PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EKADASI FASTING!

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EKADASI FASTING!

THINGS TO BE AVOIDED ON EKADASI

(1) You may observe total fast taking only water. But, full fast is not compulsory for ekadasi, and if possible observe full fast only for Nirjala Ekadasi.

(2) Avoiding everything, but thinking of them on the day of ekadasi is useless. So, consider the nature of your body and works and decide.

(3)  No grains, though it is the offered prasadam.

(4) Take milk, milk products, fruits, boiled ground nut, vegetables, etc, without grains.

(5) Avoid all types of grains, onions, Garlic, meat, egg, etc.

(6) Those above 80, patients, Acidic/ ulcer bodies, Blood Pressure, Heart issues, Cancer, Sugar, kidney, some other serious diseases and those who are advised by doctor not to fast should avoid fasting.

HOW LONG ONE SHOULD FAST?

The fasting can be started just before the sun rise on Ekadasi, ie, from around 5 AM and be observed till the sunrise of  Dvadasi (next day of ekadasi).  More than 24 hours is not necessary in this kaliyuga as you need to study and work hard.

FOLLOWING EKADASI STORIES

These ekadasi stories must be read just as a knowledge because they speak about some material benefits also for observing ekadasi. And, some details may seem exaggerated and RELATED TO OTHER YUGAS. These descriptions might have been given to encourage the people to observe ekadasis.  So, it is to be taken as good initiative.

Ekadasi fast is TO BE SEEN AS A PENANCE FOR KRISHNA. Not for any material benefits though these stories describe some material benefits. 

EKADASI DATES

Check from your local ISKCON centres or any Vaishnava community on which day Ekadasi is observed in your zone.  You can also get Vaishnava Calender from your local temple. If you are unable to find out the date, observe on the day I mention in social media, ie, FB page facebook.com/krishnatoday.  I am informing the ekadasi dates based on Mayapur calender that is followed in south India. LIKE that FB page and get regular updates and tips.

CAN YOU TAKE FULL STOMACH FOOD?

Observe partial fast.  But, in partial fast, some devotees avoid grains, but load the stomach with full load of other varieties except grains.  This too should be avoided. Fill your stomach just to the half volume of your stomach and take only vegetables, fruits, milk, boiled groundnut,water and Sun flower oil.

On Ekadasi, think and speak about Lord.  Chant more and visit nearby Krishna or Vishnu temples.

Finally, though different sects of people observe ekadasi fasts on different dates, you follow any one bonafide sampradhaya and do not confuse with the system followed by different sampradhayas.