Sri Madhwacharya Seva Sangha

EKKADASI
(VICHAARA & AACHAARA)

PREFACE
While appreciating the work done by our Sangha, Dr.V.Prabhanjanacharya, in his
Presidential address, during 1996 Sri Teekacharya Aradhana, suggested that our
Sangha should undertake in future the job of publishing Madhwa literature. The
outcome of his suggesstion is this booklet on Ekaadasi. Sri Madhwacharya extolled
the greatness of Ekaadasi and asked everyone to observe it strictly so that the fire of
merit that accrues from observing an Ekaadasi reduces to ashes the sins of
hundreds of births. Due to lack of pooled knowledge about it, a vast majority of
Madhwas are not in the know of its fuller details. It is for the benefit of those, to
enlighten them on finer points, this booklet is brought out by the Sangha as its
maiden attempt. Our fervent appeal to all Madhwas, is to read this and tell others
about Ekaadasi and be the worthy recipients of His Grace. Nothing gives more joy
to the Sangha than to become instrumental in spreading the precepts of Sri
Madhwacharya and enlarging their scope for propagation.
October 1, 1997.

CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Dasami
3. Ekaadasi
4. Why Ekaadasi fasting?
5. Ekaadasi Vichaara
6. Ekaadasi Achaara (Dos & Dont's)
7. Dwaadasi
8. Sankalpa Mantras
9. List of Ekaadasis in the year

INTRODUCTION

The Vedic religion presupposes that Dharma is maintained by the observance of truth,
prayer and ritual. If religion is compared to the human body, its ritualism would be the
legs and its philosophy the head. It means no religion can stand without ritualism. Since
moral and spiritual discipline have a special place in the Vedic religion, rituals like
Vrathas form and integral part of it. Some Vaishnava Vrathas are obligatory and some
others are optional. The Ekaadasi fast on the eleventh day of each fortnight in a month
and the Pithru-Tharpana or libations of water to the spirits of one's ancestors on the new
moon day are mandatory rites. The observer has the satisfaction that he has done
something sacred which is different from the secular. This psychological function of
ritualism provides an outlet for religious emotion. Ekaadasi fasts and vigils without
eating and drinking are not without their disciplinary value. It is a lesson in selfcontrol.
The central theme of Ekkadasi fast is to feel a profound mystical experience in
which the soul feels the nearness of God by various ritual acts. Sri Madhwacharya in
his work 'Krishnamrutha Mahaarnava' established beyond doubt that only after the
practice of such a Vratha that our other activities bear fruit. God's infinite grace is
possible only to a pure heart; and a pure heart in turn is attained only through right living.
A true Vaishava does not take even a single morsel of food or a drop of water to allay
hunger or thirst. The whole day and night are spent in devotion, prayer and religious
study. Since, Sri Madhwacharya has prescribed Ekaadasi fast as compulsory just like
Sandhya Vandhanam it becomes mandatory for Madhwas. Apart from the fast, jagarane
is also prescribed on Ekaadasi nights, when men and women sing and dance in praise of
God and pass the whole night without sleep. The greatness of Ekaadasi vow has been
extolled in the story of Ambareesha in the Bhagavatham, by Sri Madhwacharya in his
Krishnamrutha Mahaarnava, Sri Vadhiraja in his "Ekaadasi Nimaya" and a host of
haridasas like Sri Purandaradasa, Sri Vijaya Dasa, Sri Gopala dasa have also extolled
through their devarnamas the uniqueness of Ekaadasi Vratha. Sir Vijaya Dasa in his song
"Ekaadasi Vrathada Mahithya" says that the efficacy of this Vartha was first mentioned
by Lord Padmanabha to his consort Lakshmi and later to Brahma, who imparted it to
Narada.
Na Kaashi na Gaya Ganga na rewa cha Gowthami
Na Chaapi KauravamKshethram, thulyambhoopaHaredrinaath.
- Padma Puraanam
Padmapuraanam says that sacred rivers like Ganga, Narmada, Godavari etc. and holy
places like Kashi, Gaya, Kurushetra etc., cannot equal the merit of Ekaadasi Vratha.

DASAMI
Ekaadasi Vratha begins with the sankalpaon the Dasami day, fasting on the Ekaadasi day
and parane on Dwaadasi day. Since it is spread over three days it goes by the name
Dinathraya or three-day Vratha. The evening meals on the Dasami and Dwaadasi days
along with abstaining from both the meals on the Ekaadasi day, will make a total of four
meals forbidden on these three days.

EKKADASI
The literal meaning of the word Ekaadasi is one plus ten, where ONE stands for the Lord.
Shri Vishnu Sashasra Nama Sthothram calls HIM "Ekasmai Namah" meaning salutations
to the ONE. So in the very name of Ekaadasi Shri Hari is present and so it is auspicious
day. Since Shri Hari is the presiding deity for Ekaadasi it is called 'Haridina' meaning a
day to be dedicated entirely for worshipping HIM, meditating upon Him, listening to HIS
glory and studying the scriptures. In short, anything we do on this day should please the
Lord. Sri Purandara Dasa says "Vrathagalellavu Haridina Vrathadahinde". This is a
unique concept to the followers of Dwaita philosophy. In Adwaita, Ekaadasi is just like
any other day. In Vishistadwaita, Vaikunta Ekaadasi alone is meant for fasting and the
day is spent in worshipping HIM and not other Ekaadasis.

Observance of Ekaadasi by fasting and meditating on the Divinity with implicit faith, is
an excellent reflection of sathwa guna. The Lord mentions in the Gita that none born of
prakruthi is free from the influence of three gunas, viz., sathwa, rajas and thamas. Of the
three, sathwa is given the highest place because the jeeva in whom sathwa guna
dominates moves towards the Nivruthi Marga i.e., Jnana - Bhakthi - Vairagya - Moksha.
To such souls God reveals Himself. It is, therefore, compulsory to all castes and creeds,
for young and old, for men and women to develop sathwa guna. Even our puranas
proclaim that ekaadasi vow is for all people, at all places, for all times, since it has been
gifted to us by our sages for our physical and spritual well - being. Its observance
cleanses the mind and paves the way for Jnana. It is an established fact when one does
not take food even though there is a desire for it, there will be increase in self - control
and it develops a strong will-power. One who controls hunger will be away from sin
because hunger is the root cause of many a sin. Shrimad Acharya says in Krishnamurtha
Mahaarnava that the fire of merit that accrues from observing an Ekaadasi reduces to
ashes the sins of hundred of births.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING
The moon is not in its full glory during Ekaadasi due to its movements. The food that is,
therefore, consumed on these days remains undigested. Moon is the solicitation deity for
food. Upavaasa does not mean mere fasting - it means Saameepya Vaasa (dwelling in
proximity to the Lord) with archana, japa, karthashravana, niraahara and jaagarna. So
after setting apart sometime to basic necessities the whole day and night is to be spent in
thinking about HIS glories. Even if Shraadha falls on this day, it is to be performed on the
Dwaadasi day only: By fasting on Ekaadasi day one can earn the unlimited grace of the
Lord and attain Vaikuntaa. By fasting and meditating on God the body becomes pure
and worthy to be called the temple of God. Varaaha Puraana says the pregnant woman,
mothers of young children and those who are very weak can partake fruits like dates,
banana, grapes, coconut, milk, curds and grains which are not cooked. They will not be
considered to have broken the vow. All sins indulged in by the body and mind are wiped
out by Upavaasa. No Vratha can be compared with Ekaadasi are considered thieves and
deserve to be punished, says the Krishnaamrutha Mahaarnava. It is, therefore, a sin to
look at even the face of one who eats food on this day.

WHY EKAADASI FASTING?

1. It is Haridina-meant for spritual activity only.
2. Food will not be digested since the moon is not in full glory.
3. Shrimad Acharya has prescribed fasting, so it is mandatory to us.
4. Its observance reduces all sins to ashes.
5. Fasting tones up our health and keeps the body and the mind trim.

