Mokshada Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi (lunar day) in both the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the moon. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with its own unique significance and spiritual benefits.

The word 'Ekadashi' is derived from Sanskrit, where 'Eka' means one and 'Dasha' means ten, signifying the eleventh day. This day is considered highly auspicious for fasting, meditation, and spiritual practices in Hinduism.

Observing Ekadashi vrat (fast) is believed to purify the body and mind, remove negative karma, and bring one closer to the divine. It is said that fasting on Ekadashi helps in controlling the senses and developing self-discipline.

Ekadashi is considered one of the most auspicious days for spiritual practices. It is believed that on this day, the mind is naturally inclined towards spiritual activities, making it easier to focus on prayer, meditation, and devotion.

According to Hindu scriptures, observing Ekadashi vrat helps in cleansing the body of toxins and the mind of negative thoughts. It is said to promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

Each Ekadashi is associated with a specific deity and has unique benefits. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to bring blessings, remove obstacles, and help in achieving moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death.

Mokshada Ekadashi, also known as Gita Jayanti, is one of the most significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It falls on the Ekadashi tithi of Margashirsha Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of the Margashirsha month).

This Ekadashi is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna imparted the divine knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The word 'Mokshada' means 'giver of liberation' or 'bestower of moksha'.

Observing Mokshada Ekadashi vrat is believed to grant liberation (moksha) to ancestors and bring spiritual enlightenment to the devotee. It is said that those who observe this Ekadashi with devotion receive the blessings of Lord Krishna and attain salvation.

Mokshada Ekadashi holds special significance as it commemorates the day when Lord Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita, the divine song containing the essence of all Vedic knowledge, to Arjuna.

This Ekadashi is believed to grant moksha (liberation) not only to the observer but also to their ancestors. It is said that observing this vrat helps in freeing departed souls from the cycle of birth and death.

The day is considered highly auspicious for reading, studying, and understanding the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Devotees believe that spiritual practices performed on this day yield manifold benefits.

• Begin the fast from sunrise on Ekadashi day and break it on the next day (Dwadashi) after sunrise.
• Avoid consuming grains, beans, and certain vegetables like onions and garlic on Ekadashi.
• Consume only fruits, milk, nuts, and root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes during the fast.
• Spend the day in prayer, meditation, reading scriptures, and chanting mantras.
• Visit temples and perform puja to Lord Vishnu, who is particularly worshipped on Ekadashi.
• Maintain celibacy and avoid negative thoughts, anger, and arguments on this day.
• Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy as an act of charity.
• Stay awake during the night of Ekadashi (Jagran) and engage in spiritual activities.
• Break the fast (Parana) on Dwadashi day after sunrise, preferably during the prescribed time window.
• Maintain a positive and peaceful mindset throughout the day.

• Wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
• Observe a complete fast or consume only fruits and milk throughout the day.
• Read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita, especially chapters that resonate with you.
• Visit a Vishnu temple and perform puja to Lord Krishna.
• Chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' or 'Hare Krishna' mantras throughout the day.
• Meditate on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and reflect on its wisdom.
• Perform charity by donating food, clothes, or money to the needy.
• Stay awake during the night (Jagran) and engage in kirtan, bhajan, or spiritual discussions.
• Break the fast on Dwadashi day after sunrise during the prescribed Parana time.
• Maintain a pure and devotional mindset, focusing on the divine teachings of Lord Krishna.

• Physical detoxification: Fasting helps in cleansing the digestive system and removing toxins from the body.
• Mental clarity: The practice of fasting and meditation improves focus and mental clarity.
• Spiritual growth: Regular observance of Ekadashi helps in developing self-discipline and spiritual awareness.
• Karma purification: It is believed that observing Ekadashi helps in reducing negative karma and accumulating positive karma.
• Health benefits: Fasting on Ekadashi can help in regulating metabolism and improving overall health.
• Divine blessings: Devotees believe that observing Ekadashi brings blessings from Lord Vishnu.
• Inner peace: The practice of fasting and prayer helps in achieving inner peace and tranquility.
• Moksha: Regular observance of Ekadashi is believed to help in achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

On Mokshada Ekadashi, devotees offer special items to Lord Krishna as a mark of devotion:

• Tulsi leaves (holy basil) - considered very dear to Lord Vishnu
• Fresh flowers, especially marigold and jasmine
• Fruits like bananas, apples, and coconuts
• Sweets like ladoo, peda, or halwa
• Incense sticks and camphor for aarti
• A copy of the Bhagavad Gita placed on the altar