Artistic India

India is a country with diverse artistes....here are a few examples....

1. Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka. The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys.

2. The handloom sarees available in Orissa can be of four major types; these are Ikat, Bandha, Bomkai and Pasapalli. The aanchal of Pasapalli sari has peculiar traditional designs woven in the sari like sankha (conch), chakra (wheel), phulla (flowers), animals, birds and at times temple like imprint. This portrays the artistic level of the weavers and their craftsmanship. The entire weaving method of the Pasapalli sari runs through an intricate procedural technique.

3. Kondapalli toys are chiseled out of locally available special light softwood ('Tella Poniki') and painted with vegetable dyes, and vibrant enamel colours. The most popular toys are 'Dasavatarams' (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) elephant with Ambari, palanquin-bearers carrying the bride and bridegroom, toddy tapper, set of village craftsmen, besides animals. The papier mache swinging doll is a favourite with many.

4. Mizos are fond of colourful hand woven wrap-around skirt called puan chei, and a matching beautiful top called Kawr chei. Mizo women use hand loom to make clothing and cloth handicrafts.The local products are even fused with other materials to give them a fashionable and stylish designs.

5. Mud, and clay are used to make the Chhau masks of Purulia, West Bengal.. The masks are painted in pastel shades and have a frank, simple, and bold look. The effectiveness, originality, and beauty of the Chhau dance are dependant on the Chhau masks. Each mask represents a character from the epics, the Puranas, and from mythology. The eye- brows, mouth, and eyes are painted to give those special effects and give completeness to the looks of the Chhau dancers.

6. Kerala mural paintings are the frescos depicting mythology and legends, which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches. Ancient temples, churches and palaces in Kerala display an abounding tradition of mural paintings mostly dating back between the 9th to 12th centuries.

7. Nagaland has several small scale cottage and medium scale industries. The art of weaving is primarily the domain of the female folk of Nagaland. It is one of the important industries of Nagaland that has added to the financial strength of the north eastern state. The women of Nagaland design beautiful patterns on pieces of cloth to make them colourful and attractive. The excellent design patterns on the Angami Naga shawls proves the unique artistic skills.

8. Madhubani paintings or Mithila Paintings is a style of Indian painting, practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar. Madhubani paintings has been done by the women of villages around the present town of Madhubani (the literal meaning of which is forests of honey) and other areas of Mithila. The painting was traditionally done on freshly plastered mud wall of huts, but now it is also done on cloth, hand-made paper and canvas.Madhubani art is a form of traditional Indian art form.

9. Folk paintings of Madhya Pradesh, specially the wall paintings of Bundelkhand, Gondwana, Nimar and Malwa are living expressions of people, intrinsically linked with the socio-cultural ambiance of the area. They are not mere decorations but also spontaneous outpourings of religious devotions. The paintings, based on local festivals like Karwa Chauth, Deepawali, Ahoi Ashtami, Nag Panchmi, Sanjhi etc. are usually done by women using simple home made colours. In Bundelkhand, painting is usually done by a caste of professional painters called Chiteras.

10. The patterns and effects created depend on the types of stitches used on a particular garment, henceforth giving it a unique look. Finer the fabric, exclusive is the embroidery. Some varieties of the stitches commonly used are shadow work, funda, Ghas patti, etc.

11. Kanchipuram Sari (also known as Kanjivaram Sari) is a type of sari traditionally made by weavers from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. These are woven naturally and are considered to be of the highest quality among saris. The Kanchipuram Sari is distinguished by its wide contrast borders. A single Kanchipuram Sari can cost anywhere between Rs 2,500 to Rs 100,000 or more depending upon the intricacy of work, colours, pattern, material used like zari, gold thread, etc.

12. Muga silk is the product of the silkworm Antheraea assamensis endemic to Assam. The is known for its glossy fine texture and durability. Due to its low porosity the Muga yarn cannot be bleached or dyed and its natural golden color is retained.

13. The cane and bamboo crafts can be utility objects like hats and baskets, they can also be purely decorative in purpose. All in all, the bamboo and cane objects can be said to be the highlight of Arunachal Pradesh arts and crafts. Cane and bamboo form the raw material which meet the requirements of everyday life-from house building to making baskets, fishing traps, items of dress, construction of suspension bridges, religious paraphernalia. People of Arunachal Pradesh have fully utilized the raw material offered buy the ecology of the region.