EKAADASI VICHAARA
Fixing of Ekaadasi thithi is different from other thithis. All other thithis are treated as
complete from one sun-rise to the next except Ekaadasi thithi. It is determined with
reference to Arunodaya. four Ghatikas before sunrise is called Arunodaya. One Ghatia =
24 minutes i.e., 4 x 24 = 96 mts. before sunrise is Arunodaya. If sun-rise for example is
5.36 am for a day - Arunodaya will be 1 hour 36 mts. before that i.e. 5.36 - 1.36 = 4.00
am. If there is a trace of Dasami at the time of Arunodaya that Ekaadasi is called Viddha
Ekaadasi and no fasting on such and Ekaadasi is allowed. If no fasting is done on
Viddha Ekaadasi, fasting is done on Dwaadasi day and parane on Thrayodasi day.

In situations when Dasami, Ekaadasi, Dwaadasi fall on the same day, fasting should not
be observed as there is Dasami Viddha. So fasting is done the next day. When Ekaadasi is
not touched by Dasami and when there is Dwaadasi thithi on Thrayodasi day also (that
means Ekaadasi thithi is there on tow consecutive Arunodayas) the fast should be
continued and not broken on the first Dwaadasi. That means two consecutive days of
fasting - it is called Athiriktha Ekaadasi and parane on Thrayodasi day. Athirikta means
excessive. It can come in any month of the year although rare.
There is another occasion for two days of fasting when Dwaadasi has a contact of
Shravana star and reigns during the afternoon. Such a Dwaadasi is called Shravana
Dwaadasi. So along with a fast on Ekaadasi it is compulsory to fast on Shravana
Dwaadasi. So along with a fast on Ekaadasi it is compulsory to fast on Shravana
Dwaadasi day. It is strictly observed by followers of other schools also since Shravana is
the Lord's star and the day associated with the Lord is Haridina. It is sacred. Shastras
permit some relaxation for the aged and the sick in fasting on the first day but not on the
Shravana Dwaadasi. During a year Shravana Dwaadasi fasting generally comes thrice,
i.e,., Bhaadrapada Shukla Dwaadasi, Maagha Bahula Dwaadasi and Phaalguna Bahula
Dwaadasi. In 1996, Maagha Bahula Dwaadasi was Sharvana Dwaadasi and none else. In
1997, there is no Sharavana Dwaadasi fasting.
We are not supposed to fast on Smartha Ekaadasi day which is according to us Dasami.
On such a day there will be Harivaasara which is called Dasami Harivaasara; and so
meals is to completed before the indicated time. For example, Dasami Harivaasara falls
on 26.10.97 (Sunday) and meals is to be taken before 11.48 pm because Ekaadasi begins
after that time. 10.11.97 (Monday) is another Smartha Ekaadasi day which is not a fasting
day for us. 22.2.98 (Sunday) is Dasami Harivaasara - meals before 11.50 pm. 8.3.98
(Sunday) is another Smartha Ekaadasi day which is not a fasting day for us.

Ekaadasi Nirnaya is ticklish and differs from Mutt to Mutt because all do not employ
Aryamaana for calculations. So it is a safe bet to follow the respective Mutt Panchaangas
while ascertaining the Ekaadasi.

Normally 24 (12 x 2) Ekaadasis occur in a calendar year. When in a year ther is an

Adhikamaasa 2 more are added. Each of these 26 Ekaadasis are named after women of
hoary past for their chastity, virtuousness, dharma etc. The following table will give the
details:
MONTH SHUDDHA BAHULA
1. Chaithra Kaamada Varoodhini
2. Vaishaakh Mohini Aparaa
3. Jyeshtha Nirjala Yogini
4. Aashaadha Sayana Kaamikaa

5. Shraavana Puthrada Ajaa

6. Bhaadrapada Parivarthini Indiraa
7. Ashwayuja Paashaankusha Ramma
8. Karthika Prabodhini Uthpathi
9. Margahira Mokahadaa Suphalaa
10. Pushya Puthrada Shattila
11. Maagha Jayaa Vijayaa
12. Phaalguna Aamalaki Paapamochanaa
13. Adhika Massa Padmini Paramma

EKAADASI AACHARA
Ekaadasi is a fasting day to atone for our sins of indulging in undesirable acts, through
Dashendriyas. It is a Vaishnava Vratha which is greater than all Yaagaas and its power to
destroy sins is unmatched if we follow the dos and don'ts of it strictly which are given
hereunder in a nutshell. This will be called aachaara.

Dos

Donot's

1. Worship, meditate and think about HIM.

No food, water or sleep

2. Keep awake during the night of Ekaadasi

No kind of enjoyment or sensual pleasures

3. Make a sankalpa for three day vow.

No sleep during day time on Dasami,

Ekaadasi and Dwaadasi.

4. Break the fast on the Dwaadasi day as per

The first part of Dwaadasi thithi is called
rules
Harivaasara and no food to be taken during
that period.
5. On Ekaadasi take theertha only once no
tulasi to be eaten and have only angaara
Do not take meal in another person's house
mark on the forehead.
on Dasami and Dwaadasi days.
6. Tell the greatness of Ekaadasi to others.
No cooked food to be offered as
7. Perform Ekaadasi shraadha on Dwaadasi Naivedyam on Ekaadasi. No Ramaa
naivedyan.
day

8. If shraadha falls on sadhana Dwaadasi

No shraadha or homa on Ekaadasi day.
serve food to the brahmins before Dwaadasi
passes off
9. Even on vridhi, suthaka days Ekaadasi is
to be observed.
10. Even while in their periods women have
to observe Ekaadasi.

DWAADASI
Two plus ten is Dwaadasi etymologically. So the twelth day in every fortnigth is
Dwaadasi, an important day in Ekaadasi Vratha Paddhathi on which day the fast is
broken (execpt on the Shravana Dwaadasi). The Ekaadasi shraadha is to be performed
only on Dwaadasi. If there is very little Dwaadasi thithi on the day of breaking the fast it
is called Saadhana Dwaadasi or Alpha Dwaadasi. It is so called because one has to
make all our effort to observe Dwaadasi in such a short time. On Sadhana Dwaadasi day
one can take bath before Arunodaya. On other day one should not take bath before
Arunodaya. The afternoon sandhyavandanam should also be completed before sunrise.
Vaishvadeva homa, Brahma Yagna, all tharpanams to be completed within 48 minutes
before actual sunrise; and one should anticipatingly await sunrise to break the fast ready
to sip water from the right hand palm. To derive the benefits of Ekaadasi fasting
Dwaadasi parane should be observed at the scheduled time. In the Bhagavatha,
Ambareesh did the same thing. If pithru shraadha falls on Saadhana Dwaadasi brahmins
should sit for partaking food before Dwaadasi passes off.

HARIVAASARA
The last part of Dasami Viddha Ekaadasi and the first part of Dwaadasi are known as
Harivaasara. These are also auspicious and merit fasting. On Dasami harivaasara day
food is to be taken before the time mentioned in the Panchaanga since Ekaadasi will
encroach on Dasami after that time. On Dwaadasi harivaasara day, food should be taken
after the time limit mentioned since Dwaadasi may not have come before that time.
During harivaasara no homa, no tharpana, no Rama naivedya to be performed. Shri
Madhwacharya in his Sri Krishnamrutha Mahaarnava says "A thousand solar eclipes, ten
thousand Vyateepaataas and a lakh of amaavaasyas do not have on sixteenth merit of the
auspiciousness of Dwaadasi". Hence the supremacy of the Dwaadasi has the greates
punya thithi.

