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.

Saphala Ekadashi is a significant observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu, celebrated on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Paush (December–January).

The term 'Saphala' translates to 'fruitful' or 'successful', indicating that observing this Ekadashi is believed to bring success and prosperity. Devotees observe this day to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for fulfillment of desires, removal of obstacles, and overall well-being.

According to the Bhavishya Purana, King Mahishmata of Champakanagara and his queen observed Saphala Ekadashi with great devotion upon the advice of sage Lomasha. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed them with a son who later became a great king, highlighting the transformative power of sincere observance of this Ekadashi.

Saphala Ekadashi is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual growth and inner peace. It is said to absolve past sins and karmic burdens, bringing blessings of prosperity, health, and success in life.

Observing this Ekadashi with sincerity and devotion helps devotees attain both material success and spiritual enlightenment, aligning themselves with the divine energies of Lord Vishnu.

The day is considered highly auspicious for seeking the fulfillment of desires, removing obstacles from one's path, and receiving divine blessings for overall well-being and prosperity.

• 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 strict fast, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. Some opt for a complete fast, while others may consume fruits and milk.
• Set up an altar with an idol or image of Lord Vishnu and perform puja with devotion.
• Offer fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, coconut, incense, and lamps to Lord Vishnu.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) and chant mantras like 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.
• Stay awake during the night (Jagran) and engage in devotional songs (bhajans), kirtans, and meditation on Lord Vishnu.
• Perform charity by offering food, clothes, or donations to the needy on Dwadashi, symbolizing compassion and generosity.
• Break the fast on Dwadashi day after sunrise during the prescribed Parana time.
• Maintain a pure and devotional mindset throughout the day, focusing on the divine qualities of Lord Vishnu.
• Reflect on the teachings of Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for success and prosperity in all endeavors.

• 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 Saphala Ekadashi, devotees offer special items to Lord Vishnu 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
• Coconut and betel leaves as traditional offerings