Devotees engage in fasting and perform rituals to honor Lord Vishnu on this day. Traditional offerings are made, and the Ekadashi Vrat Katha is recited. The day concludes with an Aarti, and the fast is broken the following morning through acts of charity. Annually, there are between 24 to 26 Ekadashi Vrats. Let's explore the essence of Ekadashi Vrat, its bi-monthly occurrence, and its spiritual significance.

What is Ekadashi Vrat?

In the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi occurs twice monthly, spanning from Pratipada to Chaturdashi, with Amavasya and Purnima marking the 15th day. Each date is associated with a specific deity, with Lord Vishnu being the presiding deity of Ekadashi Tithi. As the universe's protector, he offers salvation to all beings. Devotees who worship him seek his blessings through fasting and puja on Ekadashi, leading to the observance of the Ekadashi fast, also known as Gyaras fast.

Why are there Two Ekadashi Fasts Each Month?

Each month is divided into two phases: Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight) and Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight). The period from Pratipada to Amavasya is Krishna Paksha, while the time from Pratipada to Purnima follows Amavasya. Each phase features one Ekadashi, resulting in two Ekadashi fasts monthly-one in Krishna Paksha and another in Shukla Paksha.

Names of Ekadashi Fasts

Each Ekadashi fast has its unique name. Currently, during the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra, the Ekadashi is known as Papamochani Ekadashi, which falls on Sunday, March 15th. The Shukla Ekadashi of Chaitra is referred to as Kamada Ekadashi. Each Ekadashi carries its own significance.

List of Ekadashi Fasts:
Shattila Ekadashi, Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi, Amalaki Ekadashi, Papmochani Ekadashi, Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Padmini Ekadashi, Param Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Kamika Ekadashi, Shravan Putrada Ekadashi, Aja Ekadashi, Parivartini Ekadashi, Indira Ekadashi, Papankusha Ekadashi, Rama Ekadashi, Devutthan Ekadashi, Utpana Ekadashi, Mokshada Ekadashi.

The Importance of Observing Ekadashi Fast

Observing the Ekadashi fast is believed to cleanse a person of sins and promote virtuous actions. It is said that through the grace of Lord Vishnu, one can attain salvation, allowing the soul to rest at his feet and escape the cycle of rebirth. Additionally, Ekadashi fasts are performed for the welfare of ancestors and liberation from worldly attachments.

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