Rules of Mokshada Ekadashi fastImage Credit source: AI
Ekadashi fast rules: In Hindu religion, fasting is considered the path of spiritual practice, penance and self-discipline. Among these, Ekadashi fast is considered to be the most difficult and most fruitful, because its rules are more stringent than all other fasts. It is said in Devdharmashastras that by fasting on Ekadashi, sins are destroyed and man moves on the path of salvation. In the year 2025, the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi will be observed on 1 December 2025.
Why is Mokshada Ekadashi the most difficult fast?
Ekadashi fast is tied to the most rules among all the fasts, and this is what makes it difficult. The fast of Mokshada Ekadashi is like a complete penance, which includes not only fasting but also strict discipline of mind and body.
giving up food
While in most fasts eating fruits, sago, or certain grains like buckwheat flour is allowed, in Ekadashi the consumption of grains (lentils, rice, wheat), garlic-onion, and even rice is completely prohibited. The main reason for this is that according to religious belief, eating rice on the day of Ekadashi leads to the birth of insects in the next life. The body has to be kept on only fruit (like fruits, milk, and certain vegetables) or waterless (not even water) fast.
night awakenings and fatigue
Many devotees perform night jagran (bhajan-kirtan) on this day and chant the name of Lord Vishnu throughout the night. On the one hand, rigorous fasting throughout the day, on the other hand, staying awake all night – this difficult combination of physical fatigue and discipline makes it even more challenging.
celibacy and mental discipline
It is mandatory to observe celibacy during the fast of Ekadashi. Along with this, there is a strict rule to stay away from anger, lies, condemnation, and negative thoughts. More than the physical fasting, it is this strict rule of mental discipline that makes this fast the highest level of spiritual practice.
Importance of Mokshada Ekadashi
Attainment of salvation: It is believed that by observing this fast as per the rituals, all the sins of a person are destroyed and he attains freedom from the cycle of birth and death i.e. ‘Moksha’.
Salvation of the ancestors: By observing this fast, not only the fasting person but also his ancestors get salvation and they are freed from the sufferings of hell.
Geeta Jayanti: On the day of Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, Lord Shri Krishna preached Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the fields of Kurukshetra. Therefore this date is also celebrated as ‘Geeta Jayanti’.
Grace of Lord Vishnu: This fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnation Shri Krishna. Worshiping him on this day brings blessings of happiness, prosperity and peace.
Therefore, this strict fast of Mokshada Ekadashi teaches us that the greatest achievement of life is not only material happiness, but the purification of karma and attainment of salvation, for which physical suffering and mental sacrifice are necessary.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.