Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Saphala Ekaadasi - December 20/ 21, 2011


Dear Members:


The auspicious Saphala Ekaadashi falls on December 20/ December 21, 2011. The observance of this fast for different places on the globe is as follows:

1) for USA, Canada, West Indies, and other countries in American Continent, U.K., Western European nations - December 20, 2011

2) For rest of the world, including India - December 21, 2011.

Glory of Saphala Ekaadashi

This is mentioned in Brahmaanda Purana. Fasting on Saphala Ekaadashi will help in cleansing all sins committed earlier, and also helps in attaining fame in this life.

Lumbaka - the son of a king was always questioning the authority of Lord Vishnu, and due to this irreverent attitude, he was exiled from the kingdom. He continued with his irreverential attitude, and added to that began plundering the wealth of poor villagers. He took his abode beneath a banyan tree, started killing animals, and began eating raw meat. (The legend purports to describe that the king's son had fallen into sinful ways that will add severely to karmic account).

Once, he fell ill on a particular day and hence could not partake his usual meals (of raw meat!); he also remained awake all night due to his sickness. As the day was Saphala Ekaadashi fast day, he had unknowingly followed the vrat! The next day he felt better and intuitively realized that this was all due to Grace of Lord Vishnu. He realized his mistake, returned to his father with a repentant attitude, and lived happily thereafter.

Such is the glory of the Saphala Ekaadashi - even a person who unknowingly kept that fast could gain Grace of Shri Vishnu. So, what to speak of the Holy and Pious persons who undertake this fast with full faith and with Divine Contemplation? Is it not obvious that Heavenly glory is open to those who undertake this auspicious Saphala Ekaadashi Fast?

Special austerities recommended in connection with this ekaadasi:

1) Offer Pomegranate, guava, variety of nuts, coconut, betel leaves, areca nuts, mangoes, and aromatic spices (like cloves, cardamom, etc.) in Honour of Lord Aadhi Naaraayana (The Original Viraat Roopa of Shriman Naaraayana - with His Consort Lakshmi on His Chest, mounted on Shri Garuda, and carrying His Divine Conch and Disc with Full Glory) on this day. You can partake these items as prasad on dwaadasi day if you are keeping a full fast; those who are only observing partial fast (just abstaining from whole-grains and beans) may partake these in lieu of regular diet.

2) Light a ghee lamp in Honour of Lord Naraayana and Goddess Lakshmi in your pooja place and recite the Holy Ashtaakshari (Om NamO Naaraayanaaya) as many times as possible. Recital of Naaraayana Sooktham and Purushasooktham can also be done by those who are intiated into these vedic hymns.

A full-night vigil is also recommended. Those who cannot maintain a full-night vigil may at least recite Shriman Naaraayana naama as many times as possible and sleep with Divine Thought.

May our members undertake this fast and feel Blessed by Divine Grace.

Blessed be.

Pandit R DAKSHINAMOORTHI

dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

2 comments:

Mohan said...

I read about your Putrada Ekadasi post earlier, could you please tell when it falls in the year 2012.

Is the coming vaikunta ekadasi on January 5 2012 is a putrada ekadasi

Thanks

Mohan

Pandit R. DAKSHINA MOORTHI said...

Dear Shri. Mohan:

Yes, the coming Vaikunta Ekaadasi on January 5, 2012 is putradaa ekaadasi.

Please note that it is to be observed on January 4, 2012 itself if you are living in U.S., other countries of the American continent, U.K., or Middle East countries.

Hope this helps.

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

Pay by Skrill Button 245x75 PNG
Custom Search
Google
 
google.com, pub-7255224263443127, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape