Sayani ekaadasi - 2014

This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi) which is to be observed on  July 8th/ July 9th, 2014. This marks the beginning of Chaaturmaasya vratam (4 months of austerities - when pious people observe restraint in food, and ascetics are supposed to observe special austerities involving "staying in one place").

Schedule of observance of this fast for those living in various parts of the world:

a) Sarva ekaadasi - common to both vaishnava and Shaiva sampradaayas those living in U.S., Canada, and other American countries, Whole of Europe, Africa, and Asian countries to the West of India (like Gulf Countries,  Western parts of Russia) must be observed on July 8, 2014.
b) Smaartha ekaadasi - to be observed by those in Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Tibet, and South China regions bordering HImalayas) - July 8, 2014.

c) Vaishnavai ekaadasi for those living in Indian sub-continent - July 9, 2014.

d) Sarva ekaadasi - common to both Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions for those living in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji must be observed on July 9, 2014.

Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi falls on the bright fortnight of the month Aashaada. It is also known as Vishnu sayani ekaadasiIt is believed that after this Ekaadasi, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep along with the demi-gods (Yoga Nidra - not merely the senseless sleep of us mortals; the Lord's sleep is Yoga Nidra - a yogic trance where His Will is still active!) till He wakes up on Prabhodini Ekaadasi after 4 months.


Observance of this ekaadasi should be mainly for getting the Grace of Lord Vishnu. We should not fast on this day with any material gains in mind . Material gains like abundance and happiness of mind will follow automatically; but we are not supposed to make a sankalpa to this effect according to established traditions. We have seen that the other ekaadasis can also be observed with material gains like birth of child, or gain of fame or other material ends as sankalpa - but not this sayana ekaadasi. This ekaadasi automatically removes residual sins committed unknowingly.

To illustrate this effect, there is the legend of a great famine during the rein of the Great Surya Vamsha king Maandaata who was known for his righteousness. There was a minor sin in the kingdom due to transgression of a natural law of dharma which had resulted in famine in the kingdom. On the advice of Sage Aangirasa, the King instructed all his subjects (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyaas, and Sudras - i.e. all castes) to observe this ekaadasi fast on Sayana Ekaadasi for obtaining the Grace of Lord Vishnu. Due to the observance, the kingdom was relieved from the grips of pestilence.


Those who cannot afford to observe a full fast may fast by just avoiding rice and grains, and by consuming uncooked fruits/ vegetables or by drinking fruit juices or milk. But, please observe this important fast in some form and meditate on Lord Hari on this day with the pure intent of becoming recipients of His Grace.


Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in