14. The two special features of these Kashmiri carpets are that they are hand woven and knotted and not machine made and tufted. The design and colour specification used in these carpets is termed as Taleem. Most of the woolen carpets have a base made of warp and weft. The silk carpets have a base made of cotton.

15. Bankura horse is produced in Panchmura village in the Bankura district of West Bengal. Over the centuries, terracotta horses and elephants, have moved away from a realistic presentation to a representational presentation.

Courtesy: Rediff.com
 

ANNA YOGA – BANANA LEAF

Traditionally, meal is served on a banana leaf in Hindu homes and one is to eat with fingers. If God wanted it he would have had a fork and spoon protruding appropriately. Kindly take that with a sense of humor! Hindu culture, customs and anna yoga demand that we are one with nature. The banana tree is considered sacred in the Hindu way of life. They also have a religious significance in Hindu rituals. Naivedya, what is offered to the Gods, and prasadam after temple prayers is offered on a banala leaf. 

ANNA YOGA: Happiness which is lasting could be described as a state of inner peace. It does not fluctuate with the changes in outside circumstances, it does not come and go. It is a state of inner harmony. If such a state was possible, it might be like a wonderfully tasting dish that remains unchanged by external conditions. Hindu scriptures describe this to be ‘amrita’ or nectar – Ocean of Bliss. This is not spooned from a bowl. This unchanging nectar is constantly drunk by the Gods who declare Self-knowledge, the knowledge of the Self and the Divine. When meal proves satisfying, there is once again the comfortable feeling that all is well for the annamaya kosha which needs food. It reflects that we have come in search of external happiness. It requires that we seek internal happiness also. Krishna states in Gita 18.38 happiness arises from the contact of the senses with their objects, though at first like nectar, is in the end like poison and declared to be the nature of tamas. So one is to exercise moderation and humility while eating and ever remind of the vedic mendates of reaching Godhood. Banana leaf symbolises humility and oneness with nature as opposed to expensive crockery that we may want to exhibit. 

Why do we sprinkle water on the banana leaf? Of course it may clean any minute dust there is. Water forms little balls of collected dust which can be wiped off. More importantly it reminds us of the Lotus effect of repelling water. So do not be attached too much, not only to food but be detached in general. Some chant mantra before eating but we will leave that for other postings.

USING HANDS: Millions have the meals served on a leaf and consume it with bare hands, so these health wizards advice does not really hold water. These fellows are also probably using aluminium foils to prevent sticking or for convenience but we will stick to our banana leaves. Banana leaves are used once and disposed. Hindu concepts of ‘uchchistam’ means food served on utensils has already come into contact with the previous users’ saliva. It is rude and unhygienic to serve food contaminated with saliva. It is also disrespectful. Plates show signs of prolonged usage. It is the same with forks and spoons.That does not augur well with appetite, does it? A hindu guest seldom complains but if something can be avoided, then it might as well be to please the guest. The word ‘echil saapadu’ has the same purport in the South Indian states. Chandogya Upanishad emphasises purity of food. This is not restricted to food per se but also mental purity of consuming food. 

Eating with the hands is a technique that is learnt very quickly. The first rule is to wash the hands thoroughly. Long fingernails are considered unhygienic. The food and gravy is not to taint the entire hand as only the fingertips are used. It is ill-mannered to let food stain the entire five fingers. It is also ill-mannered to use the left hand while eating. So when comes to serving, there would always some around to avoid touching the serving bowl with the other hand. Sometimes this is observed very strictly. Indian cutlery is restricted to the kitchen and preparation of meals. It is mandatory for left-handed people to use their right hands for eating. 

ADVANTAGES: The leaf is used for eating purpose and also in offering food items to Gods. The banana leaf is said to be the cleanest among all exposed leaves. The banana leaf has medicinal values. It adds radiance to one’s face. It is coated with natural chemicals in the top surface which makes food tasty. This is extracted when hot food is served on the leaf. It gives a special flavour. Ghee, thayir (yogurt), payasam etc which is part of Indian food and it does not stick to the leaves. Leaves are handy also. The use of banana leaves has various advantages such as bio-degradable environment friendly and packing food, disposable attributes. The so called banana leaf-plate is eco-friendly kitchen tool. Whatever remains, including the leaf, is wholly eaten by passer-by cows.

SYMBOLISM: Symbolically, serving on banana leaf is a mark of humility and respect. It is fresh and there is no issue of plates used, say, by a diseased host or his member. So one sits for a meal without any inhibition of plates used by others. The space available in a banana leaf is an advantage. It symbolises freshness. Leaves are broad enough for all the servings and there is no necessity for side-plates. One has to learn how to serve and eat by using a banana leaf. Traditional use of fingers adds taste to the food. Once we are used to it, liquid dishes such as eating rice with ‘rasam’ is not a problem at all but a pleasure. 

