Is besan allowed in Ekadashi? A Complete Guide to Fasting Rules

According to the Vaishnava tradition, one must abstain from all grains and pulses on Ekadashi, which means besan is not allowed in Ekadashi. This rule has deep spiritual and mythological roots, with besan, or chickpea flour, falling under the category of forbidden pulses and beans.

Quick Summary

Besan (chickpea flour), a pulse, is not permitted during the Ekadashi fast, which mandates abstaining from all grains and beans. Devotees follow these strict dietary guidelines for spiritual purification and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Key Points

• Besan is Strictly Prohibited: Besan, or chickpea flour, is a pulse and therefore explicitly forbidden during the Ekadashi fast, as mandated by Vaishnava scriptures.

• No Grains or Pulses: The core rule of Ekadashi is to abstain from all grains (anna) and pulses, including rice, wheat, and all types of dals.

• Mythological Basis: The prohibition is linked to the belief that the Pāpapuruṣa, or personification of sin, takes refuge in grains on Ekadashi.

• Allowed Alternatives Exist: Instead of besan, you can use flours made from water chestnut (singhara), buckwheat (kuttu), or amaranth (rajgira) for your fasting meals.

• Focus on Devotion: The purpose of the Ekadashi fast is spiritual purification and increasing one's devotion to Lord Vishnu, not just adhering to dietary restrictions.

• Dairy, Fruits, and Tubers are Permitted: A diet based on fruits, milk products, tubers like potatoes, and nuts is allowed during the fast.

The Golden Rule of Ekadashi Fasting: Grains and Pulses are Forbidden

Observing Ekadashi is a revered spiritual practice dedicated to Lord Vishnu, involving fasting and devotion. A cornerstone of this vrat (fast) is the strict avoidance of all grains and pulses, or anna. Besan, being flour made from chickpeas (a pulse), falls directly into this prohibited category. While many fasts permit simple, unprocessed foods, the Ekadashi observance has specific, traditional restrictions rooted in scripture. The prohibition extends to any food item made from grains or pulses, including rice, wheat, all types of dal, and products derived from them.

Why is Besan Specifically Excluded?

The reasoning behind the exclusion of besan is based on its source. Chickpeas are legumes, which are classified as pulses. On Ekadashi, the rule is to refrain from all pulses, either whole or ground into flour. The flouring process does not change its classification. Therefore, even though besan might be considered a flour, its origin from a pulse makes it unsuitable for consumption during the vrat. This is different from certain pseudo-grains or root-vegetable flours that are permitted.

Understanding the Spiritual Significance of the Prohibition

The abstinence from grains and pulses on Ekadashi has a rich spiritual and mythological basis. According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, a demon named Pāpapuruṣa (personification of sin) takes shelter in grains and pulses on the day of Ekadashi. By abstaining from these foods, devotees are believed to avoid consuming this sin, thus undergoing a spiritual purification. The focus of the fast is to reduce materialistic consumption and divert the body's energy towards devotion, chanting, and meditation. The simple, permitted foods are meant to keep the body light, supporting spiritual clarity.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Fasting

Ayurveda also offers a perspective on avoiding grains on Ekadashi. It is believed that the lunar position on this day can affect the water content in the body, and consuming heavy, water-retaining foods like grains can cause physical imbalance and increase inertia, or tamas. By consuming lighter, sattvic (pure) foods like fruits, tubers, and milk products, the body can remain in a balanced state, which is ideal for spiritual practices.

Allowed Flours and Foods for Ekadashi

For those who observe a partial fast, there are many delicious and satisfying alternatives to besan and other forbidden flours. These include flours made from root vegetables and pseudo-grains.

Permitted Flours for Ekadashi:

• Singhara Atta: Flour made from water chestnuts.
• Kuttu ka Atta: Buckwheat flour, a common alternative.
• Rajgira Atta: Amaranth flour, used for making parathas or puris.
• Sabudana Flour: Made from tapioca pearls, used in various recipes.

Other Permitted Food Items:

• Fruits and Dried Fruits: Bananas, apples, grapes, dates, and almonds.
• Vegetables and Tubers: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and bottle gourd.
• Dairy Products: Milk, curd, paneer (if made fresh and without additives), and ghee.
• Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, cashews, and coconut.
• Spices: Sendha namak (rock salt), cumin seeds (whole, not powdered), black pepper, and green chilies.

