Today I am trying out something different. Instead of my usual tech blog, I am writing a blog on Ekadashi and fasting.

I was a person who didn’t used to believe in these specific observance days, though I do believe in God. Being Gujarati, I’ve always strictly followed a no non-veg diet during the nine days of Navratri and a few other Hindu festivals. However, my wife has always diligently observed Ekadashi fasting. I eventually got into it too, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, to support her, more like a partner, so she wouldn’t feel like she was doing it alone. Secondly, I was intrigued by the scientific fact of being in a calorie deficit for a day. Since Ekadashis occur twice a month, I end up consuming significantly fewer calories on these two days, which has also been helping me with my weight loss goals. As rice is not allowed on Ekadashi, I break my fast by eating 2-3 pieces of rice the next morning.

This personal journey sparked my curiosity to learn more. So, in this post, I’ll share what I’ve discovered about Ekadashi, the principles behind it, and the interesting parallels with scientific views on fasting.

Who is Ekadashi and What Are Her Roots?

Ekadashi, which literally means “the eleventh day” in Sanskrit, refers to the eleventh lunar day (tithi) of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon in the Vedic calendar. So, it occurs twice a month.

According to Hindu scriptures, particularly the Puranas like the Padma Purana, Ekadashi is a divine feminine energy (Shakti) that manifested from Lord Vishnu. The story goes that Lord Vishnu was in a meditative state when a demon named Murdanav (or Mura) approached to attack Him. From Lord Vishnu’s senses (often described as the eleventh sense, the mind), a beautiful and powerful maiden emerged. This divine lady, upon Murdanav’s challenge, fought and ultimately vanquished the demon. Pleased by her valor, Lord Vishnu blessed her and named her Ekadashi. He proclaimed that anyone who fasts on this day would be freed from their sins and progress towards spiritual liberation (moksha).

Why Fast on Ekadashi? The Significance

The reasons for observing Ekadashi are deeply rooted in spiritual and natural philosophies:

• Lunar Cycle Connection: The timing of Ekadashi is tied to the lunar cycle, which is believed to influence the mind and body. The eleventh day of each lunar phase is considered a time when the mind can be more easily controlled and directed towards spiritual pursuits. Fasting during this period is thought to help in minimizing negative lunar influences and enhancing mental clarity.
• Defeat of Inner ‘Demons’: The story of Ekadashi defeating the demon Mura is symbolic. Mura represents negative qualities like ignorance, ego, and material desires. By fasting and engaging in spiritual practices on Ekadashi, devotees aim to conquer these inner “demons,” purifying their consciousness.
• Divine Grace and Liberation: As per Lord Vishnu’s boon, observing Ekadashi with devotion is a way to attain his grace, absolve sins, and move closer to the ultimate goal of moksha – liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It’s seen as a powerful austerity that pleases Lord Vishnu.

Fasting Advantages: The Hindu Perspective

From a Hindu spiritual standpoint, fasting on Ekadashi offers numerous benefits:

• Spiritual Purification: It’s considered a potent way to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, removing accumulated negative karmas.
• Enhanced Self-Discipline and Control: The act of abstaining from food and engaging in prayer cultivates willpower, self-control over senses and desires, and mental fortitude.
• Increased Spiritual Awareness: By reducing focus on bodily needs, the mind becomes more receptive to spiritual thoughts, meditation, and connection with the divine.
• Merit Equivalent to Great Sacrifices: Scriptures often state that observing an Ekadashi fast sincerely can bestow merit equivalent to performing grand yajnas (fire sacrifices) or visiting numerous pilgrimage sites.

A Curious Tale: Lord Jagannath and the Ekadashi ‘Exception’

There’s an interesting story associated with Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, which presents a unique perspective on Ekadashi and rice. Generally, consuming grains, especially rice, is strictly prohibited on Ekadashi because it’s believed that the sin (Papa Purusha) takes refuge in grains on this day.