It is common for Hindus to symbolically offer a small portion to the Gods. So the ‘leavings’ become prasada or blessed food. Before one starts to eat, a small portion is to set aside on the banana leaf to feed other beings. Later, this is left outside for birds and insects. Thus one is reminded of the Divine. This tiny portion also reminds us of offering to the Gods, past generations, the poor and all living beings. In whatever way this is performed, it is the culmination of the Yoga of Food theme. 

ETIQUETTE: Etiquette is observed in the household or even public places when food is served on a banana leaf. The banana leaf tail end is placed to the left. Rice is not placed like a mountain and a hold dug in the centre llike a volcano to dump all the dishes! The top half of the leaf is used for the side dishes and the condiments while the lower half is used to serve rice. 

When food is served to people eating from a banana leaf, the host serves white rice, vegetable curry and a wet dhal directly from containers onto the leaf, and the non-vegetable dishes from small containers next to the leaf. Food is also served on the banana leaf according to ‘arusuvai’ or taste classifications. These are sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Traditionally all meals are supposed to contain all the six tastes. That has a balancing ability, minimise cravings and assist digestion. Banana leaves help retain the flavour, aroma and nutritional value of all the six tastes. These dishes are laid in the traditional fashion. 

Protocol prescribes the order in which the food has to be eaten, the rice first, then dhal, then iron-rich vegetables and fat, and thus the food is served in that order. It is also traditional to sit on the floor on a mat in the lotus pose -padmasana when eating. To show appreciation guests will fold the banana leaf towards themselves after the meal, this signifies that the meal was good. Folding the leaf in the opposite way, away from you, signifies dissatisfaction. No-one usually does it except in grieving functions. One does not leave abruptly.

Hindu mannerisms require that everyone waits for the host or the eldest person taking priority to leave the table or the floor. If it is really necessary to get up before the eldest person, then it is done very politely by seeking permission to leave. So the trick is to also watch the elder and follow his tempo. Even during serving additional dishes, the eldest is always served first. Rushing to eat is a bad habit. It implies that the serving is being disliked. Anna yoga requires that food is eaten in medium pace. It is not just the cuisine of India which is unique but also the concept of food preparation and serving. Hari Om

 

AvadhanaSaraswatulu

AvadhanaSaraswatulu Eenadu 12Jul2011

Ekadasi Importance

Ekadasi Visishtata (Telugu)



Ekadasi Fastings: Medical & Religious significance.

Why not other days ? Why only on Ekadasi ? Significance of Ekadasi by TRS IYENGAR

From time immemorial, Srivaishnavites have been observing fasts twice a month on Ekadasi days. This fasting is, in general, for everyone. Ekadasi is the 11th day in the moon cycle, i.e. from the new moon day and also from the full moon day.


It is a proven scientific matter, that the air pressure in the atmosphere rapidly changes in the surroundings on a full moon day or on the new moon day. The Sun-Moon-Earth combinations in the orbital path, when distances itself at every particular interval (i.e. every 24 hours of for every full circle the Earth rotates). When it occurs, accordingly the pressure in the atmosphere too changes drastically and varies from day to day.



One can observe this from the increasing high tidal waves in the ocean. On any given New Moon day or Amavasya the pressure increases in the ocean and the tidal waves are very rough and high. But from the immediate next day onwards, the pressure recedes gradually thus improving that the atmospheric pressure too reduces. So, particularly on the 11th day from New Moon or Full Moon days, the pressure is some what very light or nil.



If one has to go with an empty stomach on any other day, the atmospheric pressures will put on him or her more strain wherein on the Ekadasi day, the problem is minimal or nil. So the body never takes the pain while we cleanse the bowel system and thus refreshing the whole body mechanism - specifically the liver/stomach/bowel and the system movements.

But on the immediate next day (called as Dwadasi or Dvadasi - i.e. 12th day from Full Moon/New Moon), to avoid any pressure on the body system, Srivaishnavites used to eat food in the morning as early as possible. Thus avoiding any system trouble or collapse. This breaking fast on the 12th day is known as ParaNai amongst Srivaishnavas. So it is advisable to observe fasting only on the Ekadashi day and to give scope for refreshing the body mechanism; this fasting day is also very conducive to concentrate onf meditation and prayers. But one must eat food immediately in the next early morning to avoid any complications. As the atmospheric pressure builds up faster and doubles on the 12th day from Amavasya / Poornima days, it is strongly recommended to consume food on the Dwadasi day in the early morning.