SANKALPA MANTRAS
1. DASAMI SANKALPA
Dashamee divase Parapte Vrathastoham Janaaradan
Thridinam Devadevesha Nirvigham Kuru Keshava
- Brahmavaivartha Puraanam
Janaardana! Today being Dasami I am ready for the three day vow. Oh, Lord! Deva
Deva! Keshava! see that no obstacles come in the way of my vow.
2. EKAADASI SANKALPA
Ekaadashyam Niraharaha Sthithvahani Parehyaham
Bhookshyaami Pundareeksha Saranam Me Bhavaachyutha
- Brihannaaradeeya Puraanam XXI - 15
After fasting on Ekaadasi I will eat on Dwaadasi, Please be my reguge Oh, Achyuta!
TWO DAY FASTING SANKALPA
Adyashvasheha Niraahaaro Bhootvaaham Dwaadashee Dine
Vidhaasye Paaranam Deva Preetho Bhava Ma maanisham
- Varaahapuraanam
I will be on a fast today and tomorrow and break the fast on Dwaadasi. Lord! may you be
pleased!
3. DWAADASI SANKALPA
Ajnaana Thimiraandhasya Vratenaanena Keshava
Praseeda Sumukho Natha jnaanadristi Prado Bhava
- Brihannaradeeya Puraanam XXI-20
Oh Lord! Keshava! I am blinded by the darkness of ignorance. By my undertaking this
fast on Ekaadasi may it please you to bless me with the light of knowledge.
Ekaadasyupavaasena Dwaadashee Paarnenacha
Yadaarjitham Mayaa Punyam Thena Preenathu Keshavah
- Brahmavaivartha Puraanam

May Lord Keshava be pleased with the merit that accured to me by fasting on Ekaadasi
and breaking the fast on Dwaadasi.

Now that the significance on Ekaadasi vow is elaborated, wast no time in joining that
select group of people who undertake shuddha upavaasa on Ekaadasi and rest assured
that the Lord will redeem us with His infinite Grace.
"Madhwamatha Siddhanthada Paddhathi bidabedi,
bidabedi, bittu kedabedi, kedabedi"

SRI KRISHNAARPANAMASTHU

Srila Prabhupad Speaking About Ekadasi snippets

There are so many rules and regulations, and if one at all wants to
understand Ka, he must follow the regulative principles described in the
authoritative literature. One can perform penance in accordance with those
principles. For example, to undergo serious penances one may observe
fasting on Janmam, the day on which Ka appeared, and on the two
days of Ekda (the eleventh day after the new moon and the eleventh day
after the full moon).
(ACBSP. Bhagavad Gita 11:54. purport extract.)
One has to perform devotional service in full tapasya, austerity. One should
fast on the two Ekda days, which fall on the eleventh day of the waxing
and waning moon, and on the birthdays of Lord Ka, Lord Rma and
Caitanya Mahprabhu. There are many such fasting days. Yogena means by
controlling the senses and mind. Yoga indriya-sayama. Yogena implies
that one is seriously absorbed in the self and is able, by development of
knowledge, to understand his constitutional position in relationship with

the Superself. In this way one becomes fixed in devotional service, and his
faith cannot be shaken by any material allurement.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam 3:27:22. purport excerpt)
rla Jva Gosvm has given quotations from many stras stating that the
rddha ceremony of oblations to the forefathers should not be performed
on Ekda tithi. When the tithi of the death anniversary falls on the Ekda
day, the rddha ceremony should be held not on Ekda but on the next
day, or dvda. In the Brahma-vaivarta Pura it is said:
ye kurvanti mahpla
rddha caikdai-dine
trayas te naraka ynti
dt bhokt ca preraka
If one performs the rddha ceremony of oblations to the forefathers on the
Ekda tithi, then the performer, the forefathers for whom the rddha is
observed, and the purohita, or the family priest who encourages the
ceremony, all go to hell.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam 7:14:23. purport excerpt)
To observe Ekda-vrata and Dvda-vrata means to please the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. Those interested in advancing in Ka
consciousness must observe Ekda-vrata regularly.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam 9:4:29. purport excerpt)
One may study the example of vratni, or vows. The injunction that one
should fast on Ekda is a permanent vow for all Vaiavas, and one should
not conclude from these verses that one may neglect the Ekda vow.
(Srimad Bhagavatam 11:12:1-2 purport excerpt)
dvdaym ekday v
vann yuyavn bhavet
pahaty ananan prayata
pto bhavati ptakt
One who hears this Bhgavatam on the Ekda or Dvda day is assured of
long life, and one who recites it with careful attention while fasting is
purified of all sinful reactions. (Srimad Bhagavatam 12:12:60.)
Rmevara: On the calendar it says it is Bhma-ekda.
Prabhupda: Bhma-ekda, yes.
Rmevara: So Ive been told that if one fasts on Bhma-ekda, that it is like

fasting on all the ekdas. Is that true?

Prabhupda: Yes. Ekda is meant for fasting, either Bhma or Arjuna. But
we cannot fast, therefore we have to take little fruits and.... Otherwise,
ekda means fasting.
Tamla Ka: If it is possible, should we go without eating at all?
Prabhupda: Yes. But dont lie down and sleep.
Mahendra: Eating mah-prasdam is also fasting.
Prabhupda: Who says?
Mahendra: You said that to Paramahasa Swami once.
Prabhupda: And you heard from Paramahasa.
Mahendra: No, I was in the room. It was when he was trying to observe
Caturmsya.
Prabhupda: I never said that.
Mahendra: Oh, okay, I must have heard wrong.
Prabhupda: If there is service and, on my fasting, service will be stopped,
then I can take. First consideration, service. Now if somebody feels weak, he
can take mah-prasda, render service.
(ACBSP. 7th June 1976, Morning Walk. Los Angeles)
ei dui-ghare prabhu ekda dine
viura naivedya mgi khila pane
SYNONYMS
ei dui-gharein these two houses; prabhuthe Lord; ekda dineon the
Ekda day; viuraof Lord Viu; naivedyafood offered to Lord Viu;
mgibegging; khilaate; panepersonally.
TRANSLATION
In their two houses Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu begged food on the Ekda
day and personally ate it.
PURPORT
The injunction to fast on Ekda is especially meant for devotees; on
Ekda there are no restrictions regarding food that may be offered to the
Lord. Lord r Caitanya Mahprabhu took the food of Lord Viu in His
ecstasy as viu-tattva.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 10:71.)
vydhi-chale jagada-hiraya-sadane
viu-naivedya khila ekda-dine
SYNONYMS
vydhi-chaleon the plea of being diseased; jagada-hirayaof the names
Jagada and Hiraya; sadanein the house of; viu-naivedyafood

offered to Lord Viu; khilaate; ekdaof Ekda; dineon the day.

TRANSLATION
Pretending to be sick, the Lord asked some food from the house of Hiraya
and Jagada on the Ekda day.
The Caitanya-bhgavata, di-khaa, Chapter Six, fully describes the Lords
accepting viu-prasdam on the Ekda day at the house of Jagada and
Hiraya. Regular prasdam is offered to Lord Viu on Ekda because
although fasting is recommended for devotees on Ekda, it is not
recommended for Lord Viu. Once on Ekda in the house of Jagada and
Hiraya Paita there were arrangements for preparing special prasdam for
Lord Viu, and Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu asked His father to go there to
ask for the viu-prasdam because He was feeling sick. The house of
Jagada and Hiraya Paita was situated about two miles from the house of
Jaganntha Mira. Therefore when Jaganntha Mira, on the request of r
Caitanya Mahprabhu, came to ask Jagada and Hiraya for the prasdam,
they were a little astonished. How could the boy understand that special
prasdam was being prepared for Lord Viu? They immediately concluded
that Nimi must have supernatural mystic power. Otherwise how could He
understand that they were preparing special prasdam? Therefore they
immediately sent the food to Lord Caitanya Mahprabhu through His father,
Jaganntha Mira. Nimi was feeling sick, but immediately after eating the
viu-prasdam He was cured, and He also distributed the prasdam among
His playmates.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 14:39.)
mt bale,ti diba, y tumi mgibe
prabhu kahe,ekdate anna n khibe
SYNONYMS
mt baleHis mother said; ti dibaI shall give that; ywhatever;
tumiYou; mgibeshould ask me; prabhu kahethe Lord said;
ekdateon the Ekda day; annagrains; ndont; khibeeat.
TRANSLATION
His mother replied, My dear son, I will give You whatever You ask. Then
the Lord said, My dear mother, please do not eat grains on the Ekda
day.
PURPORT
From the very beginning of His childhood life r Caitanya Mahprabhu
introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekda day. In the Bhaktisandarbha, by rla Jva Gosvm, there is a quotation from the Skanda
Pura admonishing that a person who eats grains on Ekda becomes a

