What is Ekadashi?
The term “Ekadashi” comes from the Sanskrit word for the number 11. It refers to the eleventh lunar day (tithi) between the 🌚 New Moon and 🌝 Full Moon phases.
The Moon’s waxing and waning phases are divided into stages known as tithis, with Ekadashi (the 11th lunar day) being traditionally regarded as ideal for fasting. Observing Ekadashi helps in mastering the mind and body, guiding it toward greater self-discipline and spiritual growth.
Ekadashi happens three days before either the Full Moon or New Moon. There are usually 24 Ekadashis in a year (twice each lunar month). During a leap year, there can be two additional ones depending on the lunar cycle.
The Moon goes through two main phases: Waxing (Shukla Paksh) and Waning (Krishna Paksh).
- Waxing/Shukla Paksh: This is the 14-day period after the New Moon, leading up to the Full Moon. During this bright phase, the Moon grows in size, and it’s traditionally seen as a time of increase. Our bodies absorb nutrients better, and our energy and emotions expand outward.
- Waning/Krishna Paksh: This 14-day period follows the Full Moon, leading up to the New Moon. During this phase, the Moon decreases in size, and it’s traditionally a time of withdrawal. It’s a natural period for detoxification and introspection, as energy and emotions turn inward.
Both phases consist of stages, called tithis, and three specific tithis in each phase are traditionally considered ideal for fasting = Ekadashi.
Ekadashi is observed to help master the mind and bodily senses, directing it toward spiritual growth.
🌿 Ekadashi Fasting - A Remedy for Mars
Mars is often considered one of the malefic planets, alongside Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. When its energy is not channeled properly, Mars can lead to internal conflicts and tensions with those around us.
Tithi, an essential aspect of the lunar calendar, is deeply connected to the water element within us. It plays a crucial role in how we connect and bond with others, as well as how we relate to ourselves. Since Mars is a fiery planet, it can struggle to harmonize with the water element represented by Tithi.
To balance Mars’ intense energy and unlock its positive potential, observing a fast on Ekadashi is recommended. This practice can help purify Mars’ influence and foster a deeper sense of connection and harmony.
🌞 When and How To Fast
Ekadashi fasting practices differ among traditions, each tailored to different levels of commitment and individual needs. The approach to fasting can range from complete abstinence from food and water to more moderate forms, depending on your health, lifestyle, and spiritual aspirations.
The official fast begins at sunrise and ends at sunset, but starts the night before with a lighter meal in the afternoon and typically the fast is broken the next morning after sunrise therefore it’s referred to as a 3-days fast.
📖 Types of Ekadashi fast - any one you choose is perfectly fine:
- 🌿 Nirjala: a strict fast where you refrain from consuming even water.
- 💧 Jalahar: consume only water during the fast.
- 🥛 Ksheerbhoji: consume only milk and milk products (if tolerant), as it comes from the sacred cow, associated with Lord Vishnu.
- 🍎 Phalahari: consume only fruits.
- 🍚 Naktabhoji: consume one meal later in the day, consisting of non-grain foods. Grains and pulses like rice, wheat, millets, and dals are avoided as are fried foods.
Other tips:
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, i.e. meats, fish, eggs during this period
- Avoid low prana (life force) tamasic foods such onions, garlic, processed food etc.
- Keep the stomach as light as possible, preferably empty.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs.
- Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with health issues should avoid this fast.
We do not fast for pleasing God. Fasting is done for ourselves, for our own body detox, for cleansing the body.
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
📅 Ekadashi 2024 Dates
Here are the Ekadashi dates for this year. Remember, the exact timings will differ according to your precise location, and considering you need to start the night before it would be good to double check your personal timings on the align27 app.
New York Timings e.g.:
📿 Ekadashi Rituals
Each Ekadashi is unique. It comes with rituals that align with the specific lunar month and astrological influences. The align27 app offers personalized rituals for every Ekadashi, designed to bring balance and joy into your life.
🌟 Ekadashi - The Science Behind the Ultimate Cleanse
Fasting on Ekadashi holds deep spiritual and sacred significance, but from a scientific standpoint, it also offers clear therapeutic and restorative benefits.
As the Earth rotates, the ocean nearest to the Moon experiences a high tide due to the Moon’s gravitational pull. Simultaneously, a high tide occurs on the opposite side because the Earth moves slightly towards the Moon, causing the ocean to bulge. Both the waning and waxing phases of the Moon exert gravitational forces on Earth, influencing not only the tides but also the human body, which is about sixty percent water.
The Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth varies in intensity. On the eleventh day of each lunar cycle (Ekadashi), the Moon forms a trine with the Earth and Sun, leading to the lowest atmospheric pressure. This reduced pressure also minimizes its impact on the human body, making Ekadashi an ideal day for fasting and cleansing the body of toxins.
The Vedic tradition recommends fasting on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle to cleanse the digestive system, ensuring its proper function. This practice helps protect the body from various ailments related to indigestion.
Starting the day after Ekadashi until the fifth day after the new or full moon, the moon’s increasing gravitational pull raises atmospheric pressure, which in turn affects body fluids and the digestive system. Due to this added stress on the body, those who fast on Ekadashi are advised to eat early the following day.
When food is being digested, blood flow shifts to the digestive organs, reducing circulation to the brain and causing drowsiness. Fasting on Ekadashi helps maintain proper blood flow to the brain, revitalizing it and promoting physical and mental health.
During the Full Moons and New Moons, toxins build up in our bodies so this 3-day period of Ekadashi fasting helps flush out these toxins and any undigested food, giving our system a much-needed cleanse and detox. This is why our ancestors recommended fasting on Ekadashi.
🎭 Ekadashi & Fasting - From Bollywood to Hollywood
Fasting is ever popular and much research has gone into the health benefits of regular fasting, particularly following the phases of the moon with Ekadashi fasting.
Although embedded in India culture – the science has attracted the liked of Hollywood.
Even the young american punk rock singer and actor Machine Gun Kelly aka Colson Baker, has embraced this ultimate Vedic cleanse and said on a podcast this month that he follows Ekadashi fasting – likely also followed by his actor partner Megan Foxe who also welcomes ayurvedic principles in her life.
Kourtney Kardashion and american football quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously do ayurvedic cleanses and fasting is not a new concept for the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts.
🙏 A Perfect Time for Deep Spiritual Growth
When the stomach is light, spiritual practices can be enhanced. Meditations are deeper, yoga asanas are more powerful and the mind is more focused.
The day and night of Ekadashi spiritual practices such as prayer, chanting, and meditation, nourish the mind.
Ekadashi purifies the body and soul, helping one progress on their spiritual path toward moksha—liberation from the endless cycle of death and rebirth.
✨ The Tale of Ekadashi
It begins with Lord Vishnu in a deep meditative state. During this time, a demon named Murdanav attempted to attack him. In response, a radiant woman emerged from Vishnu’s 11th sense, often referred to as the “mind.” Captivated by her beauty, Murdanav proposed marriage, but she agreed only if he could defeat her in battle. As they clashed, the woman ultimately vanquished Murdanav. When Vishnu awoke, he blessed the woman, naming her “Ekadashi,” and declared that those who fast on this day would be granted moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
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