Recommended Recipes for Your Ekadashi Vrat

Instead of dishes made with besan, devotees can prepare a variety of delicious meals using permitted ingredients:

• Sabudana Khichdi: A popular and fulfilling meal made with tapioca pearls, potatoes, and peanuts.
• Kuttu ki Puri: Puris made from buckwheat flour, served with a potato and tomato curry.
• Singhara Halwa: A sweet dish prepared with water chestnut flour and sugar.
• Fruit Salad: A simple and refreshing dish made with a mix of fresh fruits.

Comparing Prohibited and Permitted Ekadashi Foods

Food Category	Prohibited on Ekadashi	Permitted on Ekadashi
Grains & Flours	Wheat flour (atta), Rice, Maida, Semolina (suji), Barley, Rye	Singhara atta, Kuttu ka atta, Rajgira atta, Sabudana
Pulses & Beans	All dals (moong, chana, urad), Chickpeas (besan), Lentils, Soya beans, Green peas	Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews, Coconut
Vegetables	Onion, Garlic, Leafy vegetables (often avoided by strict followers)	Potato, Sweet potato, Arbi, Pumpkin, Carrots, Cucumber
Dairy	Paneer made with animal rennet, some commercially processed milk products	Milk, Curd, Ghee, Homemade Paneer
Spices & Oil	Iodized salt, regular salt, powdered spices (mixed with grain), hing	Sendha namak (rock salt), Whole spices (cumin, black pepper), Ghee, Peanut oil

Conclusion: The Spirit of the Fast

In summary, the answer to is besan allowed in Ekadashi is a clear no, as it is a pulse and therefore forbidden during the vrat. The tradition is not just about a list of prohibited foods but about spiritual discipline and purity of mind. The purpose is to simplify one's diet, focus on devotion, and cleanse the body and spirit. By understanding the rules and embracing the many delicious alternatives, you can observe a successful and spiritually rewarding Ekadashi fast. The key takeaway is to honor the tradition by replacing prohibited items with approved ingredients, keeping the spirit of the vrat intact.

The True Meaning of Ekadashi Observance

The spiritual benefits of the fast are immense, offering a chance for deep introspection and connecting with the divine. For those with health concerns, the fast can be modified by consuming permitted foods, but the essence remains a commitment to devotion. The act of fasting, in any form, is a step towards purifying the mind and body, and the specific food prohibitions are a means to that end. For further reading on the significance of Ekadashi, explore resources from spiritual organizations like the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Visit the official ISKCON website for more information on Ekadashi traditions and philosophy.

Conclusion: The Spirit of the Fast

While besan is off the menu for Ekadashi, the breadth of permitted ingredients ensures that a devotee's fast can be both spiritually enriching and physically sustainable. Understanding the 'why' behind the rules—be it mythological or Ayurvedic—enhances the significance of the observance. The fast is a personal vow (Sankalp), and adhering to its guidelines, with suitable alternatives, is a demonstration of sincere devotion. This complete guide should help clarify the rules and allow for a peaceful and mindful Ekadashi experience.

Note: For those with specific health conditions or dietary needs, consulting a healthcare professional is always advisable before undertaking any form of religious fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is besan flour allowed during Ekadashi?

No, besan flour is not allowed during Ekadashi. Besan is made from chickpeas, which are a pulse, and the consumption of all grains and pulses is prohibited during the Ekadashi fast.

Why can't we eat besan on Ekadashi?

The prohibition on besan stems from the rule to avoid pulses on Ekadashi. This is based on the spiritual belief that the Pāpapuruṣa (personification of sin) takes refuge in grains and pulses on this holy day.

What are some flours I can use instead of besan on Ekadashi?

You can use flours made from permitted alternatives such as water chestnut (singhara atta), buckwheat (kuttu ka atta), or amaranth (rajgira atta). These are often used for making fasting-friendly bread or savory dishes.

Are chana or other types of dal allowed on Ekadashi?

No, all types of lentils, including chana dal, moong dal, and urad dal, are pulses and are strictly forbidden during the Ekadashi fast.

Can I have sweets made with besan, like ladoos, on Ekadashi?

No, since besan is prohibited on Ekadashi, any sweet or dish prepared with besan, such as besan ladoo, is also not allowed. You can make sweets with permitted flours or ingredients like dry fruits and milk products.

Is besan considered a grain or a pulse?

Besan is considered a pulse. It is derived from grinding chickpeas, which are legumes and categorized as pulses, not grains. It is important to differentiate as both are restricted during Ekadashi.

What is the best way to observe Ekadashi if I cannot fast completely?

For a partial fast (Naktabhoji), you can have one meal before sunset using only permitted foods like fruits, vegetables, milk products, and alternative flours, avoiding all grains and pulses. Focusing on devotion and chanting is the most important aspect.