murderer of his mother, father, brother and spiritual master, and even if he
is elevated to a Vaikuha planet, he falls down. On Ekda, everything is
cooked for Viu, including regular grains and dhal, but it is enjoined that a
Vaiava should not even take viu-prasdam on Ekda. It is said that a
Vaiava does not accept anything eatable that is not offered to Lord Viu,
but on Ekda a Vaiava should not touch even mah-prasdam offered to
Viu, although such prasdam may be kept for being eaten the next day. It
is strictly forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekda, even if it
is offered to Lord Viu.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 15:9.)
ac kahe,n khiba, bhla-i kahil
sei haite ekda karite lgil
SYNONYMS
ac kahemother ac said; n khibaI shall not take; bhla-i kahil
You have said very nicely; sei haitefrom that day; ekdaEkda day;
karite lgilbegan to observe.
TRANSLATION
Mother ac said, You have spoken very nicely. I shall not eat grains on
Ekda. From that day, she began to observe fasting on Ekda.
PURPORT
It is a prejudice among smrta-brhmaas that a widow must observe fasting
on Ekda but a woman who is sa-dhavawho has her husbandshould
not. It appears that before Lord Caitanyas request, acmt, being sa-dhava,
was not observing Ekda. r Caitanya Mahprabhu, however, introduced
the system that a woman, even if not a widow, must observe the Ekda day
and must not touch any kind of grains, even those offered to the Deity of
Viu.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 15:10.)
In the twelfth vilsa, Ekda is described. In the thirteenth vilsa, fasting is
discussed, as well as observance of the Mah-dvda ceremony. In the
fourteenth vilsa, different duties for different months are outlined. In the
fifteenth vilsa, there are instructions on how to observe Ekda fasting
without even drinking water.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya-lila 1:35.)
The Cturmsya period begins in the month of ha (JuneJuly) from the
day of Ekda called ayan-ekda, in the fortnight of the waxing moon.
The period ends in the month of Krttika (OctoberNovember) on the

Ekda day known as Utthn-ekda, in the fortnight of the waxing moon.

This four-month period is known as Cturmsya.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya-lila 4:169 purport excerpt.)
ka-prtye bhoga-tyga, ka-trthe vsa
yvan-nirvha-pratigraha, ekday-upavsa
SYNONYMS
ka-prtyefor satisfaction of Ka; bhoga-tygaacceptance and
rejection of something; ka-trthe vsaresidence in a place where Ka
is situated; yvat-nirvhaas much as required to keep the body and soul
together; pratigrahaacceptance of gifts; ekda-upavsaobservance of
fasting on the Ekda day.
TRANSLATION
The next steps are as follows: (6) One should be prepared to give up
everything for Kas satisfaction, and one should also accept everything for
Kas satisfaction. (7) One must live in a place where Ka is presenta
city like Vndvana or Mathur or a Ka temple. (8) One should acquire a
livelihood that is just sufficient to keep body and soul together. (9) One
must fast on the Ekda day.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya-lila 22:116.)
ei sabe viddh-tyga, aviddh-karaa
akarae doa, kaile bhaktira lambhana
SYNONYMS
ei sabeall these things; viddh-tygato avoid viddha-ekda or mixed
Ekda; aviddh-karaaperforming the pure Ekda; akarae doathe
fault of not performing them; kaileif done so; bhaktira lambhanathere
will be discrepancies in devotional service.
TRANSLATION
You should recommend the avoidance of mixed Ekda and the
performance of pure Ekda. You should also describe the fault in not
observing Ekda. One should be very careful as far as these items are
concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing
devotional service.
(ACBSP. Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya-lila 24:342.)
Observing Fasting on Ekda
In the Brahma-vaivarta Pura it is said that one who observes fasting on
Ekda day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and
advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase

ones faith and love for Govinda, or Ka. The real reason for observing
fasting on Ekda is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our
time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service.
The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda
and to hear His holy name constantly.
(ACBSP. Nectar of Devotion chapter 7.)
One such occasion for remembrance is Ekda, which comes twice a month
on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all
the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant
the glories of the Lord.
(ACBSP. Nectar of Devotion chapter 26.)
Ecstatic love for Ka is also aroused on the days of Ekda, which are
other festive days in connection with Ka.
(ACBSP. Nectar of Devotion chapter 26.)
On Ekda day, one should increase ones chanting of Hare Ka:
One should generally accept the following principles to properly execute
devotional service: (9) observe fasting on Ekda day. (This occurs on
the eleventh day after the full moon and the eleventh day after the new
moon. On such days no grains, cereals or beans are eaten; simply vegetables
and milk are moderately taken, and chanting Hare Ka and reading
scriptures are increased.)
Teachings of Lord Caitanya
So one should execute Ka consciousness, dharmata, in right path, and
vratai. Bhajante m dha-vrat. Just like today, ekda-vrata. Vratai.
This ekda-vrata is required. Just see. Here it is that You have performed
all the vratas. The purpose of ekda-vrata is that today we should not eat
much usual food, grains. The actual prescription is fasting. Nirjala-ekda.
Nirjala means there are many devotees who does not take even water. Water,
drinking water, according to stra, it is taking food... It is drinking of food
or no food. We can take both ways. So sometimes drinking of water is
excused as upavsa also. But there are many devotees who even..., drink
even a drop of water. Whole day and night they fast and observe ekdavrata. And the night is called harivsara. Harivsara means the whole night
they would chant Hare Ka, Hare Ka, Ka Ka, Hare Hare/ Hare
Rma, Hare Rma... This is called vrata. Dha-vrata. Dha-vrata.

(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam lecture 1:5:1-8. 23rd May 1969. New

Vrindavan.)
Just like... The, everything is described in the Bhagavad-gt. Just like in
hospital. In hospital there are many patients, they are not eating anything on
the Ekda day. Does it mean that is observing Ekda? He is simply
hankering after, When I shall eat, when I shall eat, when I shall eat?. But
these students, they voluntarily dont eat anything. We, we dont say that
you dont eat anything. Some fruits, some flowers. Thats all. So para dv
nivartate. Just like a child. He has got in his hand something hes eating. and
if you give him better thing, he will throw away the inferior thing and will
take that better thing. So here is Ka consciousness, this better
engagement, better life, better philosophy, better consciousness, everything
better. Therefore they can give up the sinful activities of life and that will
promote to Ka consciousness.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam lecture 1:8:30. 22nd April 1973. Los Angeles)
Absolute, then you must agree to certain type of tapasya. Otherwise it is not
possible. The preliminary little tapasya. Just like ekda. That is also item of
the tapasya. Actually on the ekda days we shall not take any food, even
drink water. But in our society we are not doing so much strictly. We say,
Ekda, you dont take food grains. Take little fruit, milk. This is tapasya.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam lecture 3:12:19. 3rd March 1975. Dallas TX
USA)
The Ekda, why we observe? To become pure.
(ACBSP. Srimad Bhagavatam lecture 7:9:8. 21st October 1968. Seatle.)
So any way, you can help this movement and do the welfare activities for
India and outside India. So that is my request. I welcome you. Of course,
today is ekda. We are, mostly we are fasting. Some prasdam will be
given. So it is not the question of prasdam; it is the question of the
important work we are taking in hand, how to spread a God consciousness
movement. Otherwise, you will never be happy.
(ACBSP. Cornerstone laying 23rd January 1975. Bombay.)
This is called tapasya. Just like Ekda daythere is no eating sumptuously.
Simply you take little fruits and flowers. Try to avoid that also. You dont
take even water. That is really ekda. But because we cannot do itin the
Kali-yuga the time is differenttherefore we are allowed to take little fruit

