devotees who fasted all day and took

nothing other than air, it is advised to drink a mixture of 50 - 50 hot milk and water, sweatened

with rock candy sugar after the sun has risen at the appropriate time. The effects of this loosen

the mala (stools) in the intestine where all the toxins from the fast have been absorbed, and

expell it all within about half an hour. Then take a light lunch, eating only once on the dwadasi.

If you have observed Ekadasi by eating fruit and vegetables etc., then it should be broken the

following day by taking grains at the time specified in the Vaisnava Calendar.

Mahadvadasi is observed like Ekadasi.

For more details see Navadvip Panjika intro of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura

(NP-intro.doc)

Vratas - what to do / auterities:From Pancharatra Pradipa - Appendix 3

Notes on Ekadasi…

The Hari-bhakti-vilasa gives many rules for observing Ekadasi…, and these are discussed at

length in Volume II of Pancharata-Pradipa. Here, however, we will mention only a few points

concerning Ekadasi in relation to general standards of Deity worship in ISKCON:

Offering Grains to the Spiritual Master and Lord Caitanya

In a conversation, Srila Prabhupada said that grains should not be offered to either the spiritual

master or Lord Caitanya and His associates on Ekadasi

Devotee: On Ekadasi, we can offer the Deity grains?

Prabhupada: Oh, yes. But not guru. Ekadasi observed by jiva-tattva, not by Vishnu. We are

fasting for clearing our material disease, but Radha-Krsna, Caitanya Mahaprabhu . . . Caitanya

Mahaprabhu also may not be offered grains because He is playing the part of a devotee. Only


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Radha-Krsna, Jagannatha can be offered grains. Otherwise, Guru-Gauranga, no. And the

prasadam should not be taken by anyone. It should be kept for the next day. [Srila Prabhupada

Room Conversation, Tokyo, April 22, 1972]

If there is only one plate for all Deities and the main Deity is Krsna or Jagannatha, grains should

be offered as on normal days. If the main Deities are Gaura-Nitai, offer only non-grain

preparations.* It is best to replace the normally offered grain preparations with non-grain

preparations so that there are the same number of preparations as on normal days. If, however,

grain preparations are being cooked for Krsna or Jagannatha, it may be difficult to cook

additional non-grain preparations for the spiritual master and Gaura-Nitai. In that case serve

larger quantities of the non-grain preparations to the spiritual master and Gaura-Nitai, and

prepare the offering plate for Krsna or Jagannatha as on normal days.

* If you are cooking for a restaurant where grains will be served on Ekadasi, you may offer the

grains to Gaura-Nitai with the understanding that They will offer the bhoga to Krsna.

What Constitutes "Grains" on Ekadasi?

Srila Prabhupada specified foodgrains and beans (pulses) as foods that must be avoided on

Ekadasi. One may use spices for cooking, although mustard seeds should be avoided.* You

should not use powdered asafatoeda (hing), since it (generally) contains grains. Sesame seeds are

also to be avoided, except on Satila Ekadasi, when they may be offered and eaten.

Do not use any cooking ingredients that might be mixed with grains, such as ghee that has been

used to fry puris, or spices touched by hands dusted with chapati flour.

There is absolutely NO doubt about what is NOT permissable to eat on Ekadasi.

ANNA. However it is how you translate this word that makes the difference. I

once again submit what Pradyumna Prabhu told me Srila Prabhupada told him many

years ago. When asked by Pradyumna what we could eat Srila Prabhupada said

"Fruits, Roots, Nuts, Milk". If you stick to these types of foods you should

be fine. Of course the sure way is to fast completely. Water of course can be

taken. Except if you wish to do Nirjala. (Gaura Keshava dasa. 3rd Oct 1998. [Text 1740554

from COM])

* Someone who is very strictly observing Ekadasi should avoid all spices except pepper, rock

salt and cumin. He should also eschew certain vegetables, such as tomatoes, cauliflower,

eggplant, and leafy vegetables. Temple kitchens need not follow these strictures, since Srila

Prabhupada did not establish them. Individual devotees may observe these rules if they choose,

either making their own arrangements for cooking on Ekadasi, eating uncooked foods such as

fruit, or observing full fasting. These arrangements should not interfere with the temple cooking

schedule.

