Fasting is not only common among Hindus, but it also has a significant health benefit for those who participate. Fasting during the ‘ekadashi’ dates is not only associated with religious significance, but also with physical well-being.
Without further ado, let us begin with the hidden meaning and significance of this auspicious day. According to Sadhguru, Ekadashi is the 11th day after the full moon and the 11th day after the new moon. This year’s falls on Sunday (today), June 6th, according to the Purnimanta calendar.
In a year, there are 24 different types of Ekadashi, each of which is associated with a different incarnation of Lord Vishnu. During the fast, each is accompanied by certain food rules that must be followed in order to direct mental energy in the right direction and avoid bad deeds.
Lord Krishna explained the significance of Apara Ekadashi to Pandava king Yudhishthir, according to Hindu mythology. Apara means limitless, and devotees are said to receive limitless blessings from Lord Vishnu by fasting on this day.
People who take a dip in the holy river Ganga during the month of Kartik receive moksha; it is also believed that fasting on this day provides the same benefits.
This fast, when combined with good deeds, will grant the opportunity to donate cows and perform yajnas. Furthermore, the fast frees the guilty of committed sins. Lord Vishnu will bestow wealth and success upon them. As a result, devotees will be protected.
The day of Apara Ekadashi is observed today, 6th June. The Ekadashi tithi began at 6.37 am on 5th June and ended at 8.49 am on 6th June. Finally, Hindu devotees can break their fast between 7.53am and 10.40 am on 7th June. These times have been adjusted to Malaysian time.
The fasting for Apara Ekadashi lasts almost two days and ends after sunrise on the 12th day. Devotees must wake up early on the Ekadashi tithi and take a bath in order to keep the fast.
Devotees must meditate after taking a bath and make a resolution that they are going to observe the Apara Ekadashi fast with sincerity.
Devotees are allowed to eat fruits and milk only once during the day. During the fasting period, devotees are expected to donate and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
If you’re one of those fasting on this auspicious day, please tell us more about it and share your experience with other devotees.
Varnam Team wishes you a joyous Apara Ekadashi. May Lord Vishnu grant you all the strength you need to do the right thing and erase all your bad karma through your good deeds.