and milk, which is called anukalpa. These are different methods of tapasya.
(ACBSP. Pandal program Bombay 7th April 1971.)
Devotee: On ekda, we can offer the Deity grains?
Prabhupda: Oh yes. But not guru. Ekda observed by jva-tattva, not by
Viu-tattva. We are fasting for clearing our material disease, but RdhKa, Caitanya Mahprabhu... Caitanya Mahprabhu also may not be
offered grains because He is playing the part of a devotee. Only RdhKa, Jaganntha can be offered grains. Otherwise, Guru-Gaurga, no.
And the prasdam should not be taken by anyone. It should be kept for next
day.
(ACBSP. Room Conversation 22nd April 1972. Japan.)
Guest: (Sanskrit or Hindi: Ka is offered tmbla in the temple.)
Prabhupda: No, Ka can take.
Guest: Yes. And that prasda of Bhagavn r Ka...
Prabhupda: Yes.
Guest: ...the devotees can take also...
Prabhupda: No, prasdam, according to our principle... Just like on Ekda
day, we do not accept even prasdam. Anna. We keep it. So prasdam... Just
like on Ekda anna is prohibited, but not the Deity. Deitys offered anna,
but we cannot take the prasdam even. So following strictly the principle,
even tmbla is offered to Ka, it is not for us. Yes. Strictly following the
principle. The same example... Just like on Ekda day, anna is offered to
Ka, but we dont take.
Guest: The devotees are not allowed.
Prabhupda: Not allowed, yes.
Guest: cch.
(ACBSP. Room Conversation 11th July 1973. London.)
Tamla Ka: Sometimes we have heard that ekda is a inauspicious
alignment of the planets and therefore one has to counteract this
inauspiciousness by more chanting.
Prabhupda: (laughs) No, no. It is the most auspicious. And chanting is
more effective. [break] Yes.
Tamla Ka: I remember you were instructing once that all of your
initiated disciples should chant twenty-five rounds...
Prabhupda: Minimum.
Tamla Ka: Minimum on this day. Is that a rule that we should all follow
in our temples?

Prabhupda: We are sixteen rounds.

Tamla Ka: No, I mean on ekda.
Prabhupda: Oh yes. Ekda, simply you should chant. No other business.
Nirjala.
Tamla Ka: No preaching work? Should they go out for preaching?
Prabhupda: No, those who are preaching, not for them. Those who are
sitting idle, or they... (laughter) [break] ...has no other regulation, simply
preaching. A preacher is so exalted. He hasnt got to follow any regulation.
But dont take it. (laughter) And actually if one is busy in preaching work,
that is first-class. [break] ...not my manufactured word, my Guru Mahrja,
that the... That Mdhava Mahrja, when he was a brahmacr, his name was
Hayagrva. So he was to go somewhere. So but he was sick. Guru Mahrja
was informed that he was sick and Today is ekda. He cannot take his
regular meals. So Guru Mahrja said, No. Let him take immediately meals
and go.
Revatnandana: For preaching. [break]
Tamla Ka: ...Mahrja would sacrifice everything for preaching.
Prabhupda: Oh yes. [break] He was not pleased with Bon Mahrja, He
could not do anything. [break]
(ACBSP. Morning Walk. 5th July 1975. Chichago)
Tamla Ka: We should always chant twenty-five rounds on ekda if
initiated.
Prabhupda: Initiated? Everyone. Why initiated?
Tamla Ka: So that should be standard for our movement on ekda day?
Prabhupda: Standard is sixteen, but if one can chant more, then he is
welcome.
Tamla Ka: Its not mandatory for ekda.
Jayapatk: Recommended.
Prabhupda: No. Ekda means that, fasting and chanting.
Tamla Ka: Sometimes Im wondering, because our men have to go out
on book distribution.
Prabhupda: No, no. That is also preaching work. For that purpose you can
stop this, but generally, one who has no preaching work, he can chant.
(ACBSP. Morning Walk. 11th February 1976. Mayapur.)
Rmevara: On the calendar it says it is Bhma-ekda.
Prabhupda: Bhma-ekda, yes.
Rmevara: So Ive been told that if one fasts on Bhma-ekda, that it is like
fasting on all the ekdas. Is that true?

Prabhupda: Yes. Ekda is meant for fasting, either Bhma or Arjuna. But
we cannot fast, therefore we have to take little fruits and.... Otherwise,
ekda means fasting.
Tamla Ka: If it is possible, should we go without eating at all?
Prabhupda: Yes. But dont lie down and sleep.
(ACBSP. Morning Walk. 7th June 1976. Los Angeles.)
But if they develop Ka consciousness, this will be automatically no. So
dont bring many nos, but give them positive life. Then it will be
automatically no. And if you say no, that will be a struggle. This is the
psychology. Positive engagement is devotional service. So if they are
attracted by devotional service, other things will be automatically no.
Para dv nivartate. Just like Ekda day. Ekda day, we observe
fasting. And there are many patients in the hospital, they are also fasting. But
theyll No, no. Theyll, within heart, If I get, I shall eat, I shall eat. But
those who are devotee, they voluntarily no. The same fasting is going on
for the devotees and the hospital patient. And that no and this no, there
is difference. Para dv nivartate. It is not meant for the mass of people,
but at least if we keep a section of people ideal to the human society, they
will be guided. At the present moment, there is no ideal section. Everyone is
rascal, demons, rogues, everything. There is no ideal character. All
politicians, scientists, leaders, they are all drunkards and woman-hunters. So
what they can lead? There is no ideal man in the society. The politicians are
giving big, big speech in the United Nations. Theyll go to the same hotel
where another debauchee is dancing and drinking. Thats all. That is his
character. Is it not? So what he will do? We can give a very big speech, thats
all. What is his character? There is no ideal character in the present human
society. Do they appreciate our, these restrictions?
Bhagavn: Our restrictions? Yes, they are impressed. They sometimes write
about the Gurukula that we are treating roughly the children by making
them so austere. But every time they show the picture, the children are
always happy.
(ACBSP. Room Conversation. 31st July 1976. New Mayapur - French farm.)
Prabhupda: Oh, yes. Vegetable, fruits, very innocent, little milk. Thats all.
Even if you dont eat these foodgrains, that is preferred. Better. Vegetable
and fruits and milk, that is sufficient nutritious. There is no question of
disease. But for our tongue taste we eat so many cooked food, but if we eat
vegetables, boiled vegetables and fruits and milk, ah, it is sufficient. Ekda.
(laughter) Daily ekda.

