How to offer worship and prayers on Ekadasi?
“How to observe Ekadashi and how to offer worship and prayers on Ekadasi” was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana. Let us read them:
(1) FROM WHICH EKADASI THE FAST CAN BE STARTED?
Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.
However, if one wishes, he can start from any Ekadasi. Let the good things start immediately.
(2) 24 HOURS GUIDELINES OF EKADASI FASTING METHOD
Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat the Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.
Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi. However, in this kaliyuga in which the people have to study or work harder, it is enough to start fasting before the sun rise on the ekadasi day.
THINGS NEEDED FOR EKADASI POOJA & PRAYER
Ekadasi worship is not that much difficult. It is just the increased performance of regular worship & prayers.
A picture or photo or deity of Lord Vishnu/ Krishna.
Fruits.
Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day itself)
Yellow bananas.
And other usual Puja items like Ghee lamp, Incense sticks, etc.
OBSERVANCE
Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers during brahma muhurtha period or atleast before sun rise.
Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu/ Krishna at home by lighting a ghee lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
offer worship for few minutes. Chant as much as possible in the morning.
If there is a Vishnu/ Krishna temple nearby, visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Observe Fast or Upavas on the day starting before Sunrise.
EKADASI FASTING
Start observing Fasting for 24 hours starting from around 05.00 AM, ie, well before sun rise. Even partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is accepted by Krishna as your penance on ekadasi.
Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil to hairs on the day.
If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. Such persons may opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice and other grains.
What food can be eaten on Ekadasi for those observing partial fast? Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk and the preparations made from Sabudana (i.e, tapioca pearl or sago).
Take these intakes in small quantities. Don’t fill the stomach with these foods just because it is not made from grains.
You are fasting. Keep it in mind. Don’t load your stomach.
AFTERNOON
Perform chanting whenever you get gap amidst your works. Don’t sleep in the noon.
EVENING PRAYERS
Take a bath in the evening.
Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu/ Krishna in the evening too.
Visit Vishnu/ Krishna temple and witness the evening puja and rituals. Chant a few rounds in the evening also.
PRAYERS FOR EKADASI
What are the mantras to recite on Ekadasi?
(i) Sri Guruvashtakam (Samsara dhava)
(ii) Hare Krishna Maha Manthra.
(iii) Sri Narsimha Pranama Mantra (Namaste narsimhaya), Narsimha stuti, etc..
(iv) Vishnu Sahasranama.
However, Guruvashtakam, Hare Krishna Maha Manthra & Sri Narsimha Prayers should not be skipped. These three are compulsory. Other mantras are Optional.
NEXT DAY MORNING
The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu/ Krishna by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast after sunrise.
Have Happy & Blissful Ekadasi! Hare Krishna!
Ekadasi Receips – The Foods To Be Prepared On Ekadasi! Read HERE
The list and links of 26 ekadasis in sequence! Read HERE
How to offer worship and prayers on Ekadasi? Read HERE.
A-Z Tips on Ekadasi Fasting with practical considerations! Read HERE.