Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024 Dos and Don'ts: From 'Daan' to Following Nirjala Fast Rituals, Things To Do and Avoid To Appease Lord Vishnu on Shayani Ekadashi
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024 falls on July 17, marking the beginning of the four months of Chaturmas, which is considered a holy phase for penance, fasting, and spiritual growth. This day holds immense religious significance and is celebrated with various rituals, prayers, and observances.
Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Shayani Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi, is a highly revered Hindu festival observed on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashada. Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024 falls on July 17, marking the beginning of the four months of Chaturmas, which is considered a holy phase for penance, fasting, and spiritual growth. This day holds immense religious significance and is celebrated with various rituals, prayers, and observances. Ashadhi Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. According to Hindu beliefs, on this day, Lord Vishnu enters a state of deep yoga nidra on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the Ksheersagar. We at LatestLY have collated the dos and don’ts of Shayani Ekadashi 2024. Chaturmas 2024 Start and End Dates: Know Significance of Holy Period Between Shayani Ekadashi and Dev Uthani Ekadashi Celebrations.
The devotees celebrate the festival with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. While some opt for Nijala fast, others consume fruits, milk, and other non-grain foods. The fast is broken the next day after performing prayers to Lord Vishnu. You need to follow several dos and don’ts to ensure that the fast and prayers are conducted properly. Take a look at them:
Dos:
- Fast With Devotion: Observe the fast with utmost devotion and sincerity. If possible, opt for a Nirjala fast. In a Nirjala fast, you restrict yourself from consuming any liquid, even water, along with food.
- Offer Tulsi Patra: As Tulsi Patra is most favourite herb of Lord Vishnu, the puja is considered incomplete if the herb is not offered to the Lord. You must offer Tulsi dal on this auspicious day.
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama: Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama and other sacred mantras is highly recommended.
- Engage in Charity: Participate in acts of charity and service, such as distributing food and clothes to the needy on the day of Ekadashi, as it is considered rewarding to do such activities.
Don'ts:
- Avoid Grains and Cereals: Do not consume grains or cereals such as rice, as they are strictly prohibited on Ekadashi.
- Refrain from Anger and Arguments: Maintain a calm and peaceful demeanor. Avoid getting into arguments or expressing anger. One must follow celibacy and have control over body and mind.
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Do not consume alcohol, tobacco, or any intoxicants.
- Avoid Tamasic Food: On this day, you shouldn’t consume meat, onion, garlic, etc and follow a Sattvik diet. It is believed that Tamasic food can lead to negative thoughts in the mind.
Ashadhi Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance, celebrated with devotion, rituals, and a spirit of community. It is a time to reflect on the divine, seek blessings, and engage in acts of kindness and charity. As devotees come together to celebrate this auspicious day in 2024, they renew their faith and commitment to leading a righteous and spiritually enriched life.
(The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2024 11:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).