Nowadays, people also fast these days for health reasons; because fasting helps in the detoxification of the body. Everyone wants to look good and fit these days. As such, you will find many youngsters in India fasting. In medical context, fasting refers to the state achieved after digestion of a meal. A number of metabolic adjustments occur during fasting and many medical diagnostic tests for blood sugar, cholesterol levels are standardized to fasting conditions. Thus fasting has medical reasons coated with religious significance in India.



Those who observe Fasting on Ekadasi days are keeping fittest health, cleansing their bowel system and mostly free from frequent ailments. Also, those who are the Bhakta's of Lord Krishna, observing fasting on Ekadasi days, have lot more mental peace, by way of self realization and inner soul! That reflects them to more and more devote to the spiritual path! Yes, this sort of penance also give them a more stronger feeling towards spirituality, thus making them pure in body and mind.



Now, let us see the other scientific facts concerning the 11th day from Full Moon & New Moon. In the Indian Vedic system, there are different methods to calculate a month. Once such is counting from the new moon day known as Amavasya. The well knownFrom the new moon day till the Full moon day it is called as Sukla Paksham or waxing moon; from the full moon day till next Amavasya/new moon day, it is known as Krishna Paksham or the waning moon. In the celestial phenomena, the Earth as well as moon raises and settles at the same time on Amavasya and from the next day to Amavasya, moon is moving about 12 degree distance from the solar path; on the Ekadasi day, i.e. 11th day from full moon the Moon stays at a distance of about 135 degrees in the solar path that causes lesser grativation force and thus causing lesser atmospheric pressure. Thus fasting on an Ekadasi day will not affect the body system as also hungry feelings too minimum to some extent.

न गायथ्रिया पर मन्थर; ना मात् पर दैवथम् ।

न गङ्कास्य परमम् थीर्तम् , ना ऎकादस्या: समम् व्रतम् ॥



Na GaayathryA para manthra: Na MAthu para dhaivatham

Na GangAsyA: paramam theertham Na EkAdasyA : samam vratham.



ந காயத்ரீயா பர மந்த்ர: ந மாத்ரூணாம் பர தைவதம் |

ந் கங்காஸ்ய: பரமம் தீர்த்தம், ந ஏகாதஸ்யா: சமம் வ்ரதம் !!



The rough translation is: There is no mantra superior to the Gayatri mantra, There is no god superior to the Mother, There is no water more purifying or superior than River Ganges. And finally, there is

no fast/ austerities (vradham) more sacred or superior than the Ekadasi.



There is an interesting story in the Narada Purana involving the Mohini, the Manasa puthri (desired daughter of) Brahma with King Rugmangatha. It is an interesting one which

emphasises the significance as well as importance of fasting on an Ekadasi day. Please click here to read the story.



Ekadasi Recipes for peace, Devotion and health





Ekadasi day for Sri Vaisnava tradition differs from other Sections. (You can view the exact Srivaishnava Ekadasi days at: the Festival & Important days Chart given in another page). Though normally it is on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning moon, i.e..11th day from Amavasya and Poornima (Amavasai & Pournami) which falls twice in a month. The very purpose of the fast being to minimize bodily activities and increase in activities of devotion, prayer and peace, observers either abstain from food completely but only to intake Milk, fruits, water and some milk product or avoid all grains and beans from their meals on that day of Ekadasi Fasting. Light meals of fruits, milk products, vegetables, nuts and various non-cereal flours, fruits like banana, are eaten by those not undertaking a total fast. On Ekadasi, Srivaishnava meals usually include wide varieties of tasty but without delivering the heavy bog-down feeling experienced after eating the same size meals cooked with grains and pulses. Apart from cleansing one's body bi-monthly, this is an opportunity to become more absorbed in glorifying the Supreme Lord, Sriman Narayana. Ekadasi is also an excellent time to purify the body, mind and thoughts!.

In general, no onion & Garlic are consumed by Srivaishnava. In addition, they avoid using cream, and heavy fat items on their fasting days of Eakadasi. Different varieties of tasty items are prepared, depending on their individual taste. But none of the items contain any heavy stuff to make you heavy or bulgy. In case of persons unable to fast whole day, they are recommended to take Idli, Dosa but they take it only half of their quota to avoid heaviness in their body.

