HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS : 27.2

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27- Vaikunta Ekadashi-2.


    No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days.

This is very important.

The sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and said to the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.”


    Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.”


    For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi.

If one observes the Ekadashi fast regularly, Lord Hari is propitiated.

All sins are destroyed.

The mind is purified.

Devotion gradually develops.

Love for God becomes intense.

Orthodox people in South India observe complete fasting and vigil even on ordinary Ekadashi days.

For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day.

Next : 1. Benefits of Fasting

Swami Sivananda
 To be continued  .....


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