sayana Ekaadasi on July 13, 2008

Dear Members:

This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi). 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.

It is noteworthy that the world as a whole is under the grip of uncertain economy and many persons around the globe are suffering due to this. Saturn and Mars are conjunct and in square aspect to Taurus - the natural sign of wealth for the zodiac is causing tense situations for many persons and debt crisis is extending its vicious grip on many. If all of us observe this Sayana Ekaadasi with fervour to get Divine Grace, prosperity can ensure for the whole world! Of course, do not pray for removal of debts or prosperity - just do the sankalpam as "For Lord Hari's Grace upon the world"; prosperity will follow (do not make individual sankalpam for any material gains as this is against tradition - pray just for Lord Hari's Grace upon you and also for the whole world).

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.

Days of the sayana ekaadasi fast for different regions of the world:

1) For USA, Canada, Brazil, Cuba, West Indies,(whole American continent), Europe, Africa, Gulf Countries, India (except Eastern states of Bengal, and Northeast) - Both smaarthaas and Vaishna traditions should observe the fast on July 13, 2008.

2) Eastern states of India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Fiji - Smaartha Ekaadasi on July 13, 2008; Vaishnava Ekaadasi is on July 14, 2008.

3) Malayasia, china, Japan, Australia - Both Vaishna and smaartha traditions should observe ekaadasi fast on July 14, 2008.

Blessed be.

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant

http://www.dakshinastroquery.blogspot.com