Ekadashi: An auspicious day to fast and attain moksha - Know timing, Puja Vidhi

Know why Ekadashi is an important day to keep fast. Also, the story behind Ekadashi.

Ekadashi is an extremely auspicious day to keep fast. According to the Hindu religion, Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and fasting on this day brings peace of mind and helps people to attain salvation.

Ekadashi falls on the eleventh lunar day of the shukla month. Devotees can consume fruits, vegetables and milk to keep fast on this day.

Consumption of grains and beans is not preferred on this day as it is believed that it is contaminated by sin.

Story behind Ekadashi: Once a demon named Murdanav challenged Lord Vishnu to fight with him. At that time, Lord Vishnu was in deep Yoga Nidra. As soon as Murdanav challenged Vishnu, a damsel appeared from Lord Vishnu's yoga nidra. The damsel was so beautiful that Murdanav wanted to marry her, however, the damsel challenged him to fight her if he wanted to marry. In the fight, Murdanav was killed by the damsel. The valour and strength of the damsel impressed Lord Vishnu and he granted her a boon. She was named as Ekadashi. Goddess Ekadashi wished that people would keep fast on the day of Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu granted her the boon.

Therefore, on the day of Ekadashi, keeping a fast is auspicious.

Breaking of Ekadashi fast: The fast can be broken before the sunrise of Dwadashi. The best time is pratahkal.

Check out the muhurat timings of Ekadashi:

On 8th Nov the Parana Timing is between 05:48 to 08:01 am and Dwadashi ends on = 16:31

Ekadashi Tithi begins on November 6 at 11:04 am.

Ekadashi Tithi ends on November 7 at 13:47 pm.