Blog
Ekadashi Vrat Its Significance, Rules, and Benefits – Why is this Vrat Special?
Mohini Ekadashi Vrat will be observed on May 8, Thursday, a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Observing this vrat on Mohini Ekadashi is said to bestow the merit of donating a thousand cows. Let us understand why observing the Ekadashi Vrat is important and what its rules are.
According to scriptures and Puranas, Ekadashi is referred to as ‘Hari Din’ (Lord’s Day). This day is naturally filled with energy, and observing a fast on this day enhances both physical and mental energy. On Ekadashi, the feeling of hunger reduces even if one refrains from eating, making it an ideal time to engage in spiritual practices.
Performing Ekadashi Vrat helps in eradicating all the sins committed by an individual, and it leads to the attainment of Moksha after death. During the Mahabharata era, apart from the Pandavas, even Bhishma Pitamah observed this vrat. It is believed that due to the influence of this vrat, he was able to choose the time of his own death.
The Ekadashi Vrat is not only spiritually beneficial but also provides material benefits. Observing this vrat brings prosperity and happiness into one’s life. While enjoying worldly pleasures, the practitioner also helps in the liberation of their ancestors and eventually attains the divine realm of Vaikuntha.
The Skanda Purana highlights the importance of Ekadashi Vrat, and the rules for observing it are strict. The vrat begins on the evening of the Dashami Tithi (tenth day) and continues until the sunrise of the following Ekadashi day.
Rules for Ekadashi Vrat:
The vrat should begin at the time of sunset on the Dashami Tithi.
On Ekadashi, wake up during Brahma Muhurat, perform daily rituals, and worship Lord Vishnu.
On Dashami Tithi, one should eat food without salt.
During the vrat, chant Lord Vishnu’s mantras and minimize talking.
On Ekadashi, one may consume fresh fruits, dry fruits, sugar, buckwheat flour, coconut, olives, milk, ginger, black pepper, sendha salt, potatoes, sabudana, and sweet potatoes.
Thus, Ekadashi Vrat is not only beneficial for mental and physical well-being but also guides individuals towards spiritual growth and the attainment of Moksha.