Mahaprasadam on Ekadasi:

On Ekadasi, strict followers of Vaishnava regulations avoid eating any mahaprasada from an

offering that includes grains.. The shastra explains that the papa-purusha (sin personified) takes


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shelter in grains on Ekadasi, and therefore we avoid grains at all cost on that day, not even

risking taking non-grain preparations of mahaprasada from an offering plate containing grains.

Ekadasi mahaprasada should be stored until the next day; if that is not possible it can be

distributed to persons not strictly following Vaishnava regulations or to animals. In fact,

mahaprasada maintains its purity on Ekadasi despite the presence of the papa-purusha, and

therefore it will purify anyone who eats it. Nevertheless, the followers of Caitanya Mahaprabhu,

being strict followers of Vaishnava regulations, avoid mahaprasada on that day because their

strict sadhana will be hampered by the presence of the papa-purusha.

Srila Prabhupad took peanuts and raisins, and mustard seeds, and sesame seeds on Ekadasi. The

recipes he used for some preps are to be found in Yamuna's cookbook. Jagdish prabhu was

personally shown how to make peanuts and raisins prep' for Prabhupad on Ekadasi by

Prabhupad (Jagdish maharaj then, told me, JTCd that in Auckland 1992.)

Srila Prabhupada speaking about Ekadasi - many quotes

Sadachara Vinodha book by Sri Vyasanakare Prabhanjanacharya

aruNodayakAle tu dashamI yadi dRîshyate

na tatraikadashI kAryAh dharmakAmArthanAshinI

(padmapurANam.h (brahma khanda a 15 shloka 32)

Even if there is a trace of Dashami at the time of arunodaya, that ekadashi is considered as

viddha ekadashi . The destruction of dharma & all purushArthas is incurred by a fast on such a

day.

kshaye vA.apyathavA vRîddhau sampRapte vA dinakshaye

upoShyA dvAdashI puNyA pUrvaviddhAM parityajeth

(KrishnAmruthamaharnava Sloka 121)

When there is thithi kshaya, thithi vriddhi & dinakshaya (when Dasami, Ekadashi & Dwadashi

fall on the same day) in all these three situations, a fast should not be undertaken on Ekadashi

which is Dashami viddha. A fast should be observed on Dwadashi.

Characteristics of Arunodaya (Daybreak)

chatartro gaTikAH prAtararuNodaya uchyate

yatInAM snAnakAlo.ayaM gaMgAMbhaH sadRîshaH smRîtiH

(KrishnAmruthamaharnava sloka 131)


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Four ghatikas before sunrise is considered as arunodaya. The shastras say that this time is as holy

as the waters of the Ganga for ascetics to have their bath. (It means that a bath during

arundodaya gives as merit as a bath in the Ganga).

What is Gatika?

From HarikathAmruthasaara,

paramasUkShmavukShaNavayidhu thRuti karesuvadhu aivaththu

thruti lava veradu lavavu nimiSha nimiShagaLemtu mAthrayuga

gurudhashaprANArupaLa hanneradu bhANavu ghaLige

thrimshathi iruluhagaLaruvaththughatigaLahOrAthrigaLu || 23-56 ||

The smallest time unit is a moment;

5 kshana = Truti; 50 Truti = 1 lava; 2 lava = 1 minute; 8 minutes = a matra;

2 matra = a guru; 10 guru = prana; 6 prana = 1 pala; 60 pala = 1 Ghaika;

30 Gathikas = 1 day or night; 60 Ghathikas = a full day.

When Ekadashi is Dashami Viddha, a fast should be undertaken in Dwadashi.

putrarAjyavivRîd.hdhyarthaM dvAdasyAmupavAsanaM

tatra kratushataM puNyaM trayodashyAm tu pAraNam.h

(krishnAmruthamaharnava, Shloka 134)

When Ekadashi is Dashami viddha, a fast should be observed in Dwadashi & the fast broken

parana on Thrayodashi. This brings prosperity for the country & progeny. One gets merit equal

to the merit of performing hundreds of yajnas.

jn~AtvA viprA (prai) stithiM samyag.h daivajn~yaiH samudIritAM

kartavya upavAsastu anyathA narakaM vrajet.h

(KrishnAmruthamaharnava, sloka 120)

People should fast only on the day decided by persons well versed in Astrology (Suddha

ekadasi). Otherwise the fast will lead to hell.

bahvAgamavirodhe tu brAhmaNeShu vivAdiShu

upoShyA dvAdashI puNyA pakshayorubhayorapi

(KrishnAmruthamaharnava Sloka 138)

If there are conflicting statements in the shastras regarding veda, when scholars express different

opinions, it is meritorious to observe a fast on Dwadashi no matter which Ekadashi it is (either

sukla or krishna paksha).

