Ekadashi is the 11th day of the moon cycle, both from the full moon and from the new moon. In Sanskrit, ‘ekadasi’ stands for ‘eleven’. As per Hindu calendar, it is the 11th lunar day of Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. It’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In both Hinduism and Jainism, it’s a day for the spiritual observance. Devotees observe it by keeping a partial, complete or Nirjala (without water) fast.
Story Behind Ekadashi Vrat
The Padma Puraana describes the following relevance of Ekadashi:
Jaimini Rishi, a renowned sage, once became inquisitive about the Ekadashi vow, so he inquired from the great sage Vyaasa about the same. Vyaasa said that initially when the world was manifested, Lord Vishnu created a demonic creature (Paapa-Purusha) that was the embodiment of all types of sins. This was done in order to punish all beings who would choose the path of evil. Subsequently, He also created the Yamaloka – the cosmic penitentiary, so that anyone who sinned (with symptoms of Paapa-Purusha in him) would be sent there.
Once upon a visit to Yamaloka, Lord Vishnu noticed the miserable state of the living entities there undergoing “corrections” and had pity on them. So He created Ekadashi from His own being and decided that anyone undertaking the Ekadashi vow would be cleansed of their sins and will not have to visit the cosmic penitentiary.
Becoming aware of this, the Paapa-Purusha became alarmed. He immediately went to Lord Vishnu and pleaded that because of these Ekadashis soon he may not have any sustenance. So the Supreme Personality of Godhead gave him a benediction that he may reside in the Beans, Grains and Cereals on the Ekadashi days. Thus he may affect anyone who consumes these on an Ekadashi. At this the Paapa-purusha became satisfied.
The Ekadashi day being such a wonderful day to cleanse one’s offences is thus respectfully also celebrated as the day of Lord Hari (the Supreme Lord God).
Science Behind Ekadashi Vrat
Meanwhile, according to modern science, it is known that the air pressure on our planet varies to extreme limits on both the new moon (Amavasya) and the full moon (Purnima) day. This is because of the orbital path combination of the sun, moon and earth.
This can be observed by the change in the nature of the tidal waves on the new moon and full moon days. The waves are very high and rough, but from the next day onwards, the waves become calm, an indication that the pressure has also receded.
Now, based on this fact, the significance of Ekadashi fasting can be explained in 2 ways:
1) According to science, it takes about 3-4 days for the food that we eat today to reach our brain. Now, if we eat light/fast on Ekadashi days, that intake will reach the brain correspondingly on the New moon/full moon day.
On both of these days, the earth pressure is at its maximum, thus leading to an imbalance in everything, including ones thought process.
So, if the input to the brain is at a minimum, the chances of the brain indulging in any wayward activity due to the high-pressure imbalance also become minimum.
2) Another explanation for the Ekadashi fasting is that compared to any other day of the moon cycle, the atmospheric pressure is the lowest on the Ekadashi days. Thus, this is the best time to fast and cleanse the bowel system. If we fast on any other day, the high pressure/strain may damage our system. Thus, it is advisable that after fasting on the Ekadashi, on the immediate next day (Dwadashi), we get up early and eat as soon as possible.
As per both the above theories, the fasting practice on the Ekadashi days has a strong scientific base. People who observe the fast are asked to stay away from all types of grains and to have a light diet of nuts, milk, fruits, etc.
Fasting gives the system a rest. The physiological system may become overworked due to a little overeating or indiscrimination in the diet. Thus the fortnightly Ekadashi fasting gives the system a chance to catch up. We know that the digestive system draws the blood circulation towards the digestive organs. Therefore blood circulation to the head is decreased once the food is taken: so we feel sleepy. Thus the observance of Ekadashis helps us recharge our brain and mind keeping us more alert, sharp, focused and more aware.
The fortnightly Ekadashi fasting accompanied by healthy eating improves insulin responsiveness, lowers blood cholesterol and prolongs life span. It helps improve the mental stability of people suffering from anxiety and depression. It also detoxifies the body, cleanses the blood and improves the functioning of kidneys and liver.
It is amazing how the ancient Vedic Indians devised this method to keep ourselves fit and free from any negative influences!
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