# Ekādaśī > The eleventh day of the lunar fortnight **Occurs:** Twice monthly (waxing and waning moon) --- ## What is Ekādaśī? Ekādaśī is the eleventh day of both the waxing (śukla) and waning (kṛṣṇa) moon. It is considered the most auspicious day for spiritual advancement and is especially dear to Lord Viṣṇu. On this day, devotees fast from grains and beans and increase their spiritual practices—chanting, reading scripture, and worshiping the Lord. --- ## Why We Fast > The purpose of fasting is to control the demands of the senses. When the senses are controlled, automatically the mind is controlled, and thus one becomes fit for spiritual advancement. > > — Śrīla Prabhupāda Fasting on Ekādaśī purifies the body and mind, making them more receptive to spiritual practices. The scriptures describe that on this day, sinful reactions take shelter in grains—therefore devotees abstain from grains. --- ## What to Avoid - All grains (rice, wheat, barley, oats, etc.) - All beans and legumes (dal, chickpeas, etc.) - Certain vegetables (depending on strictness) - Some spices derived from grains ## What to Eat - Fruits and fruit juices - Nuts and milk products - Root vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes) - Selected vegetables - Water (essential!) --- ## Nivṛtti and Pravṛtti There are two types of Ekādaśī observance: 1. **Nirjalā** — Complete fast, even from water (observed once yearly) 2. **Regular** — Fast from grains, with fruits and vegetables allowed For those unable to fast completely, the minimum observance is to avoid grains and increase chanting. --- ## Breaking the Fast The fast is broken the next morning during the specific time window called *pāraṇa*. This time varies based on the lunar calendar and must be calculated for each location. --- ## The 26 Ekādaśīs Each Ekādaśī has a specific name, story, and set of benefits described in the *Padma Purāṇa* and other scriptures: | Month | Waxing Moon | Waning Moon | |-------|-------------|-------------| | Mārgaśīrṣa | Mokṣadā | Utpannā | | Pauṣa | Putradā | Ṣaṭ-tilā | | Māgha | Jayā | Vijayā | | Phālguna | Āmalakī | Papamocani | | Caitra | Kāmadā | Varūthinī | | Vaiśākha | Mohinī | Aparā | | Jyeṣṭha | Nirjalā | Yoginī | | Āṣāḍha | Śayanī | Kāmikā | | Śrāvaṇa | Putradā | Ajā | | Bhādra | Parivarttinī | Indirā | | Āśvina | Pāśāṅkuśā | Ramā | | Kārtika | Haribodhinī | Utthānā | | Adhika-māsa | Padminī | Paramā | --- ## Śrīla Prabhupāda on Ekādaśī > The injunction to fast on Ekādaśī is especially meant for devotees; on Ekādaśī there are no prescribed duties. By fasting, the mind is controlled, and the mind being controlled, one can always think of Kṛṣṇa. --- ## Related - [[wiki/events/nirjala-ekadasi|Nirjalā Ekādaśī]] - [[wiki/events/gita-jayanti|Gītā Jayantī]] - [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] --- *Check [[wiki/events/calendar-2025|2025 Calendar]] for Ekādaśī dates in your location.*