This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi) which is to be observed on July 21, 2010 throughout the world except in New Zealand and Fiji - where it should be observed on July 22, 2010. 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.
On a different note, this ekaadasi also heralds "chaturmasya vrata" (This year the chaturmaasya vrata sankalpam should be made on July 22, 2010 throughout the world)- austerities involving next 4 months - which is observed rigorously by ascetics and nominally by householders as ordained in Dharma shastras (it is traditional for householders to abstain from some variety of food during each month of the chaturmaasya period as an austerity).
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
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2 comments:
nice article.
what is the meaning of demi-gods?
Demi-gods are Angels and other Supernatural beings who possess Divine Powers but are just a little above us in the evolutionary cycle of the soul (i.e. they are different from the Higher Divine Forms or Almighty's Different Forms).
They are called "Devas" in Sanskrit. They have portfolio over different sectors of our existence like governing the distribution of clouds, wind patterns, rain cycles, etc. and do assist us when they are propitiated. But, praying to them offers just mundane benefits and not spiritual evolution benefits....because those demigods are themselves still in the cycle of birth/ death; once their merit account is exhausted, they are to take birth as human-beings and only if they can attain Spiritual Realization of Perfect Levels they can attain Salvation - Freedom from cycle of births and merge with the Absolute Unmanifest Unitary Supreme Being
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