And these peanuts, a few grains. Not much. That is also nice. Cashew,
peanut. Yes. So thank you very much. You are working so much for Caitanya
Mahprabhus mission. Yre dekha tre kaha ka-upadea [Cc. Madhya
7.128]. Bas. You become a guru. Actually you are doing the gurus work.
(ACBSP. Room Conversation. 22nd August 1976. Hyderabad.)
Prabhupda: I stress on this cleanliness very much. If they keep unclean, I
chastise them like anything. (laughing) They have learned this art. I always
say, Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Mr. Malhotra: About two years back, two, three of your devotees came to
our house here. Naturally we offered them, Would you like to have coffee,
tea? They said, No. Then we said, Would you like to have Coca-cola.
They said, No. Then I said, What would you like to have, milk? Yes.
Lassi, chach?(?) Yes. Fruit. Yes. It happened so that Girirja came to us
twice, and twice it was this ekda. Now ekda day they are not supposed
to eat this wheat or flour or anything. So when last we came to Bangleswara
(?), so we brought some paras with this gobi(?) in it.
Prabhupda: Ekda.
Mr. Malhotra: We didnt know about ekda. When we came to
Mahabaleswar, we opened. They said No, we cant eat because it is ekda.
So we said that No you wont eat, so it looks odd that we should eat. But
we were very hungry, you know. In the morning we didnt take anything.
We said All right, we eat, now we will go to the bazaar and see if we could
get something. Then we went to Mahabaleswar, it was all closed, because it
was raining season. And then there was one shop which had bananas, good
amount of bananas. So we took one dozen or two dozen bananas, and then...
Prabhupda: Banana is very good. You can make banana and potato. Potato
boil and mixed with banana, and make nice puri. And then...
Mr. Malhotra: How Girirja, I just ask you, how you took to all these good
things of life? I mean in natural form or with some self-discipline or with
some coercion or with some what?
Girirja: It was Prabhupdas mercy. I was looking for a guru. Actually
whenever I heard there was a swami or a yogi, I would always go, even
hundreds of miles. But I was never satisfied. But rla Prabhupda perfectly
satisfied all of my questions. And I liked the process, chanting, dancing,
taking prasdam, offering rati, and I liked the devotees. It was very
pleasing. So I immediately decided this is my real life.
Mr. Malhotra: No, but not taking any wheat, like on ekda day, all such
things.
Girirja: Thats training. Once we surrender to the spiritual master, then he

trains us in the process of spiritual life.

Prabhupda: Sdhu-mrgnugamanam, dau gurvraya sad-dharmapccht sdhu-mrgnugamanam.(?) These are the process.
Mr. Malhotra: Sdhu-mrga.
Prabhupda: Sdhu-mrga.
Girirja: We study the stras every morning and evening in all of our
centers, so we become educated. [break]
(ACBSP. Room Conversation. 22nd December 1976. Poona.)
Dr. Patel: (Hindu) But even you get the same thing by (Hindi). So Vaiava
cult is easier than getting the mind blank and then getting all in the...
Because here your mind is engaged to Lord Himself. It is... We call as
samdhi.
Prabhupda: Para dv nivartate. Just like a man is observing Ekda,
fasting. Another, in the hospital, hes also fasting. So these two fastings, they
are different.
Dr. Patel: Here fasting of all the senses and applying to God.
Prabhupda: For satisfaction of Ka. And there compulsory fasting, but he
has got desire. So para dv nivartate. When you get better taste, when
you stop this nonsense for better taste, that is positive. Artificially, if you do,
it will not benefit.
Dr. Patel: Ekda, according to the Puras and the stories, all the eleven
senses should be withdrawn from their sense objects...
Prabhupda: No, Ekda, that is automatically... By Ekda is one of the
process for... (Hindi)
Indian (2): (Hindi)
(ACBSP. Room Conversation. 5th January 1977. Bombay.)
Prabhupda: Therefore ekda. One day or two days in the month he should
practice fasting, and then hell be able to conquer over these things. These
are all practical. So we should practice ourself and teach others. This is
Ka consciousness movement. And if he thinks that hes quite all right in
this material atmosphere, then hes doomed. Mha nbhijnti. That
means aprpya mmwithout achieving Kanivartanteagain he goes
backmtyu-sasra-vartmani [Bg. 9.3]the cycle of birth and death. Take
one birth, suffer, again take another body, again take another body, another
body. There are 400..., eight million four hundred... Thats all. Sometimes
so-called happiness, he is born as demigod, sometimes as dog, sometimes as
insect, sometimes as tree. What is this business? I am eternal. Why shall I
suffer this? This is sense. They are simply trying how to become a hog, how

to become a dog, or how to become a god. God you cannot become. You
may have some partial happiness just like the demigods. They have got
power. They have got high standard of living.
(ACBSP. Evening Room Conversation. 25th January 1977. Puri.)
So far the Advent Day of Lord Caitanya is concerned, I have written a full
suggestion to Montreal, in which the main points are that we should all
observe strict fasting up till moonrise, and at that time, an offering is made
to Lord Caitanya of Ekadasi foods, fruits, peanuts, milk, and so forth. Then,
on the next day, Friday the 15th, a full-scale feast is held to celebrate His
Advent Day. On the 14th, chanting, reading of Srila Bhaktivinode's book,
Life and Precepts and Caitanya Caritamrta, Introduction to Bhagavatam, may
be held all the day in the Temple.
(ACBSP. Letter to Balai. 12th March 1968. San Francisco)
Regarding you first question, we observe Ekadasi from sunrise to sunrise.
The 12 midnight is western astronomical calculation, but the Vedic
astronomical calculation begins either from the sunrise or the moonrise.
Generally it is sunrise. Our calculation is like this: when the sunrise is there,
Ekadasi tithi (date) must be there. If Ekadasi tithi is not in the sunrise and
the tithi begins, say after a few minutes after the sunrise, then we accept that
day as previous to Ekadasi. All our ceremonies are calculated in that way.
This means we must see the tithi during sunrise. Therefore, sometimes our
dates of ceremonies do not exactly coincide like the western calculations.
Just like Christmas Day they have fixed up on the 25th December, but our
Janmastami tithi is not fixed up like that. My birthday is on the 1st
September, 1896, but this year the tithi of my birthday was fixed for the 4th
September. So it is very difficult to calculate, therefore we have to take help
from the Indian expert almanac astronomers.
(ACBSP. Letter to Madhudvisa 30th September 1969. England.)
I have duly received the bananas you sent, and you can send me these dried
bananas tons and tons. It is very useful and can be nicely used for our
Ekadasi foodstuffs. After drying the bananas you can make powder, just like
flour, and out of this you can prepare puris, halava, pakoras and other fruit
products.
(ACBSP. Letter to Govinda. 27th October 1969. Tittenhurst, John Lennon's
place.)

Srimati Jayasri Dasi sent me some dried banana chips and they are very nice
for my Ekadasi food. Is it possible to send us in large quantity this foodstuff?
If not, please try to send me at least one small packet like that every
fortnight. It is very nice. The mango pulp, a sample of which was also sent to
me, I don't think it has come out very nice, so there is no need of sending it.
(ACBSP. Letter to Gaurasundara. 20th November 1969. London.)
Why just 25 rounds? You should chant as many as possible. Real Ekadasi
means fasting and chanting and no other business. When one observes
fasting, the chanting becomes easier. So on Ekadasi other business can be
suspended as far as possible unless there is some urgent business.
(ACBSP. Letter to Jadurani. 9th July 1971. Los Amgeles.)
Gaura Purnima instruction:
No feasting in the evening of Caitanya's birthday. Fasting all day till evening
moon rise. Then take Prasadam like Ekadasi. Next day you can have full
swing feasting. On the birthday if can take a procession of Kirtana on the
street it is very nice.
(ACBSP. Letter to Rayaram. September unknown date or place.)

