Sanatani Kashi.

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...

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 go...

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...

" 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...

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 peopl...

Fast on the 11th day of Vaishak Shukla Pacha (moving towards full moon) is Mohini Ekaadashi. Often associated with the only female avatar of Vishnu, Mohini (goddess of enchantment), Mohini Ekaadashi is also about day of fast directed towards shedding Moha , the illusions of emotions that cause us to be attached to this world and temporal relations. The story is simple and like all good short tales, it is direct so there is not much confusion on the final message of shedding addictions, attachment and illusions through fasting.  Story in Short Dhrishtabuddhi is born into great privilege in a prosperous and influential family indulges in a hedonistic lifestyle filled with drinking and engaging prostitutes. Eventually, his own actions lead him to a life of crimes and he eventually ends up being a lonely feral, barely surviving in the forest. A sage, he meets in the forest, tells him of the Mohini Fast to help him get rid of fast to be tama (extremely indulgences & high tendency ...

Millions of Hindus (I really don’t have a source for this figure. I am just assuming it is a million looking at the extra-large crowds that gather on Ekaadashi in temples across Kashi) on the 11th lunar day of the Vedic Calendar observe fast by consuming only water or fruits, and refraining from eating grains, beans, and certain vegetables. There are different personalised motives of each person undertaking this regular bodily cleansing based on autophagy that has spiritual cleanse in its centre.  Motivated by the need to stop being a glutton, among other many things wrong with her, the writer is attempting these periods of abstinence from solid food every Ekaadashi for the Vikram Samvat year 2080.   Rules of My Fast  The rules I have set for myself are simple as I don’t want to over commit and fizzle out. While there are general rules of fasting in my Sanatani home, like no onion garlic, no grain etc each member has their own version customised to their need. Some t...