Ekadashi Vrat: Why is eating rice prohibited during Ekadashi fast? Know the mythological story

Why rice is prohibited on Ekadashi

Why not eat rice during Ekadashi fast: Ekadashi date is considered very sacred and special. This date has been dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the creator of the world. On the day of Ekadashi, special worship and fasting of Lord Vishnu is done. This fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu is observed every month on the Ekadashi date of Krishna and Shukla Paksha. Ekadashi falling in the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month is on 13 February. This will be Vijaya Ekadashi.

By worshiping Lord Vishnu and fasting on Ekadashi, all the troubles of life go away. Due to the effect of fasting, one attains salvation after death and a place in Vaikuntha Dham, but Ekadashi fast is very difficult. This fast is observed following many rules. Rice is not consumed even by mistake during this fast. Eating rice on the day of Ekadashi is considered prohibited. There is a mythological story behind this. Let us know.

According to the story…

According to the stories and religious beliefs described in the Puranas, once Maharishi Medha abandoned his body to escape the wrath of Mother Shakti. After this, his body parts got absorbed into the earth. The place where the body parts of Maharishi Medha fell, barley and rice were produced there. Since these grains were produced from parts of Maharishi’s body, they were considered equivalent to ‘Jiva’.

Eating rice on Ekadashi destroys virtues.

It is believed that on the day of Ekadashi these grains are in living form. That is why eating rice on this day is said to be equivalent to eating meat of Maharishi Medha. It is said in texts like Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana that those who consume rice on the day of Ekadashi, all the virtuous fruits of their life are destroyed. For this reason, consumption of rice is prohibited on the day of Ekadashi.

Also read: Hanuman Ji Ramayana: When Hanuman ji himself threw his written Ramayana into the sea, this mythological story is shocking.