Informative

Spiritual Significance of the Six Major Ekadasis

Ekadasi is a Sanskrit word that means “eleventh” and refers to the 11th day of the waxing and waning phases of the moon. It is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great fervor by many people around the world.

There are 24 Ekadasi days in a year, with two Ekadasis falling each month. The names of the Ekadasis vary depending on the month and the phase of the moon. Some of the most popular Ekadasis are Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Nirjala Ekadasi, Kamika Ekadasi, Aja Ekadasi, Uthani and Shayani Ekadashi. In this blog, we will take a look at these Six Ekadasis and their spiritual significance.

Vaikuntha Ekadasi:

It falls on the 11th day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Margashirsha (December-January). Vaikuntha Ekadasi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi or Swargavathil Ekadasi. The significance of Vaikuntha Ekadasi lies in its association with Lord Vishnu and the attainment of Moksha or liberation.

According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Vishnu opened the gates of Vaikuntha, His abode, to welcome His devotees. It is believed that anyone who observes a fast on Vaikuntha Ekadasi and offers prayers to Lord Vishnu with a pure heart and mind will be granted entry into Vaikuntha and attain Moksha.

The day of Vaikuntha Ekadasi is considered highly auspicious for performing various spiritual activities such as chanting mantras, reciting hymns, and performing puja to Lord Vishnu. Many people also visit temples and offer special prayers and offerings to the Lord. The most famous Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebration takes place at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where thousands of devotees gather to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

Nirjala Ekadasi

It is observed on the 11th day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June). The word “Nirjala” means without water, and as the name suggests, devotees observe a strict fast without consuming any food or water on this day.

The significance of Nirjala Ekadasi lies in the purification of the mind, body, and soul. It is believed that by observing a fast on this day, all the sins of the past and present life are destroyed, and the devotee is granted blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

The fast of Nirjala Ekadasi is considered to be the toughest of all the Ekadasi fasts. It is believed that by observing this fast, one can get the same benefit as that observing all the Ekadasi fasts throughout the year. It is said that even those who cannot observe other Ekadasi fasts due to health reasons or other constraints can observe Nirjala Ekadasi and attain the same benefits.

Kamika Ekadasi

Kamika Ekadasi falls on the 11th day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Shravan (July-August). The word “Kamika” means “desire” and is associated with fulfilling one’s desires through the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu Puranas, Shri Krishna explained the importance of fasting on this day to Yudhishthir. As per another legend, Yama, the god of death, preached the importance of observing the Kamika Ekadasi fast to a Brahmin named Devasharma. He told Him that anyone who observes the fast with devotion and offers prayers to Lord Vishnu will be freed from the cycle of birth and death.

The significance of Kamika Ekadasi lies in the purification of the mind, body, and soul. It is believed that by observing a fast on this day and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, one can get rid of their sins, negative thoughts, and impurities and attain blessings, peace, and prosperity.

Aja Ekadasi

Aja Ekadasi falls on the 11th day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). According to Hindu mythology, there was a king named Harishchandra who lost His kingdom, wealth, and family due to His truthfulness. He went through various hardships and eventually came to know about the significance of the Aja Ekadasi fast. He observed the fast and offered prayers to Lord Vishnu, who appeared before him and blessed him with wealth, kingdom, and family.

Aja Ekadasi is also associated with the beginning of the festive season, as it falls during the month of Bhadrapada, which is considered auspicious for various festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri.

Shayani Ekadasi

It falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Ashadh, which usually falls in June or July in the Gregorian calendar and is also known as “Maha-ekadashi” or “Prathama-ekadashi.

It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in the cosmic ocean of milk, known as “Ksheer Sagar,” for four months and wakes up on the day of Uthani Ekadashi, which falls after four months. This period of four months is known as “Chaturmas,” during which auspicious activities like marriages, many pilgrimages and new beginnings are avoided.

During the Shayani Ekadashi festival, people also observe the “Chaturmas Vrat,” where they abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and other vices. It is believed that observing this fast helps to purify the body and soul, and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Uthani Ekadasi

Uthani Ekadashi” falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

As per the story goes, it is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from His four-month-long slumber, known as “Chaturmas,” and blesses His devotees. It is also said that observing a fast on this day helps to attain prosperity, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment.

During the Uthani Ekadashi festival, devotees visit Vishnu temples, perform puja, and sing bhajans (devotional songs) to seek the Lord’s blessings. Many people also donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy as a part of their religious duty.

Here are some spiritual ways to celebrate Ekadasi.

Fasting:

The most important aspect of Ekadasi is fasting, which means abstaining from food and water for the entire day and night. It is believed that fasting on Ekadasi helps to purify the mind, body, and soul and grants blessings and peace. Some devotees may also observe a partial fast or take only fruits and milk.

Worship Lord Vishnu:

Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of Ekadasi, and devotees visit Vishnu temples and offer special prayers and offerings to seek His blessings. Chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, a hymn in praise of Lord Vishnu is also considered highly beneficial on this day.

Practice Japa and Meditation:

Japa is the repetition of a mantra or the name of the deity, and meditation is the practice of focusing the mind and achieving inner peace. Devotees may practice Japa or meditation to connect with the divine and seek spiritual growth.

Perform acts of Charity:

Giving to others is considered highly auspicious on Ekadasi. Devotees may donate food, clothes, or money to the needy or perform acts of charity to seek the blessings of the divine.

Maintain a Sattvic Diet:

Sattvic food is considered pure, and its consumption is believed to aid spiritual growth. On Ekadasi, devotees may maintain a sattvic diet by consuming only vegetarian food, and avoiding spices, onions, garlic, and processed foods.

In conclusion, Ekadasi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, associated with spiritual growth and purification. Fasting, worshiping Lord Vishnu, practicing Japa and meditation, performing acts of charity, and maintaining a sattvic diet are some ways to celebrate Ekadasi and seek the blessings of the divine.

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