Ekādaśī
The Day of Spiritual Victory
What is Ekādaśī?
Ekādaśī is the 11th lunar day (tithi) of both the waxing (śukla pakṣa) and waning (kṛṣṇa pakṣa) phases of the moon. In the Vedic tradition, Ekādaśī is glorified as the mother of devotion, a sacred day to deepen one’s relationship with Lord Kṛṣṇa through fasting, prayer, and hearing His glories.
According to the Padma Purāṇa, Ekādaśī is the personification of Lord Viṣṇu’s own energy, appearing to protect devotees from sinful reactions and grant them spiritual strength.
The Story of Ekādaśī’s Appearance
Long ago, a fierce demon named Mura terrorized the universe. Even the demigods were helpless, so they sought refuge in Lord Viṣṇu.
After thousands of years of battle, Lord Viṣṇu paused to rest in a cave. At that moment, when Mura tried to attack, from the Lord’s divine body emerged a radiant maiden, who struck down the demon instantly.
Lord Viṣṇu, pleased with her devotion, named her Ekādaśī, as she appeared on the 11th lunar day. He blessed her:
“Anyone who observes fasting and devotion on this day will be freed from sins and attain My eternal shelter.”
Thus, Ekādaśī is honored as the day that destroys demonic tendencies within the heart and brings devotees closer to Kṛṣṇa.
Why We Fast from Grains on Ekādaśī
Yamarāja Weeps in Anxiety
When Yamarāja, the cosmic judge of sinful souls, heard about Ekādaśī’s boon, he wept:
“O Lord, if all souls are liberated simply by following Ekādaśī, no one will come to my abode! My duty will be lost!”
Viṣṇu Pacifies Yamarāja
Lord Viṣṇu reassured him:
“Those who respect Ekādaśī shall come to Me. But those who neglect this sacred day — who eat grains and ignore devotion — will remain under your jurisdiction.”
Thus, the Padma Purāṇa and Hari-bhakti-vilāsa explain that on every Ekādaśī, Papa-Puruṣa (the embodiment of sin) enters grains and legumes. Eating them contaminates body and mind, nullifying the vrata.
🌿 Instead, devotees honor anukalpa prasāda — fruits, vegetables, milk, nuts, and non-grain flours — as an offering of sacrifice to Kṛṣṇa.
Significance in ISKCON
Śrīla Prabhupāda, the founder-ācārya of ISKCON, emphasized Ekādaśī as a powerful devotional vow. He taught that:
- ✨ Ekādaśī is meant for increased hearing and chanting of Kṛṣṇa’s names.
- ✨ Fasting from grains and beans purifies consciousness and reduces material attachments.
- ✨ Serving the Lord on Ekādaśī pleases Kṛṣṇa immensely, as this vrata is especially dear to Him.
Scriptural References
📖 Padma Purāṇa, Uttara-khaṇḍa
“A person who observes Ekādaśī vrata destroys heaps of sinful reactions and attains devotion to Lord Hari.”
📖 Bhaviṣya Purāṇa
“Of all vows, Ekādaśī is the best. It removes sins, grants auspiciousness, and leads one closer to Viṣṇu.”
📖 Hari-bhakti-vilāsa (12.98)
“On Ekādaśī one should give up all kinds of sense gratification, perform bhakti with full attention, and chant the holy names of the Lord.”
📖 Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 24.342)
Lord Caitanya instructed:
“One should observe Ekādaśī, chant the holy name, and worship Lord Kṛṣṇa on this day.”
Procedure for Observing Ekādaśī Vrata
- Begin with Sankalpa (vow):
Offer prayers to Kṛṣṇa, seeking His blessings to follow sincerely. - Fast from Grains and Beans:
Avoid rice, wheat, barley, corn, pulses, and all grain products. - Honor Anukalpa Prasāda:
Fruits, vegetables, milk, nuts, and non-grain flours like singhada, rajgira, or buckwheat. - Increase Spiritual Activities:
- Chant extra rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
- Hear and read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā, or Caitanya-caritāmṛta.
- Join kīrtans and temple programs.
- Avoid Material Distractions:
Minimize idle talk, sleep, and worldly entertainment. - Break the Fast (Parāṇa):
On Dvādāśī at the proper time (consult a Vaiṣṇava calendar).
Offer prasāda first to the Lord, then honor it.
Benefits of Observing Ekādaśī
- 🌸 Destroys sinful reactions and prevents new karmic entanglements.
- 🌸 Strengthens devotion and steadiness in bhakti-yoga.
- 🌸 Improves health and self-discipline.
- 🌸 Grants peace of mind and spiritual intelligence.
- 🌸 Pleases Lord Kṛṣṇa, who promises protection to His devotees.
Why ISKCON Stresses Ekādaśī
Śrīla Prabhupāda explained that in Kali-yuga, life is short and disturbed. By simply following Ekādaśī — without complex rituals — anyone can make steady spiritual advancement.
- ✅ Practical: Anyone, anywhere can observe.
- ✅ Powerful: Even partial observance grants great benefit.
- ✅ Pleasing to Kṛṣṇa: Because it centers life on hearing and chanting.
Join Us in Observing Ekādaśī
- 📅 Follow the ISKCON Vaiṣṇava calendar for exact dates and breaking times.
- 🎶 Participate in temple programs and kīrtans.
- 🌸 Take a personal vow to fast, chant, and serve more on this special day.
💬 As Śrīla Prabhupāda said:
“By observing Ekādaśī, one comes closer to Kṛṣṇa, the supreme goal of life.”