What is an Ekadashi ?
In Sanskrit, Ekadashi means the eleventh day. Let me bring the lunar manifestation of calendar where a month is composed of two fortnights, waxing and waning moon. Each of these fortnights have one ekadashi on their part, one is the Krishna pakshya ekadashi and another is sukla Pakshya ekadashi. Bhagwat Geeta apparently narrates the words of Krishna to Arjuna about the importance of these ekadashis and their significance in the spiritual awakening and purification of souls.
How is Ekadashi observed?
Normally ekadashi fast is observed for one day however ancient scriptures states that ekadashi fast spans over a period of three days. On the tenth day (Dashami), a day prior to fast devotees obtain a singular meal during afternoon hours to ensure that there will be no residual food particulars in the body. On ekadashi, fast is observed and the food shall be obtained only after the sunrise in the twelfth day (Dwadashi).
Some devotees consume falaahars (Fruits) during the fast and some stay empty stomach, however there is no rocket science rule in the observance of these fasts. Our bodily functions are majorly influenced by the moon and its magnetic pull. Fasting on Ekadashi helps to maintain a natural flow of fluids in the body and helps to maintain good health and a peaceful mind.
Magh sukhla pakshya ekadashi
Bhima Ekadashi occurs on the sukhla Pakshya of Margh month, like other ekadashi Bhima ekadashi is equally important in purification of mind and soul and overcoming the sins unknown and unknowns. Scientifically, uniform fasting also helps to improve the functions of digestion, respiration, and circulation. It also detoxifies the body, cleanses the blood and improves the functioning of the vital organs like kidneys and liver.
In Kaliyuga, chanting the name of god is as fruitful as organizing a yagya or biggest religious commemoration. Chanting the name of Lord Vishnu is very important during ekadashi fasting, Bhima ekadashi is highly acknowledged by Vishnu devotees and the night of this ekadashi is celebrated with vajans, kirtans and sastangs. Devotees offer lights, incense sticks, fruits and "Khichdi" to Lord Vishnu in this ekadashi. "Khichdi" is a traditional recipe from Indian subcontinent which is made from rice and lentils, this is considered one of the best nutritious and easily digestible solid food that babies can also eat.
Among the five KuntiPutras (Pandavas), Bhima observed this fast during ancient Mahabharata era and thus the name of this ekadashi happened to be Bhima Ekadashi. Garun Purana states that the ancestors of Pandavas obtained salvation after Bhima observed the fast according to the ritual. Bhima ekadashi is believed to wash out from all sort of sins and guide devotees towards the gravity of righteousness and truth. Observing this fast is equally divine as visiting Naimischetra, Kuruchetra, Pravagchetra, Yamuna, Ganga and all sort of pilgrimage at once.
Chanting the mantra "ॐ वराहाय नम:
Chanting the mantra "ॐ वराहाय नम:" is very important in this day, the Baraha avatar of Lord Vishu is highly acknowledged in this ekadashi. Barahachetra of Sunsari district in Nepal observes a huge religious commemoration and fair in this day, observing the fast on Bhima ekadashi will obtain the freedom from any sort of debts of Guru, Pitri and Debs (Guru, ancestors and Lords).
-Suyog Dhakal
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