Tag: Ekadashi fasting rules

According to ancient Hindu scriptures like the Padma Purana, a personification of sin (Papapurusha) takes refuge in grains and pulses on the day of Ekadashi. This is the primary mythological reason why devotees strictly avoid these food groups during the fast.

Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day of each fortnight, is a sacred fasting day for Hindus, observed twice a month. Understanding what food is allowed in Ekadashi VRAT is crucial for observing the fast correctly and reaping its spiritual and physical benefits, which often revolve around maintaining a sattvic, or pure, diet.

While a strict interpretation known as Nirjala Ekadashi prohibits both food and water for 24 hours, the allowance for water depends entirely on the specific type of fast a devotee observes. The key question, "Is water allowed on Ekadashi?" has a nuanced answer rooted in spiritual capacity and health considerations.

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.

According to Hindu scriptures and customs, most devotees observing a partial Ekadashi fast are permitted to consume potatoes. This day of fasting, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, involves abstaining from grains and pulses to purify the body and mind. Potatoes and other non-grain foods are widely accepted as 'phalahari' or fasting food, provided they are prepared in a specific, pure manner.

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, the Ekadashi fast is a time for deep spiritual purification, with strict prohibitions on certain foods, including all types of grains and beans. This raises the common question: Can we eat flax seeds in Ekadashi fast?