In the Hindu tradition, Ekadashi is a spiritually potent day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls on the 11th lunar day (tithi) of each fortnight, totaling 24 in a year—and 26 in a leap year. Observing Ekadashi vrat (fast) is believed to grant immense punya (spiritual merit), dissolve sins, and aid in achieving liberation (moksha). The name Ekadashi, derived from the Sanskrit words eka (eleven) and dashi (day), refers to the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning phases of the moon in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Why Observe Ekadashi Fasting?
The Padma Purana states that fasting on Ekadashi burns accumulated karma and enhances sattvic (pure) qualities. According to Ayurvedic and yogic understanding, the 11th day of the moon influences bodily fluids and subtle energies, making it ideal for self-restraint and meditation.
Observing Ekadashi is also a form of niyama (spiritual discipline), helping individuals align their physical, mental, and emotional energies toward divine consciousness.
Fasting on Ekadashi is deeply aligned with Sri Amit Ray’s 114 Chakra System, as it reduces the intake of tamasic energies—whether from food, lethargy, or negative thought patterns—and amplifies the flow of sattvic, life-affirming energies throughout the subtle body. In this expanded system of inner transformation, Ekadashi fasting is intricately connected to the activation of the 11 special Ekadashi Devi Chakras, which represent purity, devotion, and inner discipline.
These chakras, when awakened through fasting, mantra, and mindfulness, clear the energetic pathways for higher consciousness. Moreover, the practice strengthens the Medha Chakra—the seat of spiritual wisdom and intuitive intelligence—bringing about clarity of mind, emotional stability, and luminous inner focus.
The Mythological Origin: Goddess Ekadashi and Demon Mura
The significance of Ekadashi is deeply tied to a mythological narrative involving Lord Vishnu and the demon Mura. According to ancient texts, such as those referenced in various Puranas, a powerful demon named Mura terrorized the three worlds (heaven, earth, and the netherworld) during the Satya Yuga. His tyranny overwhelmed even the gods. The gods, unable to defeat him, sought Lord Vishnu’s aid.
A Mūḍha is essentially a state of mind — while Mura is an actual mythological demon, Mūḍha is a description of the Mura – an egoic condition of the soul bound in illusion.
While Lord Vishnu was in a meditative state (often described as Yoga Nidra), Mura attempted to attack him. From Vishnu’s heart emerged a divine feminine energy in the form of a radiant goddess. This goddess, later named Ekadashi, was created to combat Mura and his demonic forces. Armed with divine power, she engaged Mura in a fierce battle, ultimately slaying him and his army. Pleased with her valor, Lord Vishnu declared that she would be revered as Goddess Ekadashi, and fasting on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight would grant devotees spiritual merit, protection, and purification.
In the Padma Purāṇa, the powerful demon named Mura tormented the three worlds and threatened even the gods. He was a symbol of darkness, tamas (inertia), ignorance, and ego-driven delusion. His power stemmed from:
- Repression of dharma
- Disrespect for divine order
- Delighting in material pleasure and violence
To destroy him, Lord Viṣṇu entered a deep yogic slumber (yoga-nidrā) in a cave. At that time, the Ekādaśī Devī—a divine feminine emanation from Viṣṇu—arose spontaneously and killed the demon Mura. Viṣhnu then named her Ekādaśī and blessed her saying, “Those who observe fast on your day will be freed from sins and attain My abode.”
Thus, Mura represents:
- Laziness and procrastination
- Worldly arrogance
- Spiritual ignorance
- Symbolically, observing Ekādaśī helps one destroy the Mura within—our own laziness, ego, and tamas.
This story underscores the spiritual potency of Ekadashi fasting, symbolizing the triumph of divine energy over negativity and ignorance. It is believed that observing this fast aligns devotees with Vishnu’s divine grace, helping them overcome their inner “demons” of ego, desire, and attachment.
Inner Meanings: Three Worlds – Mura VS Goddess Ekadashi
1. Bhūloka – The World of the Body (Annamaya Kosha)
- Meaning: The realm of the senses, habits, routines, and actions.
- Dominated by: Hunger, sleep, comfort, inertia, and survival instincts.
- Mura’s Impact: Laziness, disease, food addiction, bodily compulsions.
- Ekadashi Role: Fasting purifies this layer by reducing toxins, calming hormones, and breaking physical dependency on food.
2. Bhuvarloka – The World of the Mind & Emotions (Manomaya Kosha)
- Meaning: The space of thought patterns, emotional reactions, and ego.
- Dominated by: Desire, fear, memory, pleasure-pain cycles.
- Mura’s Impact: Mental restlessness, emotional imbalance, endless craving.
- Ekadashi Role: Through mantra, silence, and breath, this realm is stilled. Emotional waves are tamed, and awareness sharpens.
3. Svarga-loka – The World of the Soul & Intuition (Vijnanamaya & Anandamaya Koshas)
- Meaning: The inner spiritual dimension—intuition, divine memory, bliss.
- Dominated by: Stillness, sattva, insight, soul purpose.
- Mura’s Impact: Ego arrogance, spiritual forgetfulness, loss of purpose.
