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What Is Ekadashi and Why Do We Fast?

Researched and written by our mindfulness and meditation experts

Fasting on Ekadashi isn’t about willpower. It’s about clearing space — in the body and the mind.

Here’s why fasting is spiritually potent on this day:

Every month, two days shimmer a little more softly on the lunar calendar. The 11th day after the new moon and the 11th day after the full moon — known in Sanātana Dharma as Ekadashi. But these are not ordinary days. They are thresholds. Just as the ocean’s tides shift under the pull of the moon, our inner tides — our thoughts, energies, and desires — shift too. And Ekadashi offers us the space to become aware of it.

The Meaning of Ekadashi In Sanskrit, “Ekadashi” means “the eleventh.” But spiritually, it means: pause. purify. prepare. It’s believed that on Ekadashi, the mind naturally becomes more sattvic — still, light, and open to subtle experience. This makes it a powerful day for: • Fasting, not just from food, but from overconsumption of all kinds. • Chanting, especially the names of Vishnu or Krishna. • Turning inward, reflecting, releasing, and resetting.

In Sanskrit, “Ekadashi” means “the eleventh.” But spiritually, it means: pause. purify. prepare. It’s believed that on Ekadashi, the mind naturally becomes more sattvic — still, light, and open to subtle experience. This makes it a powerful day for: • Fasting, not just from food, but from overconsumption of all kinds. • Chanting, especially the names of Vishnu or Krishna. • Turning inward, reflecting, releasing, and resetting. ⸻ Why Do We Fast on Ekadashi? Fasting on Ekadashi isn’t about willpower. It’s about clearing space — in the body and the mind. Here’s why fasting is spiritually potent on this day: 1. Energetic Sensitivity The human system is sensitive to lunar influence. On Ekadashi, the pranic (life-force) flow shifts, making it easier to meditate, chant, and do inner work — if the body is light. Eating heavy, tamasic food (like grains or processed meals) pulls energy downward. Fasting allows that energy to move upward, toward clarity and intuition. 2. Digestive Rest = Mental Clarity When the digestive fire is not occupied, your inner fire — agni — can burn brighter in other areas: thought, intention, attention. This is why fasting is often paired with prayer, mantra, or silence. 3. Surrender, Not Struggle Fasting isn’t about punishing the body. It’s about refining it. It’s a symbolic offering — “Today, I place my desires aside and choose to be with the Divine.”

The Spiritual Power of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is deeply connected to Vishnu, the sustainer — the Lord who brings balance in chaos. Fasting is a form of bhakti (devotion) to Him. Many devotees read or listen to Vishnu Sahasranama, chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, or simply sit in silent remembrance. Each Ekadashi has its own name, story, and energy — from Vaikuntha Ekadashi to Mokshada Ekadashi — but the essence is the same: Lighten. Listen. Let go. ⸻ How to Observe Ekadashi (The Inner Yatra Way) You don’t have to follow strict rules to honor the spirit of Ekadashi. You only need intention and sincerity. Simple Ekadashi Practices: • Fast with awareness — either full (water only), fruit-only, or sattvic/light meals. Avoid grains, meats, garlic, and onions. • Chant or listen to mantras — especially Vishnu/Krishna bhajans. • Journal your desires — what are you ready to release or transcend? • Offer incense or tulsi at your altar or a temple. • Sit in silence — even for 15 minutes, letting your breath guide you inward.

Final Reflection

The moon moves, the tides respond, and we — small universes ourselves — shift too. Ekadashi is a reminder that we are not separate from the cosmos, but in conversation with it. Fasting is not just a tradition — it is a tantra of tuning in. When we reduce what we take in from the world, we begin to hear what the inner world is quietly trying to say. At Inner Yatra, we see Ekadashi as an opportunity — To realign. To soften. To step into sacred lightness. Try observing it — not with rigidity, but with reverence. You may be surprised by how much clarity lives inside an empty stomach and a quiet mind.