HARIVAASARA DURING DASHAMI & DWADASHI

ekAdashyAH prAMtabhAgo dvAdasyAH pUrva eva cha


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harivAsaranAmA.asau sarvakAlottamaH smRîtaH

brahmAhatvA surApAnaM steyaM gurvaganAgamaH

tasminstu bhunjataH pApAnyekasthAni bhavaMtyutaH

(vishnuthIrtha sanyAptapaddati)

The last part of (dasami viddha) Ekadashi & the first part of Dwadashi thithi is also known as

Harivasara (Haridina). This period is also auspicious & merits for fasting. If any food is taken

during this period, it amounts to killing of brahmin (brahma hathya) & others such sins (so if

there is HArivasara on Dashami, food should be taken before Harivaasara begins & if there is

Harivaasara on Dwadashi, the fast should be broken only after Harivasara is over.

This is similarly explained in Navadwip panjika of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur

Prabhupad.

Breaking an Ekadasi Fast (parana - breaking fast time)Pramanik logic from Ayurved & Sripad MadhwaAcharya say in conjunction with Puranik stories,

that we should fast during Ekadashi because the moon is the presiding deity for "Anna" (food).

As the lustre of the moon is dim due to the reasons given on the 2 days of Ekadashi the food that

is eaten becomes harmful. The food that is eaten on Ekadashi remains undigested & turns toxic,

giving rise to various diseases.

If you have observed a complete fast (without even water), you do not need to break it with

grains. You can break it with charanamrita (Tirtha water) or fruit. Those devotees who fasted all

day and took nothing other than air, it is advised to drink a mixture of 50 - 50 hot milk and

water, sweatened with rock candy sugar after the sun has risen at the appropriate time. The

effects of this loosen the mala (stools) in the intestine where all the toxins from the fast have

been absorbed, and expell it all within about half an hour. Then take a light lunch, eating only

once on the dwadasi.

If you have observed Ekadasi by eating fruit and vegetables etc., then it should be broken the

following day by taking grains at the time specified in the Vaisnava Calendar.

Either way, this is also a good reason to expell the toxic waste malas (stools) collected in the

intestine, this is done on the dwadasi morning with the aide of the sweet nectar mixture of hot

milk and water of a ratio 50/50 and very sweet with rock candy (yellow lump - available Chinese

stores) after sun-rise. If one has fasted completely there's no point in trying to pass when one first

rises, as we normally do as there will be no issue due to no intake of food or water on the

previous day. However, half an hour after taking the drink the mallas will be expelled from the

body

Moon's position in the earth is the same for everyone at every given moment & we look into

sunrise for determining & to follow Ekadashi vrata or Dwadashi thithi which is different from

place to place. Mahadvadasi is observed like Ekadasi.

bhAgavata roDagUdi upavAsa jAgara ondhina mAdalillA rAgadhi shukamuni peLdha harikathe

samyoga vembidulla, nIguvantha bhavabhayava bhakuti vairagya vembodilla, yogivandyea

gopAla vittala tele bAgi ninnane bedikombe, hyAnge mAdalayya krishna poguthide Ayushya


13 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

For the Actual Parana time check with the VCAL program for your local area:

"The King said: "To transgress the laws of respectful behavior toward the brahmanas is certainly

a great offense. On the other hand, if one does not observe the breaking of the fast within the

time of Dvadasi, there is a flaw in one's observance of the vow. Therefore, O brahmanas, if you

think that it will be auspicious and not irreligious, I shall break the fast by drinking water." In

this way, after consulting with the brahmanas, the King reached this decision, for according to

brahminical opinion, drinking water may be accepted as eating and also as not eating." Srimad

Bhagavatam 9:4:39-40

.......by not breaking the fast in time it creates a blemish on the fast; a blemish so serious that Maharaja

Ambarish was put into a dilemma as to how to solve it. If it were something minor then why this whole drama

which resulted in Durvasa wanting to kill him and so on? So it would seem that the blemish incurred was

serious enough that Ambarisha asked his ministers what to do and risked the curse of Durvasa in order to

break the fast on time.