More Quotes:
From: "Mahesh"
Subject: EKADASI posted on Hindu Priesthood group
To join send mailto:HinduPriesthood-owner@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 15:04:06 -0000
EKADASI
SB 4.28.35-36
We can definitely see that to advance in Krsna consciousness one must control his bodily
weight. If one becomes too fat, it is to be assumed that he is not advancing spiritually.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura severely criticized his fat disciples. The idea is
that one who intends to advance in Krsna consciousness must not eat very much.
Devotees used to go to forests, high hills or mountains on pilgrimages, but such severe
austerities are not possible in these days. One should instead eat only prasada and no
more than required. ACCORDING TO THE VAISNAVA CALENDAR, THERE ARE
MANY FASTS, SUCH AS EKADASI AND THE APPEARANCE AND
DISAPPEARANCE DAYS OF GOD AND HIS DEVOTEES. ALL OF THESE ARE
MEANT TO DECREASE THE FAT WITHIN THE BODY SO THAT ONE WILL NOT
SLEEP MORE THAN DESIRED AND WILL NOT BECOME INACTIVE AND

LAZY. Overindulgence in food will cause a man to sleep more than required. This
human form of life is meant for austerity, and austerity means controlling sex, food
intake, etc. In this way time can be saved for spiritual activity, and one can purify himself
both externally and internally. Thus both body and mind can be cleansed.
SB 7.14.20-23
Visuva, or Visuva-sankranti, means Mesa-sankranti, or the day on which the sun enters
the sign Aries. Tula-sankranti is the day on which the sun enters the sign Libra. Both of
these days occur only once within a year. The word yoga refers to a certain relationship
between the sun and moon as they move in the sky. There are twenty-seven different
degrees of yoga, of which the seventeenth is called Vyatipata. On the day when this
occurs, one should perform the sraddha ceremony. A TITHI, OR LUNAR DAY,
CONSISTS OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE LONGITUDE OF THE SUN AND
THAT OF THE MOON. SOMETIMES A TITHI IS LESS THAN TWENTY-FOUR
HOURS. WHEN IT STARTS AFTER SUNRISE ON A CERTAIN DAY AND ENDS
BEFORE THE SUNRISE OF THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE PREVIOUS TITHI AND
THE FOLLOWING TITHI BOTH "TOUCH" THE TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR DAY
BETWEEN THE SUNRISES. THIS IS CALLED TRYAHA-SPARSA, OR A DAY
TOUCHED BY SOME PORTION OF THREE TITHIS.

Srila Jiva Gosvami has given quotations from many sastras stating that the sraddha
ceremony of oblations to the forefathers should not be performed on Ekadasi tithi.
WHEN THE TITHI OF THE DEATH ANNIVERSARY FALLS ON THE EKADASI
DAY, THE SRADDHA CEREMONY SHOULD BE HELD NOT ON EKADASI BUT
ON THE NEXT DAY, OR DVADASI. In the Brahma-vaivarta purana it is said:
ye kurvanti mahipala
sraddham caikadasi-dine
trayas te narakam yanti
data bhokta ca prerakah
IF ONE PERFORMS THE SRADDHA CEREMONY OF OBLATIONS TO THE
FOREFATHERS ON THE EKADASI TITHI, THEN THE PERFORMER, THE
FOREFATHERS FOR WHOM THE SRADDHA IS OBSERVED, AND THE
PUROHITA, OR THE FAMILY PRIEST WHO ENCOURAGES THE CEREMONY,
ALL GO TO HELL.
69-09-30. Letter: Madhudvisa
REGARDING YOU FIRST QUESTION, WE OBSERVE EKADASI FROM SUNRISE
TO SUNRISE. THE 12 MIDNIGHT IS WESTERN ASTRONOMICAL
CALCULATION, BUT THE VEDIC ASTRONOMICAL CALCULATION BEGINS
EITHER FROM THE SUNRISE OR THE MOONRISE. GENERALLY IT IS
SUNRISE. OUR CALCULATION IS LIKE THIS: WHEN THE SUNRISE IS THERE,
EKADASI TITHI (DATE) MUST BE THERE. IF EKADASI TITHI IS NOT IN THE
SUNRISE AND THE TITHI BEGINS, SAY AFTER A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE

SUNRISE, THEN WE ACCEPT THAT DAY AS PREVIOUS TO EKADASI. ALL

OUR CEREMONIES ARE CALCULATED IN THAT WAY. THIS MEANS WE
MUST SEE THE TITHI DURING SUNRISE. THEREFORE, SOMETIMES OUR
DATES OF CEREMONIES DO NOT EXACTLY COINCIDE LIKE THE WESTERN
CALCULATIONS. JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS DAY THEY HAVE FIXED UP ON THE
25TH DECEMBER, BUT OUR JANMASTAMI TITHI IS NOT FIXED UP LIKE
THAT. MY BIRTHDAY IS ON THE 1ST SEPTEMBER, 1896, BUT THIS YEAR THE
TITHI OF MY BIRTHDAY WAS FIXED FOR THE 4TH SEPTEMBER. SO IT IS
VERY DIFFICULT TO CALCULATE, THEREFORE WE HAVE TO TAKE HELP
FROM THE INDIAN EXPERT ALMANAC ASTRONOMERS.
70-04-29. Letter: Pradyumna
2. WHEN THERE IS AN IMPORTANT DVADASI, THE EKADASI FASTING IS
TRANSFERRED ON THE DVADASI, AND THIS IS CALLED MAHADVADASI.
THE 26TH OCTOBER, 1970, IS ACTUALLY DVADASI, SO THE FASTING IS
OBSERVED TOGETHER, OR EKADASI FASTING IS DISREGARDED, AND THE
DVADASI (MAHADVADASI) FASTING IS TAKEN AS IMPORTANT.
You were give this old Panjika just to consult the names and spelling only. The dates are
different, so whatever date I have given, that is correct. WHY YOU ARE SEARCHING
BYANJALI DVADASI IN THIS LAST YEAR'S PANJIKA? WHAT I HAVE GIVEN
IS FROM THIS YEAR'S PANJIKA, SO EVERYTHING WILL NOT COLLABORATE.
5. 7th February, 1971--Varaha-Dvadasi, I have explained the position in regard to #2.
6. SO FAR DETERMINING EKADASI IT IS COUNTED 11 DAYS AFTER THE
FULL MOON AND 11 DAYS AFTER THE NEW MOON, BUT SOMETIMES IT SO
HAPPENS AS YOU HAVE NOTED ONE DAY LATER. HOWEVER, WHAT I HAVE
GIVEN IS CORRECT.
SB 8.16.25
AS WE GENERALLY PERFORM DEVOTIONAL SERVICE ON EKADASI BY NOT
EATING GRAINS, IT IS GENERALLY RECOMMENDED THAT ON DVADASI
ONE NOT CONSUME ANYTHING BUT MILK.
SB 9.4 Summary Ambarisa Maharaja Offended by Durvasa Muni
Once Maharaja Ambarisa was worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead in
Vrndavana, observing the vow of Dvadasi. ON DVADASI, THE DAY AFTER
EKADASI, WHEN HE WAS ABOUT TO BREAK HIS EKADASI FAST, the great
mystic yogi Durvasa appeared in his house and became his guest. King Ambarisa
respectfully received Durvasa Muni, and Durvasa Muni, after accepting his invitation to
eat there, went to bathe in the Yamuna River at noontime. Because he was absorbed in
samadhi, he did not come back very soon. Maharaja Ambarisa, however, upon SEEING
THAT THE TIME TO BREAK THE FAST WAS PASSING, DRANK A LITTLE
WATER, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADVICE OF LEARNED BRAHMANAS,
JUST TO OBSERVE THE FORMALITY OF BREAKING THE FAST.

