According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of each of the two lunar phases – Shukla Paksa and Krishna Paksa. Hence, there are two Ekadashi days in a Hindu calendar month. Most of the Hindu devotees worship Lord Vishnu on the day of Ekadashi.
There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with its own name and significance. Rama Ekadashi is observed during Kartik, Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon according to the Purnimant calendar) or Ashwin (according to the Amavasyant calendar). Here’s everything you need to know about the Rama Ekadashi 2022,
Rama Ekadashi Vrat will be observed on October 21 this year.
Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence.
Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna.
At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.
Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.
How to observe fasting
1) On Ekadashi, get up early (preferably during Brahma Muhurat – two hours before sunrise). Take a bath and put on clean clothes.
2) Do meditation followed by Sankalpa (alignment with the diety and connection with the deepest desires of your heart)
3) As you begin your vrat, maintain your celibacy.
4) Avoid eating onions, garlic, meat, rice, wheat, lentils, and legumes. Also, avoid alcohol and tobacco.
5) You can eat fruits, milk, and vrat recipes such as sabudana khichdi or vada, kuttu or singhare ki puri or paratha, and so on.
6)Donate to charity and provide food and/or essentials to the needy.
7) Chant the mantras of Vasudeva as many times as you can.
Pooja Vidhi
1) Add a few drops of Ganga Jal to the bucket of water you’ll be bathing in. Change into clean clothes.
2) Place an earthen or brass/silver lamp on the altar
3) Chant Vasudeva mantras, as you offer Lord Vishnu water, flowers, Gandham (natural perfume), oil lamp, Dhoop (incense), and Naivedhya (any fruit or cooked food). Make payas (kheer) or a vegetarian dessert of your choice.
4) Then, serve the Tamboolam, which includes Paan, Supari, a split brown coconut, bananas and/or other fruits, Chandan, Kumkum, Haldi, Akshat, and Dakshina.
5) The Rama Ekadashi Vrat Katha should be read. You can also perform the Naam, Jaapa or read the Vishnu Sahasranam.
6) Light an oil lamp and pray to Lord Vishnu in the evening. Bhog or fruits/dry fruits are acceptable.
7) Aarti should be performed at the end of the puja.
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