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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Rama Ekadashi*




Rama Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in Kartik month (October – November). The importance of this Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is recorded in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. Ekadashi is an important day dedicated to Lord Vishnu in a Hindu lunar month and it occurs twice in a month. Devotees fast on the day and it is believed to absolve sins committed.

It is said that once a weak prince observed Rama Ekadasi fast after his marriage. The wife of the prince used to observe the Ekadashi from her childhood and the prince was emulating his wife. But the weak prince could not survive the fast and he died at night.

But his determination to observe the Ekadasi was rewarded and he became the king of temporary kingdom in heaven. The prince realized that with just observing a single Ekadasi he was able to attain this temporary kingdom and by bringing his wife into the kingdom he will be able to make the kingdom permanent as his wife has been observing Ekadasi from childhood.

The wife was only happy to use her piety for the cause of reunion and thus the husband and wife was united.

All the usual rules associated with Ekadasi fasting is observed during Rama Ekadashi. Grains and rice are avoided on the day by many devotees.

Ekadasi Food – What can be eaten on Ekadashi?

Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and observe only a partial fast.

It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains.

Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice. The most preferred Ekadasi fasting food in western parts of India is Sabudana Khichadi with potatoes and ground nut - but no onion and garlic.

The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts.

As the list of Ekadasi food expands there will be new issues cropping up like – Are you sure this can be consumed on Ekadasi?

So the golden rule is avoid pulses and grains on Ekadasi.

Drink lots of water and eat fresh and dried fruits.

In Hinduism, Upvaas is meant to bring a person close to Brahman. So forget about the rules and regulations and what you are going to gain from the Ekadashi fast. Spend the day in purifying the mind and body.

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