Just eating even one grain of rice is a blemish sufficient to ruin the whole Ekadasi vrata. Similarly not

breaking the fast within the appointed time is a serious enough blemish that Ambarish risked death

(brahma-sapa) in order to do so. Hence, it would be incumbent on us all to take this into consideration and

breakfast at the appropriate time.

For any Ekadasis that have not been properly followed there is Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi which we should all

observed rigidly to make up for any errors. (Shyamasundara dasa ACBSP. Wed, 4 Jun 2003. X-Com-Textno:

PAMHO6883044 http://www.ShyamasundaraDasa.com )

All Ekadasiis listed

(used with permission)

Choose The Month (Vaishnava or Western), Paksha or Ekadasi

No. Name of Ekadasis

Vedik - Hindu Months

FortnightsK=Krishna paksha

S=Sukla paksha

Vaishnava

Month

Western

Months

19 Utpanna Ekadasi Margashira - K Keshava Mase Nov-Dec

20Mokshada Ekadasi (Vaikuntha

ekadasi Sri Rangam)Margashira - S Keshava Mase Nov-Dec

21 Saphala Ekadasi Pausha - KNaaraayana

MaseDec-Jan

22 Putrada Ekadasi Pausha - SNaaraayana

MaseDec-Jan


14 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

23 Trisprisha Ekadasi Maagha - K Maadhava Mase Jan-Feb

24 Bhaimi Ekadasi Maagha - S Maadhava Mase Jan-Feb

25 Vijaya - Jaya Phaalguna - K Govinda Mase Feb-Mar

26 Amalaki Ekadasi Phaalguna - S Govinda Mase Feb-Mar

1 Paapavimochani Ekadasi Chaitra - K Vishnu Mase Mar-Apr

2Kamaada - Damanakaaropani

EkadasiChaitra - S Vishnu Mase Mar-Apr

3 Varuthini Ekadasi Vaisaakha - KMadhusudana

MaseApr-May

4 Mohini Ekadasi Vaisaakha - SMadhusudana

MaseApr-May

5 Aparaa Ekadasi Jyeshtha - K Trivikrama Mase May-June

6 Pandava Nirjal Ekadasi Jyeshtha - S Trivikrama Mase May-June

7 Yogini Ekadasi Aashaadha - K Vaamana Mase June-July

8 Padma - Devasayani Ekadasi Aashaadha - S Vaamana Mase June-July

9 Kaamaika Ekadasi Shravana - K Sridhar Mase July-Aug

10 Putrada - Pavitraropani Ekadasi Shravana - S Sridhar Mase July-Aug

11 Ajaa - Annadaa Ekadasi Bhaadrapada - K Hrisikesha Mase Aug-Sept

12 Parivartini - Parshva Ekadasi Bhaadrapada - S Hrisikesha Mase Aug-Sept

13 Indiraa Ekadasi Aaswina - KPadmanabha

MaseSept-Oct

14 Paashaankusha Ekadasi Aaswina - SPadmanabha

MaseSept-Oct

15 Ramaa Ekadasi Kaarttika - K Damodara Mase Oct-Nov

16Haribodhini (Probodhini)

Devotthaani (Uttana) EkadasiKaarttika - S Damodara Mase Oct-Nov

17 Padmini - Vishuddha Ekadasi Adikamase Adikamase

18 Paramaa - Shuddha Ekadasi Adikamase Adikamase

if one cannot fast due to illness etc one may recite these 26 names and benefit

(the above excerpt is used with permission)

The Ekadashi Book is now available in its entirety -free to download with our blessing athttp://www.krsna.org

Entire book acknowledged to Mahamandelswar Mahant Krsna Balaram Swami

Dr. Vijay K. Parmar

European Secretary

Bhagavat Dharma Samaj

Ekadasi Recipies (Now Available)


