This is about Sarva Sayana Ekaadasi (also known as Padma Ekaadasi) which is to be observed on July 18/ July 19, 2013.
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 throughout the world - except those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of the American continents is on July 19, 2013.
b) Smaartha ekaadasi - to be observed by those in U.S./ Canada, and other countries of the American continents is on July 18, 2013.
c) Vaishnavai ekaadasi for those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of the American continents is on July 19, 2013.
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.
Important note: Readers of this blog might have noticed the occurrence of flash floods in various parts of the world recently.....(our own deluge in Uttarkand, the difficult floods in North East of our country recently, and the floods in China); just like famine occurring due to absence of rains, torrential rains are also causes of mass suffering. So, pious ones all over the world can observe this sarva sayani fast and pray that this deluge should be harmlessly absorbed in the Mighty Ocean where Shri Vishnu has His Ananda Sayana (Happy Reclining Pose in Yoga Nidra). This might help alleviate the sufferings that masses around the globe are subject to recently........May the souls of those who perished in Nature's Fury rest in Peace. Fasts by pious individuals can give such peace! Let Mother Earth who is suffering due to burden of sins of Her children (we people!) be relieved of at least a portion of that burden due to the power of the merit of fasts undertaken by Her pious children (again those of us - Believers!)
Blessed be.
Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi
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