Following are the items best recommended to consume on the Fasting day of Ekadasi that includes light refreshments, beverage, milk products, vegetables, fruits: Lemon, Banana, Grape, Pineapple, range, all varieties of Dry fruits, Buttermilk, Milk, cereals, Broken rice, Rava, & Yogurt.

Hymn with English subtitles - Sree Subramanya Astakam - Invoking courag...

Lyrics in Telugu

Lunar Eclipse/Chandra Grahan

Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan are the most significant days as per Hinduism. As per the science also, Lunar Eclipse has very less effects on living beings but Solar Eclipse significantly affects the living world.

Avoidable and recommendable works during Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan:

* It is advisable to avoid performing any important work or deal.
* After Grahan, many Hindus perform ritual bath. Take meal only after the ritual bath. Taking a holy dip in rivers or lakes is highly auspicious.
* Many Hindus observe fasting on the day of Surya or Chandra Grahanam.
* Avoid outside food during grahanam and as well as the whole day.
* Perform ritual bath, Puja, Japam, havan and all other rituals only after Grahan Moksh Kaal (the time when grahan is released).
* Avoid eating at the time of Grahanam.
* Avoid eating the food which is cooked before Grahan. Take the food which is cooked after Grahan. People can eat the food that is prevented from ‘Soothak (Ashouch). To prevent food from Soothak, just spill some til seeds or keep grass blades (Durva grass) on the food before grahan.
* Put Tulsi leaf/ dharbha grass on stored food-items including curd, jams, pickles, etc.
* During Surya Grahan, reciting Surya Stotras such as Aditya Hridayam; Maha Mritunjaya Mantram and Vishnu Stotras is highly auspicious.


For Chandra Grahanam (Lunar Eclipse) there is a slokam to be recited at least 28 times (or 108 times) at the beginning of Eclipse. This is for those who are born under a particular birth star (Nakshatra) in which the Eclipse occurs. This is the Grahana Shanthi parihara slokam, given for each Grahana or eclipse as below, in Sanskrit and the phonetic English versus:




This slokam is to be recited as specified at the beginning of Eclipse and after the Eclipse is over, to take bath. There is also a practice to offer some Dakshina with Wheat for Surya Grahanam and Rice for Chandra Grahanam as shanthi paraharam offering to any Brahmin after the Grahanam. Only in those who are born in specific Stars (Nakshatra) need to perform this shanti pariharam.

This lunar eclipse will yield following effect to those living in foreign countries:

This eclipse is not good for the natives of Aries, Gemini, Scorpio and Pisces. So they should avoid seeing this lunar eclipse and perform religious rituals.

Nonetheless, other signs will get either good impact or mixed results of this lunar eclipse. Therefore, they need not worry about it.

What Precaution Pregnant Women Should Take During Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse?

Lunar eclipse is caused by the entering of the Moon into the earth-shadow. When the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, the shadow of the Earth covers the Moon producing a Lunar Eclipse. The light of the Moon is darkened temporarily. It occurs on a full moon day when the Moon is directly opposite to the Sun.


Lunar Eclipse in Britain in December 2010 – Chandra Grahan in United Kingdom.

A Total Lunar Eclipse, Chandra Grahan, will take place in Britain on December 21, 2010. In United Kingdom, the time of the Lunar Eclipse is early morning. The total lunar eclipse Begins at 06:33 AM on December 21, 2010 in England. The time is same for all the places in Britain – Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The lunar eclipse on December 21, 2010 is at Moonrise in Britain.
The Total Lunar Eclipse in Britain is from 07:41 AM to 08:53 AM (Local Time) – the visibility ends soon as sun rises. Mid-eclipse is at 08:17 AM. The eclipse ends in United Kingdom at 10:01 AM.
If you are a Hindu who keeps fast during eclipse, then you have to follow it if you are living in Britain.
Time of Lunar Eclipse on December 2010 in various parts in Britain
Eclipse Begins at 06:33 AM on December 21, 2010 (Local Time)
Total Lunar Eclipse from 07:41 hrs to 08:53 hrs
Mid Eclipse during the eclipse is at 08:17 hrs (Visible)
Eclipse Ends at 10:01 hrs

NASA has given the same time for all places in England.

Astronomers say the Moon could turn a pink or blood red hue during the eclipse.



The Moon is normally illuminated by the Sun. During a total lunar eclipse, the full Moon passes through the shadow created by the Earth blocking the Sun's light.

Some indirect sunlight will still manage to pierce through and give the Moon a ghostly colour.