15 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

Go to our Ekadasi Recipes and Recipe links page HERE:Many, many more recipes are to be found in the link off the above page HERE:

and some recipes from Narottam prabhu in RSA HERE

Here are some ideas - in due course we'll activate all the following:

Mixed Vegetables (Sabjis) - Cauliflower and Potato

(Sabjis) - Pumkin and Potato

(Sabjis) - Eggplant Balaram (Srila Prabhupada's recipe)

(Sabjis) - Eggplant Murari (Srila Prabhupada's recipe)

(Sabjis) - Mixed Vegetable Curry (curries)

(Sabjis) - Mixed Vegetable Caserole (with potato and or cheese topping)

Sabhudana - (Tapioca) kitri (khichadi)

- Popas (Papadams) (can be purchased from some Indian stores)

- Payasam - Sweet

Potato recipies - Gauranga Potato - Great Vegetarian Delights - Kurma dasa

- French Fries (chips)

- Mashed Potato

- Baked Potato

- Potato in Jackets with Jerra and Cheese

- Potato Soup

- Potato Salad

Pumkin recipies - Pumkin and Potato Avilyal

- Baked Pumpkin

- Pumkin Soup

- Pumpkin Pakoras

Eggplant - Puki

- Eggplant, Potato, Tomato Orderves

- Stuffed Eggplant

Buckwheat - Pancakes

- Cakes

- Pooris / Rotis

- Buckwehat "Rice"

Curd (Paneer):Curd - Scrambled Curd

- Curd Stakes - - in tomato sauce - Marinated Curd Stakes with tamarind marinate sauce

- Deep Fried Curd

- Kebabs

- Pakoras

- Meat Eaters Delight

Salads:Avacado - Mixed Salad

- Dip

Cucumber - Mixed Salad


16 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

- Spicy Sticks

Potato Salad(s)

Dried Fruits:Dried Bananas

Dried Figs

Dried Pitted Dates

Peanuts and Raisins - Srila Prabhupada's recipe

Sweets:Simply Wonderfuls

Ekadasi Cookies

Ekadasi slice

Coconut and Caramel balls

Ekadasi Halva -

- Coconut Halva

- Carrot Halva

- Potato Flour Halva

Milk Sweets - Barfi / Burfi

- Sandesh

- Rasamalai

- Rasagula

- Rasa-kadam

Condiments:Ginger

Green Chilis

Red Jalapeno Chilis

White Jalapeno Chilis

Lemons

Limes

Pickles -

Preserves -

Olives - Black

- Green Stuffed

or try the Pandava Nirjala Feast - LOL

There must be hundreds of Ekadasi prep's that we use world wide.

Please Send Us Your Favourites To Share


17 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

Ekadasi humour:Some go right over the top, no japa on the beach because of the Grains of sand, no swimming 'coz the sea has

grains of salt in it, and sand too, and even cannibals don't eat beans on ekadasi, only humanbeans.

That new bhakta is so thick, it turns out that when he was preparing to take birth and Lord Brahma was going

through his check-list Lord Brahma said "Brains" but our new bhakta thought he said "grains" and seeing it

was ekadasi, he said ".....no thanks I'm fasting".

To Obtain the FREEWARE Vaishnava Calendar Software contact

KrishnaDays.com, the web site of the GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee of

the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).http://www.krishnadays.com/eng/

Authorized Vaishnava Calendars for your location.

Also now available

Vaishnava Calendar Reminder Software Download

It can be downloaded for free from http://calender.iskcondesiretree.info/vaishnavareminder.htm


18 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

once you download it and installed it then when it says run say yes and go to Options screen,

then in the middle of that grey page you'll see PLACE SEARCH, click that, and find your place:

Any problems in downloading please get back to me and request I send the calendar of your

town and country

To Astrology Page

Panchanga - Almanac Page

Download a FREE Eggless Cake (not Ekadasi) Cookbook HERE:


19 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

Vegetarianism and Beyond


20 of 20 12/04/2013 03:09 PM

ekadasi

Documents

sadachara vinodha book

earthly planetary systems

rock candy sugar

srila prabhupada speaking

nonmoving living entities

srila prabhupada

srila vyasadeva

living entities