Benefits Of Ekadashi Fast

Benefits of ekadashi fast

Intermittent fasting during Ekadashi is extremely useful with antioxidant antiaging and many other beneficial effects on health. Fortnightly fasting has been scientifically proved to produce hormonal changes.

Who should keep Ekadashi fast?

Devotees of Shri Vishnu keep a day-long fast (vrat) on Ekadashi Tithi (the eleventh day of the Lunar fortnight). Two moon cycles make a month in the Hindu Lunar calendar, which either starts after Purnima (Full Moon Day - Purnimant calendar) or Amavasya (New Moon Day - Amavasyant calendar).

When should we start Ekadashi fast?

At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on the first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha.

What should eat in Ekadashi fast?

Ekadashi is a very powerful day to make progress in spirituality. During fasting days rice, whole wheat flour, pulses, cereal grains, onion, garlic etc are not eaten. Fruits, sabudana, makhana, milk and flours like singhare ka atta, kuttu ka atta, rajgira ka atta are consumed.

Do and don'ts on Ekadashi?

You can donate food, clothes or any needful thing to the poor. If you are facing some obstacles in getting married or you want to get married soon, then you should donate turmeric. Consuming alcohol on the day of the Ekadashi is strictly prohibited. Don't indulge into any sexual activity on the day of Ekadashi.

Can we wash hair on Ekadashi?

Those who are observing fast on Kamika Ekadashi should not eat grains. You should not get a haircut on Kamika Ekadashi day. Many women do not wash their hair as well on Kamika Ekadashi.

What is the purpose of Ekadashi?

In Nepal and India, Ekādaśī is considered a day to cleanse the body, aid repair and rejuvenation and is usually observed by partial or complete fast. High protein and carbohydrate-containing foods such as beans and grains are not consumed by observant people during the fast as it is a day to cleanse the body.

What is the story behind Ekadashi?

Ekadashi originated out of Lord Vishnu to kill the demon Mura who had intentions to kill the sleeping Lord Vishnu. Goddess Ekadashi is the protective power of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Vaishnavi is another power of Lord Vishnu and a part of Sapta Matrika.

Can we keep Ekadashi fast in periods?

Yes, they can. Even if they follow the tradition and don't go to god's room to pray or worship, they can still pray in their mind and keep the fast.

Can we drink tea in Ekadashi fast?

During fasting our body goes on a detoxification mode, therefore, it is advised to avoid processed, sugary drinks during that time. If you have abstained yourself from any kind of solid foods during fasting then coffee and tea can cause discomfort to your health.

Can we drink water in Ekadashi fast?

Ekadashi fast is mostly considered in India as both Nirjala and normal one. However, water is restricted in the fast; but in the circumstances where the person is sick, old or not able to do the fast he/she can drink water. The fast where water is also restricted, it is called Nirjala fast.

What should I do if I accidentally break Ekadasi?

Nothing happens if you accidentally break a ritual. However, to amend, you can pray to Bhagwan Shiv Mahadev saying — O Father of all beings, please stone my forgetfulness, cause I broke my ekadashi and also to the departed soul seeking forgiving. That's all.

What to eat after breaking Ekadashi fast?

The morning after Ekadashi devotees visit Vithal temple and offer tulsi mala, prasad and then they break their fast with Zunka which is eaten with chawal bhakri or jowar bhakri. Also they have varan bhaat and sweet boondi.

What happens if we eat rice on Ekadashi?

One of the rules of Ekadashi fasting is that it is forbidden to eat rice on Ekadashi. It is believed that by eating rice on this day, the person will take the form of a reptile in the next birth.

Is Ekadashi good day for marriage?

10. According to the Hindu calendar, the Muhurat of marriage is fixed after looking at Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi and other dates. If you are doing a marriage between Shukla Ekadashi and Kartik Ekadashi of the Rashada month, it is not recommended and can be considered dangerous and negative.

Can we eat ginger on Ekadashi?

At the same time, according to the scriptures, these items and spices can be used during the fast on Ekadashi – fresh fruits, nuts, sugar, buckwheat, coconut, olives, milk, ginger, black pepper, rock salt, potatoes, etc. You can eat sago, sweet potato etc.

Can we eat sweets on Ekadashi?

You can also eat sugar on this day. In spices, only black pepper is edible if you are fasting on Ekadashi. During Lakshmi Pujan and Vishnu Pujan food offerings are made to God and later it is given to pandits. The offering which is made includes sugar cane, rice and dried chillies.

Can unmarried girl wash hair on Tuesday?

Tuesday: According to beliefs, washing hair is prohibited on Tuesday. Especially, people who have Mars (Mangal) in a weak position in their horoscope should not wash their hair on this day, as it will give adverse results.

Can unmarried girls wash hair on Thursday?

Washing hair: But the washing of hair, shampooing your scalp is not encouraged or is even banned where Thursdays are concerned. Some people believe that girls should never wash hair on Thursdays. Thursday is considered the day of Brihaspati Bhagwan (planet Jupiter) and he is said to reflect the image of a husband.

What are the best days to wash your hair?

For the average person, every other day, or every 2 to 3 days, without washing is generally fine. “There is no blanket recommendation. If hair is visibly oily, scalp is itching, or there's flaking due to dirt,” those are signs it's time to shampoo, Goh says.

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