SB 9.4.29
TO OBSERVE EKADASI-VRATA AND DVADASI-VRATA MEANS TO PLEASE
THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD. THOSE INTERESTED IN
ADVANCING IN KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MUST OBSERVE EKADASI-VRATA
REGULARLY.
Adi 10.71
In their two houses Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu begged food on the Ekadasi day and
personally ate it.
Adi 10.71
THE INJUNCTION TO FAST ON EKADASI IS ESPECIALLY MEANT FOR
DEVOTEES; ON EKADASI THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS REGARDING FOOD
THAT MAY BE OFFERED TO THE LORD. LORD SRI CAITANYA
MAHAPRABHU TOOK THE FOOD OF LORD VISNU IN HIS ECSTASY AS
VISNU-TATTVA.
Adi 14.39
The Caitanya-bhagavata, Adi-lila, Chapter Six, fully describes the Lord's accepting
visnu-prasada on the Ekadasi day at the house of Jagadisa and Hiranya. REGULAR
PRASADA IS OFFERED TO LORD VISNU ON EKADASI BECAUSE, WHILE
FASTING IS RECOMMENDED FOR DEVOTEES ON EKADASI, IT IS NOT
RECOMMENDED FOR LORD VISNU.
Adi 15.9
From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the
system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. IN THE BHAKTI-SANDARBHA, BY
SRILA JIVA GOSVAMI, THERE IS A QUOTATION FROM THE SKANDA
PURANA ADMONISHING THAT A PERSON WHO EATS GRAINS ON EKADASI
BECOMES A MURDERER OF HIS MOTHER, FATHER, BROTHER AND
SPIRITUAL MASTER, AND EVEN IF HE IS ELEVATED TO A VAIKUNTHA
PLANET, HE FALLS DOWN. ON EKADASI, EVERYTHING IS COOKED FOR
VISNU, INCLUDING REGULAR GRAINS AND DAHI, BUT IT IS ENJOINED
THAT A VAISNAVA SHOULD NOT EVEN TAKE VISNU-PRASADA ON
EKADASI. IT IS SAID THAT A VAISNAVA DOES NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING
EATABLE THAT IS NOT OFFERED TO LORD VISNU, BUT ON EKADASI A
VAISNAVA SHOULD NOT TOUCH EVEN MAHA-PRASADA OFFERED TO
VISNU, ALTHOUGH SUCH PRASADA MAY BE KEPT FOR BEING EATEN THE
NEXT DAY. IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN FOR ONE TO ACCEPT ANY KIND OF
GRAIN ON EKADASI, EVEN IF IT IS OFFERED TO LORD VISNU.
Adi 15.10
It is a PREJUDICE AMONGST SMARTA-BRAHMANAS that a widow must observe
fasting on Ekadasi but a woman who has her husband should not. It appears that before
the request of Lord Caitanya Sacimata was not observing Ekadasi because of her being
sa-dhava, which means that her husband was living. SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU,

HOWEVER, INTRODUCED THE SYSTEM THAT A WOMAN, EVEN IF NOT A

WIDOW, MUST OBSERVE THE EKADASI DAY AND MUST NOT TOUCH ANY
KIND OF GRAINS, EVEN THOSE OFFERED TO THE DEITY OF VISNU.
Adi 15.16
BETEL NUTS ARE AN INTOXICANT, and therefore the regulative principles prohibit
eating them. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's pastime of fainting after eating betel nuts is a
solid instruction to all of us that ONE SHOULD NOT TOUCH BETEL NUTS, EVEN
THOSE OFFERED TO VISNU, JUST AS ONE SHOULD NOT TOUCH GRAINS ON
THE EKADASI DAY.
Madhya 4.169
THE CATURMASYA PERIOD BEGINS IN THE MONTH OF ASADHA (JUNEJULY) FROM THE DAY OF EKADASI CALLED SAYANA-EKADASI, IN THE
FORTNIGHT OF THE WAXING MOON. THE PERIOD ENDS IN THE MONTH OF
KARTIKA (OCTOBER-NOVEMBER) ON THE EKADASI DAY KNOWN AS
UTTHANA-EKADASI, IN THE FORTNIGHT OF THE WAXING MOON. THIS
FOUR-MONTH PERIOD IS KNOWN AS CATURMASYA. Some Vaisnavas also
observe it from the full-moon day of Asadha until the full-moon day of Kartika. That is
also a period of four months. This period, calculated by the lunar months, is called
Caturmasya, but others also observe Caturmasya according to the solar month from
Sravana to Kartika. The whole period, either lunar or solar, takes place during the rainy
season. Caturmasya should be observed by all sections of the population. It does not
matter whether one is a grhastha or a sannyasi. The observance is obligatory for all
asramas. The real purpose behind the vow taken during these four months is to minimize
the quantity of sense gratification. This is not very difficult. In the month of Sravana one
should not eat spinach, in the month of Bhadra one should not eat yogurt, and in the
month of Asvina one should not drink milk. One should not eat fish or other
nonvegetarian food during the month of Kartika. A nonvegetarian diet means fish and
meat. Similarly, masura dal and urad dal are also considered nonvegetarian. These two
dals contain a great amount of protein, and food rich in protein is considered
nonvegetarian. On the whole, during the four-month period of Caturmasya one should
practice giving up all food intended for sense enjoyment.
Madhya 24.342
"YOU SHOULD RECOMMEND THE AVOIDANCE OF MIXED EKADASI AND
THE PERFORMANCE OF PURE EKADASI. YOU SHOULD ALSO DESCRIBE THE
FAULT IN NOT OBSERVING THIS. One should be very careful as far as these items
are concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing devotional service.
CAITANYA-CARITAMRTA CONCLUDING WORDS
TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1974--CORRESPONDING TO THE 10TH OF
KARTIKKA, CAITANYA ERA 488, THE ELEVENTH DAY OF THE DARK
FORTNIGHT, THE RAMA-EKADASI--we have now finished the English translation of
Sri Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami' s Sri Caitanya-caritamrta in accordance with the

authorised order of His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Gosvami

Maharaja, my beloved eternal spiritual master, guide and friend.
TLC12
However, one should generally accept the following principles to properly execute
devotional service: (1) take shelter of a bona fide spiritual master, (2) receive initiation
from the spiritual master, (3) serve the spiritual master, (4) inquire and learn love from
the spiritual master, (5) follow in the footsteps of holy persons devoted to the
transcendental loving service of the Lord, (6) prepare to give up all kinds of enjoyment
and miseries for the satisfaction of Krsna, (7) live in a place where Krsna had His
pastimes, (8) be satisfied by whatever is sent by Krsna for the maintenance of the body
and hanker for no more, (9) OBSERVE FASTING ON EKADASI DAY (THIS
OCCURS ON THE ELEVENTH DAY AFTER THE FULL MOON AND THE
ELEVENTH DAY AFTER THE NEW MOON. ON SUCH DAYS NO GRAINS,
CEREALS OR BEANS ARE EATEN; SIMPLY VEGETABLES AND MILK ARE
MODERATELY TAKEN, AND CHANTING HARE KRSNA AND READING
SCRIPTURES ARE INCREASED.),
TLC 16
Lord Caitanya also explained the symptoms of a holy man and the process of satisfying
the sage and rejecting the society of undesirable persons. The Lord also advised that one
should hear Srimad-Bhagavatam constantly. Also to be followed are duties of the day and
duties of the fortnight, as well as fasting on Ekadasi day. ONE MUST ALSO FOLLOW
THE DUTIES OF THE MONTH AND OBSERVE CEREMONIES LIKE THE
BIRTHDAY OF THE LORD, THE THREE SPECIFIC DATES OF FASTING
EKADASI, JANMASTAMI, VAMANADVADASI, SRI RAMANAVAMI AND
NRSIMHACATURDASI. WHEN THE FAST DAYS OVERLAP WITH OTHER DAYS
(VIDDHA), THEY ARE HELPFUL IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF DEVOTIONAL
SERVICE.
NoD 7
IN THE BRAHMA-VAIVARTA PURANA IT IS SAID THAT ONE WHO OBSERVES
FASTING ON EKADASI DAY IS FREED FROM ALL KINDS OF REACTIONS TO
SINFUL ACTIVITIES AND ADVANCES IN PIOUS LIFE. THE BASIC PRINCIPLE
IS NOT JUST TO FAST, BUT TO INCREASE ONE'S FAITH AND LOVE FOR
GOVINDA, OR KRSNA. THE REAL REASON FOR OBSERVING FASTING ON
EKADASI IS TO MINIMIZE THE DEMANDS OF THE BODY AND TO ENGAGE
OUR TIME IN THE SERVICE OF THE LORD BY CHANTING OR PERFORMING
SIMILAR SERVICE. THE BEST THING TO DO ON FASTING DAYS IS TO
REMEMBER THE PASTIMES OF GOVINDA AND TO HEAR HIS HOLY NAME
CONSTANTLY.