The Sacred Adjustment: TrisparÅa and the MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« Types
MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« is a special Vaishnava observance that preserves the sanctity of EkÄdaÅÄ« fasting when the lunar tithis and sunrise times create overlaps or special cases. Referred from classical Vaiį¹£į¹ava sources (Hari-bhakti-vilÄsa, Skanda PurÄį¹a, BrahmÄį¹da PurÄį¹a tradition) and ISKCON/PrabhupÄda guidance .
What is MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ«? ā the authenticated definition
When EkÄdaÅÄ«ās observance cannot be kept on the eleventh tithÄ« because of tithi/sunrise conventions (for example, DvÄdaÅÄ« begins before sunrise on two consecutive days, or EkÄdaÅÄ« ātouchesā neighboring tithis), the fast is legally and devotionally transferred to DvÄdaÅÄ«. This transferred fast is called MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« ā a carefully defined calendrical provision to protect the EkÄdaÅÄ« vrata.
Why it matters ā spiritual significance
MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« preserves the purity and intent of EkÄdaÅÄ« practice ā restraint, focused hearing, and intensified chanting ā by ensuring that the fast is observed and broken at the correct parÄį¹a (break-fast) time. Authorities such as the Hari-bhakti-vilÄsa and traditional PurÄį¹as explain that careful observance brings great spiritual benefit and prevents ritual error. ÅrÄ«la PrabhupÄda emphasized EkÄdaÅÄ« practice as part of regulative principles that strengthen faith, reduce material attachment, and deepen bhakti.
āFasting is not just abstaining from food ā it is meant to give us more time for serving and remembering Kį¹į¹£į¹a. That is the real fast.ā ā ÅrÄ«la PrabhupÄda.
Vaniquotes
The authenticated named types of MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« (Vaishnava manuals record)
Unmilani (Unmilana) MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« ā when the DvÄdaÅÄ« tithi begins before sunrise two days in a row or when the tithi boundary compresses; the ritual window āopensā differently and EkÄdaÅÄ« observance is adapted.
Trispį¹ÅÄ / TrisparÅa MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« ā a rare case when EkÄdaÅÄ« ātouchesā or overlaps three tithis (DaÅamÄ«, EkÄdaÅÄ«, and DvÄdaÅÄ«) in one sunrise-to-sunrise period. Traditional texts treat this as especially potent and prescribe the DvÄdaÅÄ« observance as MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ«.
PÄkį¹£avardhinÄ« MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« ā when a solar or pakį¹£a transition affects tithi timing; the fast is observed as MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« to accommodate the change.
ISKCON Desire Tree
VijayÄ, JayÄ, Jayanti (and related names) ā these class names are used in various almanac traditions when particular nakį¹£atra or lunar conditions occur on DvÄdaÅÄ«; different classical lists associate specific nakį¹£atra conditions with names like VijayÄ or Jayanti MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ«. ISKCON guidance summarises these categories for practitioners.
8 classical MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ«
1) If Punarvasu Naksatra falls on the Dvadasi day of bright fortnight (waxing moon), then this Fast is called Jaya Mahadvadasi.
2) If Sravana Naksatra falls on the Dvadasi day of bright part (waxing moon), then Ekadasi fast is performed on the Dvadasi day and it is called Vijaya Mahadvadasi.
3) If Rohini Naksatra falls on the Dvadasi day of bright part (waxing moon), then Ekadsi fast is done on the Dvadasi day and it is known as Jayanti Mahadvadasi.
4) If Puksa Naksatra falls on the Dvadasi day of the bright part (waxing moon), then Ekadasi fast is done on the Dvadasi day instead of on the Ekadasi day, and it is named Papanasini Mahadvadasi day.
5) If Ekadasi remains at the day break on the Dvadasi day, then it is called Unmilini Mahadvadasi day, and the Ekadasi fast is performed on the Dvadasi day.
6) If ninety minutes before sunrise Ekadasi remains and Dvadasi remains the whole day and mixes with Trayodasi on the next morning, then fasting is done on Dvadasi day and it is called Vyanjuli Mahadvadasi fast.
7) On any bright part of a month (waxing moon), if Ekadasi tithi is in the very early morning and Trayodasi remains the whole day till the end of that night, and Dvadasi tithi may or may not be seen (even a fraction of Dvadasi), it is called Trisprusha Mahadvadasi, and the Ekadasi fast is performed on the Dvadasi day.
8) If Amavasya (new moon) or Purnima (full moon) tithis extend till the next day, then Fasting for Ekadasi is performed on the Dvadasi day in that fortnight.
How to observe MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« ā precise, devotional practice (for temples & devotees)
Increase hearing and chanting ā extra rounds of the maha-mantra, kÄ«rtana, and ÅrÄ«mad-bhÄgavatam or gÄ«tÄ classes are encouraged. ÅrÄ«la PrabhupÄda emphasized that the purpose of EkÄdaÅÄ« and MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ« is to free time for serving and remembering Kį¹į¹£į¹a.
Vaniquotes
Break the fast (parÄį¹a) at the correct time on DvÄdaÅÄ« morning only within the parÄį¹a window specified by the panchÄį¹ ga. Incorrect parÄį¹a invalidates the vrataās standard result.
ÅrÄ«la PrabhupÄda on EkÄdaÅÄ« / MahÄdvÄdaÅÄ«
To observe Ekadasi-vrata and Dvadasi-vrata means to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Those interested in advancing in Krishna consciousness must observe Ekadasi-vrata regularly.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam 9:4:29. purport excerpt)
One may study the example of, or vows. The injunction that one should fast on Ekadasi is a permanent vow for all Vaishnavas, and one should not conclude from these verses that one may neglect the Ekadasi vow.
(Srimad Bhagavatam 11:12:1-2 purport excerpt)
dvadasyam ekadasyam va
srinvann ayushyavan bhavet
pathaty anasnan prayatah
puto bhavati patakat
One who hears this Bhagavatam on the Ekadasi or Dvadasi day is assured of long life, and one who recites it with careful attention while fasting is purified of all sinful reactions.
(Srimad Bhagavatam 12:12:60.)
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