Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of the waxing and waning lunar cycles in a Vedic calendar month. It is observed within Vaishnavism and Shaivism, two major paths within Sanatan Dharma. Ekadashi means "the eleventh day" in Sanskrit. The day is considered auspicious and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector lord of the realm. The human physiology goes through a cycle called a mandala, approximately every 40 to 48 days. In this cycle, three specific days, which may be different from person to person and need not come with equal spacing, will arise when the body does not demand food. Forcing yourself to eat food on those days is not a good thing to do. On the day of Ekadashi, the very planet is in a certain state, so if we keep our body light and available, our awareness will turn inward. The possibility of opening the door within is more on that day. If you have a full stomach, and you are unaware and dull, you will not notice it. So to stay alert and also to purify the body, you go without food on that day – you ate dinner the previous day and the next thing you eat is dinner on Ekadashi.
Ekadashi is observed by fasting or just as a symbol, and the idea is always to receive self-discipline and benefits of fasting, connected to the way of life via Sanatam Dharma practices. The special feature of Ekadashi, as most people know it, is a fast, abstinence from diet. This is how it is usually understood. The mind cannot be concentrated when it is out of tune, but when it is in its location, it is easy of contemplation. So, the Ekadashi day in both fortnights is the occasion when the mind finds itself in its place–in the bright fortnight in the Ajna Chakra, and in dark fortnight in the Anahata Chakra. Seekers and Yogis take advantage of these two days and try to practice deep meditation.
The table below describes the ekadashis and when they fall in the year:
| Vedic lunar month | Presiding deity | Krishna paksha ekadashi | Shukla paksha ekadashi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaitra (March–April) | Rama/Vishnu | Papavimocani Ekadashi | Kamada Ekadashi |
| Vaishakha (April–May) | Mohini | Varuthini Ekadashi | Mohini Ekadashi |
| Jyeshtha (May–June) | Apara Ekadashi | Nirjala Ekadashi | |
| Ashadha (June–July) | Yogini Ekadashi | Devshayani Ekadashi | |
| Shravana (July–August) | Kamika Ekadashi | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi | |
| Bhadrapada (August–September) | Aja Ekadashi | Parsva Ekadashi | |
| Ashwin (September–October) | Padmanabha | Indira Ekadashi | Papankusha Ekadashi |
| Kartik (October–November) | Rama | Rama Ekadashi | Devutthana Ekadashi |
| Margashirsha (November–December) | Vishnu | Utpanna Ekadashi | Mokshada Ekadashi |
| Pausha (December–January) | Shiva | Saphala Ekadashi | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi |
| Magha (January–February) | Vishnu | Shattila Ekadashi | Jaya Ekadashi |
| Phalguna (February–March) | Kama | Vijaya Ekadashi | Amalaki Ekadashi |
Ekadashi fasting is all about purifying your soul and preparing yourself towards attaining Moksha (salvation). This ritualistic practice helps human beings to get rid of malefic planetary influences and attain happiness.