However, in Jagannath Puri, Mahaprasad (the sanctified food offered to the deities) which includes rice, is available and consumed even on Ekadashi. One legend explains this:

It’s said that once Lord Brahma visited Puri and desired to have Mahaprasad. However, only a few grains of rice remained, which a dog was licking. Overcome with devotion, Lord Brahma partook in those grains. Ekadashi Devi appeared, furious that Brahma had eaten rice on her day and began to torment him. Lord Jagannath then intervened, pleased with Brahma’s devotion. To establish the supremacy of devotion and Mahaprasad over strict ritualism, Lord Jagannath is said to have “punished” Ekadashi Devi by decreeing that his Mahaprasad must be honored and consumed every day, including Ekadashi, in his temple. It’s sometimes referred to as “Ulti Ekadashi” (Reverse Ekadashi) there, signifying that devotion and the Lord’s grace can sometimes transcend specific rules. This story highlights the compassionate nature of Lord Jagannath, valuing the devotee’s love above all.

(Please note: This is a local legend and practices can vary. The general rule for Ekadashi fasting is the avoidance of grains.)

Fasting with One Meal vs. No Meal: What’s Typically Followed?

The rigor of an Ekadashi fast can vary based on individual capacity, health, and tradition. Here’s a general understanding:

• Nirjala Ekadashi (Waterless Fast): This is the strictest form, where one abstains from both food and water for the entire duration of the Ekadashi tithi (roughly 24 hours, from sunrise to the next sunrise). This is considered highly meritorious but is also very challenging.
• Sajala Ekadashi (With Water): In this form, devotees abstain from all food but consume water.
• Phalahar (Fruit and Permitted Foods Fast): This is a more common approach where individuals abstain from grains, beans, lentils, and certain vegetables (like onions and garlic). They may consume fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, and specific non-grain flours (like singhara atta, kuttu atta, rajgira atta) and root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes. Some might have one meal of these permitted foods in the afternoon or evening.

The underlying principle is to keep the body light and reduce metabolic activity to aid spiritual focus. The fast typically begins at sunrise on Ekadashi and is broken the next day (Dwadashi) after sunrise, often after offering prayers and sometimes after feeding a Brahmin or someone in need. If one cannot observe a complete fast, having a single meal of permissible foods is often considered acceptable, rather than not observing it at all. The key is sincerity and intent.

What to Eat During Ekadashi Fasting?

If you’re observing a fast where some food is permitted, here’s a general list of what’s usually allowed:

• Fruits: All types of fruits.
• Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt (curd), paneer (Indian cheese, without any grain-based binding agents), butter, ghee.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, etc. (though some traditions might avoid certain seeds).
• Specific Flours (Non-Grain): Singhara atta (water chestnut flour), Kuttu atta (buckwheat flour), Rajgira atta (amaranth flour), Sabudana (tapioca pearls), Arrowroot flour.
• Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin, bottle gourd (lauki), cucumber, tomatoes (some traditions might avoid tomatoes), ginger, green chilies.
• Spices: Rock salt (sendha namak), black pepper, cumin (jeera).
• Sweeteners: Sugar, jaggery.

Foods strictly avoided:

• All grains (rice, wheat, millet, barley, corn, etc.)
• All lentils and beans (dal, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.)
• Onions, garlic, mushrooms
• Certain spices, asafoetida (hing, especially if it contains grain flour)
• Non-vegetarian food and eggs are, of course, out of the question.

The Science Behind Fasting

Beyond the spiritual aspects, modern science is finding increasing support for periodic fasting, paralleling practices like Ekadashi. Research indicates that fasting triggers beneficial cellular processes like autophagy, improving insulin sensitivity, aiding in weight management and heart health, supporting brain health by promoting neuron growth, reducing inflammation, and fostering a healthier gut microbiome. In essence, by periodically giving the digestive system a rest, fasting promotes cellular repair, metabolic balance, and overall well-being.

It’s fascinating how an ancient spiritual practice, observed for centuries, has principles that resonate with contemporary scientific understanding of health and well-being.

Whether you approach Ekadashi from a purely spiritual perspective, a health-conscious one, or a blend of both like me, there’s undoubtedly a profound wisdom embedded in this practice. It’s a day for introspection, discipline, and connecting with something larger than ourselves, all while potentially giving our bodies a beneficial reset.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or professional advice. If you have any health conditions or are considering fasting, please consult with a healthcare professional. Religious practices and beliefs can vary; this blog attempts to provide a general overview.