The massive formation like the sun and moon and their faction has enormous effect on the human beings lives.

Viewing the Moon eclipse or lunar eclipse by naked eye can decrease the eye sight potency of human.

The full lunar eclipse or moon eclipse has physically powerful result on the water in our oceans and may create gigantic tidal waves which can formed in the water as a effect of gravitational power heave of the moon.

After a wait of 372 years, sky gazers are in for a special celestial treat as winter solstice coincides with total lunar eclipse on Tuesday.

The last time the two astronomical events coincided was on December 21, 1638, Geoff Chester of U.S. Naval Observatory said.

Also, Tuesday (December 21) is the shortest day of the year as people living on the northern side of the equator will celebrate winter solstice.

“It is a day when the Earth’s axis tilts the farthest from the sun and is called winter solstice, a term derived from Latin words ‘sol’ (sun) and ‘sistere’ (to stand still),” Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) president C.B. Devgun said.

A solstice is an astronomical event which happens twice each year, when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most inclined toward or away from the sun, causing the sun’s apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme, he said.

On the day of winter solstice, North Pole points directly away from the sun and South Pole points directly towards the Sun, he said, adding the sun shines at lowest heights in northern skies and at maximum heights in southern skies.

This results in the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, but at the same time it is the longest day in Southern Hemisphere.

The winter solstice will be at 5.08 a.m. on December 22.

Vaikunta Ekadasi-Fasting And Significance

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one the important and auspicious days to the Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calendar, in the month of Margasira (Between December and January).
Also called the 'Mukkoti Ekadasi', when observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The Legend

The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi is mentioned in the 'Padma Purana'. As per the legend, the Devas unable to bear the tyranny of 'Muran', a demon, approached Lord Shiva, who directed them to Lord Vishnu. A battle ensued between Lord Vishnu and the demon and the Lord realised that a new weapon was needed to slay Muran.

In order to take rest and create a new weapon, the Lord retired to a cave called 'Himavati' in Badrikashrama. When Muran tried to slay the Lord, who was sleeping, the female energy that emerged from the Lord burnt him to ashes in one look.
Lord Vishnu who was pleased, named the female energy 'Ekadasi' and asked her to claim a boon. Ekadasi, instead beseeched the Lord that people who observed a fast on that day should be redeemed of their sins. The Lord thus declared that people who observed a fast on that day and worshiped Ekadasi, would attain Vaikunta. Thus came into being the first Ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha ekadasi.

Vaikunta Ekadasi Fasting

Vaikunta Ekadasi Fasting is an important aspect of the dos associated with it. People fast the whole day and keep vigil.

Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and devotees engage in Japa (Chanting of the Lord's name) and Dhyana (Meditation).

On 'Dasami', the previous day of the observance, devotees who take up Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting are to take only lunch. On Ekadasi, the next day, they have to maintain a complete fast and engage in prayers and meditation of the Lord. They are strictly prohibited from taking rice. That night, people keep vigil the whole night and visit the temple of Lord Vishnu, mostly in the wee hours of the morning.

On this day, the Vaikunta Dwaram or the Swarga Vaasal, 'The Gates of Heaven' are believed to be kept open. The area encircling the sanctum is referred to Swarga Vaasal and devotees throng to gain entry into the temple, to seek the Lord.

Vaikunta Ekadasi Significance

It is important to look at the significance of this auspicious day from the spiritual angle.

The demon Muran stands for the rajasic and tamasic qualities in people, which attributes to lust, passion, inertia, arrogance etc. When one conquers these tendencies, one attains the purity of mind, Sattva, indispensable for attaining moksha, liberation or realisation of the self.

For realising the self as pure awareness, purity of mind is required. Fasting helps to keep tendencies at bay, which could be triggered by intake of certain food. Keeping vigil in the night is symbolic of awareness, or being watchful of the contents of the mind. When the mind is looked at, it becomes still. To abide in the stillness is to attain freedom or peace, acquired through merging of the mind with the self. This is symbolic of the mind automatically being absorbed at the sight of the Lord after the arduous fast and vigil.

The belief that rice is prohibited, owing to the fact that Muran dwells in it, symbolically signifies the fact that eating of rice could get one feel heavy and hamper the vigil to be kept up. This signifies that entertaining negative tendencies could hamper one's progress towards awareness or consciousness.

Observance of the rituals on this auspicious day even without understanding its importance is beneficial. Hence he merits accrued through observing it with piety is believed to be immeasurable.

So let us understand the significance and attain the Grace of the Lord.