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Kaamikaa Ekaadashi: Night of Contemplation

Fast on the 11th day of Shravana Krishna Paksha (the wanning phase of the moon heading towards new moon) is Kaamikaa Ekaadashi. Kaamna means desire. Kaamikaar means someone who does not follow the rules and does as they please. Based on the root words, Kaamikaa might mean something that fulfils or delivers from desires. Narration   Similar to the chapter on Aparaa Ekaadashi, there is no specific tale associated to this Ekaadashi. Yudhishthira seeks to be educated about Kaamikaa Ekaadashi from Krishna. Krishna tells him of this Ekaadashi that was earlier told about by Lord Brahma to Sage Naarad. Lord Brahma highlights to Sage Naarad that observing a fast on this day can bring about immense benefits.  Just listening to the story of Kaamikaa Ekaadashi is considered as auspicious as conducting Vajpeya Yagya (Yaga mentioned in the Holy Yajurveda done for the benefit and entertainment of subjects involving chariot racing). It is of greater benefit than bathing in Ganga and staying at Kashi a
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Vishnushayani Ekaadashi: Fasting for well-being of the nation and fellow citizens

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Fast on the 11th day of Aashaadh Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon heading towards Purnima, the full moon) in the month of Aashaadh is Vishnushayani Ekaadashi. Also known by names like Devshayani, Harivasar, Harishayani, Shayani, and Padmaa Ekaadashi. This Ekaadashi also marks the beginning of Chaturmasya (The four holy months that coincide with the monsoon in Bharat). This is the longest chapter in the collection of Ekaadashi stories with 267 lines (Sanskrit line). On average, the stories in the collection are about 56 lines. A significant part of this story is dedicated to enlightening us on the fasting rituals of various Chaturmasya fasts.   Stroy of Vishnushayani Ekaadashi  Yudhishthira seeks to be educated about Vishnushayani from Krishna, who then tells Yudhishthira this fascinating story that was told by Lord Brahma to Sage Naarad. Krishna recites the scene where Sage Naarad enquires about the Vishnushayani Ekaadashi from Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma enriches Sage Naarad w
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Book Review: Essential Writings of Dharampal (Chapter 5)

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In the book, “The Essential Writings of Dharampal” chapter 5 is The Beautiful Tree- Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century . The chapter is an extract of a larger comprehensive book of the same name written by him. The Chapter is a good starting point for people just starting to look into pre–British Indian history. Due to its bridged size, the chapter is not an intimidating read and can easily be read in an hour or so. Dharampal’s language is simple. The beauty of his writing is that it is knowledgeable without the over sense of academic condensation many academic writers have.  For long Dharampal’s works had been ignored by mainstream Indian historians. One can only speculate the reason for this snub, but as Indian history is finally outgrowing the idle and predictable lenses of the Marxist perspective, Dharampal’s works are getting the recognition they deserve.   A Gandhian thinker, Dharampal’s extensive dive into the British official archives presents some of the mos
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Yogini Ekaadashi: All good deeds, no matter how small, have a way of coming back

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Fast on the 11th day of Aashaadh Krishna Paksha (the wanning phase of the moon heading towards new moon) is Yogini Ekaadashi. Story in Short A man’s failure to control is lust makes him fail his duty. Thus, he is cursed and left wondering the worlds in abject suffering. His past good deeds allow him a chance for redemption as he chances upon a meeting with Sage Markandeya. The Sage reveals the powers of the Yogini Ekaadashi fast and opened the vista, redemption through undertaking of the fast.  Yogini Ekadashi (Story in some details) This story is being narrated to Yudhishthira by Krishna.  King Kuber is a known devotee of Lord Shiva. To assist his daily prayers and meditation the King has intrusted Hemamali to procure flowers on a daily basis. The King’s daily worship requires flowers as an essential item.  One day Hemamali is so enchanted by his wife that on his way back from plucking the flowers from Mansarovar he ignores his duty to deliver the flowers and directly goes home to be
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Nirjala Ekaadashi: Answer to Bhim's Conundrum

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Fast on the 11th day of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon heading towards full moon) is Nirjala Ekaadashi. Nirjala means without water. As the name suggests, this is an Ekaadashi with stricter endurance in comparison to other Ekaadashis as a dry fast is a defining undertaking of this day. It is also known as Pandava Ekaadashi and Bhimseni Ekaadashi. Story in Short Before Vyas, Bhim puts forward his failure of not being able to observe a fast. He expresses his admiration for his Mother Kunti, wife Draupadi, and all other brothers (Pandavas) who fast every Ekaadashi. He enquires about a way to get the benefits of fasting without fasting. He claims that he is ready to take on great charities and make offerings to the Gods but his hunger is such that he cannot take on a fast. He is informed that the only way to get the benefits of fasting is to fast. But he continues to press at his inability to fast regularly. He seeks one day so powerful that by observing it he can att
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Book Review: Ṛtu Vidyā: Ancient Science Behind Menstrual Practices" by Sinu Joseph

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" Ṛtu Vidyā: Ancient Science behind Menstrual Practices " by Sinu Joseph provides insightful information on ancient practices aimed at helping women's menstrual situation and overall health. I recommend reading this book, particularly for women and young girls who view their periods as an inconvenience or feel annoyed by this bodily function. The book carries a body-positive message, encouraging women to accept their monthly bleeding as a cleanse and reminding them that menstruation is tied to their overall health and not just fertility and reproduction. However, there were a few weak or misplaced parts of the book. For example, it could have been shorter, and it spends too much time praising Vedic culture. Chapters 9 (Chengannur Bhagavathy Temple) & Chapter 11 (Kamakya Temple) focus on the author's personal experiences and inspirations and may not be relevant to all readers. The author acknowledges the lack of modern research done on old practices of menstruation
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Conversation on Aparaa Ekaadashi

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Fast on the 11th day of Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon heading towards new moon) is Aparaa Ekaadas hi. The name Aparaa comes from the word Apar meaning immense or boundless. This day confers immense benefits on those who undertake the fast. Story in Short More than a story or a parable, this chapter is told as a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Lord Krishna lists out the advantages of this fast to Yudhishthira. There is no specific story. Lord Krishna highlights that observing a fast on this day can bring about immense benefits.  One does come across reference to a Mahabharata time story of King Mandhata, who ruled over the kingdom of Ayodhya and a poor farmer named Kuber when researching about Aparaa Ekaadashi. However, this story is not in the Ekaadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha (published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi). This is a good place to note that the reasons and inspirations for different people an
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Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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