- Ekadashi Role: Ekadashi reconnects us to our highest Self. The soul reawakens through devotion, humility, and surrender.
The Story of Ekadashi and King Ambarisha
The origin of Ekadashi is traced to Lord Vishnu creating the goddess Ekadashi from His own transcendental form to destroy the demon Mura. Hence, this day is sacred for worshipping Vishnu and His avatars.
King Ambarisha, a devout follower of Vishnu, is the ideal Ekadashi observer. Once, sage Durvasa tested him by delaying the fast-breaking on Dwadashi. Bound by the Parana rules, the king drank a spoon of water to formally end his fast. This offended Durvasa, who tried to curse him, but Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra protected the king. The sage realized the king’s purity and devotion and sought forgiveness. This tale emphasizes humility, discipline, and faith in God.
Five Types of Ekadashi Fasting
- Nirjala Ekadashi: Complete abstinence from food and water. Considered the most austere and powerful.
- Jalahar: Only water is consumed, typically twice a day after Sandhyavandana.
- Ksheerbhoji: Only milk and milk-based items are taken.
- Phalahari: Fruits, nuts, and root-based vegetables (like potatoes) allowed.
- Naktabhoji: A single meal is consumed after sunset, often sattvic and grain-free.
Note: Eating on Ekadashi disqualifies one from the full vrat merit; however, for health issues or old age, sattvic alternatives may be taken with reverence.
Do’s on Ekadashi
1. Observe Spiritual Discipline
- Rise early, preferably before sunrise, and bathe.
- Perform Sandhyavandana, japa (mantra repetition), and silent meditation (dhyana).
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Gita verses.
2. Worship Lord Vishnu
- Decorate the altar with Tulsi leaves and offer naivedya (offerings).
- Listen to Ekadashi Mahatmya stories or Bhajans.
- Observe mental focus (chitta shuddhi) throughout the day.
3. Break the Fast Properly (Parana on Dwadashi)
- Parana (breaking the fast) should be done after sunrise and within the specified Muhurta.
- Start with Tulsi water or milk; follow with light sattvic food.
Don’ts on Ekadashi
1. No Grains and Pulses
- Avoid rice, wheat, barley, lentils, soy, and beans.
- No onion, garlic, meat, or intoxicants.
2. Avoid Sensual Pleasures
- No sexual activity, excessive sleep, or entertainment.
- Refrain from gossip, arguments, or idle talk.
3. Avoid Anger and Greed
- Practice inner calm and charity of thought and action.
- Do not hoard food or indulge in cravings under the name of fasting.
Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting
Spiritual Benefits
- Burns karmic impurities and grants inner peace.
- Builds bhakti (devotion) and Vishnu consciousness.
- Uplifts one toward moksha (liberation).
Psychological Benefits
- Enhances discipline, willpower, and clarity of thought.
- Calms the mind and regulates emotional fluctuations.
Physical and Ayurvedic Benefits
- Gives digestive system a break; reduces toxins (ama).
- Promotes intermittent fasting benefits—metabolic reset and cellular healing.
- Helps in detoxification and maintaining energy balance.
Ekadashi Fasting and the Ray 114 Chakras
Ekadashi fasting is believed to align devotees with cosmic energies, particularly through the purification of energy centers. The concept of 11-dimensional cosmic connections draws from modern spiritual interpretations, suggesting that Ekadashi’s lunar alignment resonates with higher-dimensional energies, including those of Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s divine abode) and Goloka (Krishna’s transcendental realm). Fasting on this day is said to attune the body and soul to these divine realms, fostering spiritual elevation.
Ekadashi fasting, paired with Sri Amit Ray’s 114 Chakra System, is a radiant journey into spiritual and cosmic awakening. By purifying the 114 chakras, aligning with 11-dimensional energies, and connecting to divine realms like Vaikuntha and Goloka, this practice weaves together ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience. It’s a colorful dance of body, mind, and soul—a path to universal harmony that lights up the spirit and transforms lives. Embrace Ekadashi, activate your chakras, and step into the cosmic flow!
“The 114 chakras are the bridge between the material world and the higher dimensions of spiritual existence, where true awakening takes place.” — Sri Amit Ray
Modern Relevance of Ekadashi
In today’s world of overstimulation and material distractions, Ekadashi provides a sacred pause. Even those who do not follow strict rituals can observe it as a day of self-purification, vegetarianism, and mindfulness.
“Fasting is not about abstaining from food—it’s about feeding the soul with light.” – Sri Amit Ray
With rising awareness about mental health and sustainable living, Ekadashi encourages less consumption and more inner reflection.
Exceptions and Adaptations
Children, the sick, elderly, pregnant, or those under medication may adopt a milder form of Ekadashi. Consuming milk, fruits, or sattvic soups with sincerity still brings benefit when accompanied by devotion and awareness.
Conclusion
Ekadashi is not just a fast—it is a sacred path to higher consciousness. Its purpose is to realign the body, mind, and spirit to divine harmony. When done with devotion, discipline, and purity, Ekadashi transforms life itself into a pilgrimage toward the Supreme.
🕉️ “The merit gained by bathing in all the sacred rivers and performing all yajnas is obtained by sincerely observing Ekadashi.” — Padma Purana