Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious days in Hinduism. The day is dedicated to worship Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi falls twice a month on eleventh day of waxing and waning phases of the Moon. This fast is believed to bring abundance, spiritual growth and mental clarity in life. While devotees observe Ekadashi fast with pure intentions and devotion. Ekadashi fast is not so easy to observe because devotees are advised to follow certain guidelines that will help them to gain maximum benefits by observing this fast. Let’s check out the below mentioned do’s and don’ts which you should follow:
Ekadashi fast do’s and don’ts:
1. Worship Lord VishnuWe all know that Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this specific day so you should worship him with devotion. You can seek blessings of Lord Vishnu by chanting mantras, recite Vishnu Sahasranama and you can read Bhagavad Gita or Ramacharitmanas to appease him. 2. Observe fast with sincerityYou are advised to observe Ekadashi fast with devotion and for that you must take the sankalp first. There are three types of fast and you can observe any one of them according to your health. 1. Nirjala Fast (without food and water)2. Phalahar Fast (fruits)3. One Meal Fast3. Maintain purityFast observers are advised to maintain the purity. They should take bath and wear nice clean clothes. Also, it is very important to maintain the purity in your thoughts. Remove all the negative thoughts from your mind.4. Engage in spiritual activitiesYou should spend time in prayers, meditation, bhajans and night vigil that can deepen your connection with the divine power. 5. Avoid tamasik food You should avoid eating non vegetarian food including onion and garlic as this fast is extremely sacred and one should abstain eating these food items. 6. Avoid alcoholDevotees are suggested to avoid drinking alcohol and avoid taking other intoxicants. 7. Do not pluck tulsiTulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu so people should avoid plucking the basil leaves on this sacred day. 8. Avoid anger Ekadashi fast means maintaining mental peace and discipline so one must avoid getting aggression. They should have a control over their anger, negative speech and conflicts. Ekadashi is an opportunity for all of us to maintain peace, change our thoughts, get rid of our bad habits so that we can become a better person and live a better life. This day represents self discipline, spiritual growth and devotion so one must perform religious and spiritual activities and worship Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings.
