Pranaams, Namaste, Vanakkum, Hare Krsna, Jai Shree Krsna, Jai Shree Raam. All glories to our eternal Parents Shree Shree Radha Krsna. All glories to the most merciful Shree Shree Lakshmi Nrsimhadeva. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, and the other wonderful and inspiring gurus. All glories to the wonderful servants of the Supreme Lord.
On Saturday, 25th of July, Sayana/Devshayani Ekadashi is observed. Please have your last grain meal on Friday night.
Parana Time (Breaking the Fast)
The times to break your fast with grains on Sunday morning, 26th of July, are as follows:
- Durban: 06:45 AM to 08:52 AM
- Gauteng: 06:50 AM to 09:00 AM
- Cape Town: 07:43 AM to 09:47 AM
Please refrain from eating grains and meat on this most auspicious day. (N.B. I have included what to eat, what not to eat, and 16 different meals to have on Ekadashi at the end of this email).
The Benefits of Fasting on Sayana Ekadashi
The benefits of fasting on this day are endless. This Ekadashi bestows upon the devotee the eradication of the greatest sins they have committed and awards passage to the spiritual abode. One is granted freedom from obstacles in spiritual progress and receives the perfection of life.
This day of fasting removes all sins eternally. It is the most meritorious day for destroying all kinds of sins.
Please note that this auspicious day is not only for Hindus to observe. This fast can be observed by anyone. There is no catch here. One who is truly universal does not discriminate; rather, he or she respects and embraces all cultures.
An Important Note on Planetary Fasts and Grains
There is one very important point to note. Many people perform different prayers—such as those meant to nullify the negative effects of the planets—and wonder why the prayers did not work. They ask, “What happened? I did the prayer exactly as the priest said, yet I feel the same.”
What you are not told is that if you do not follow the Ekadashi fast, performing a planetary fast is like taking a bath and then immediately rubbing mud all over yourself again.
By fasting for a particular planet on a specific day, you are removing the negative effects of that planet. However, when Ekadashi arrives and you consume grains, the obstacles return. Eating grains on Ekadashi creates obstacles on your path and in your life. Conversely, by strictly observing the Ekadashi fast, you remove all obstacles in your life.
The History of Sayana Ekadashi from the Bhavishya-Uttara Purana
The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh Keshava, what is the name of that Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June – July)? Who is the worshippable Deity for this auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?”
Lord Shree Krishna replied, “Oh caretaker of this Earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the deva Lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narada Muni.”
One day, Narada Muni asked his father, “What is the name of the Ekadashi that comes during the light part of the month of Ashadha? Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadashi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Shree Vishnu.”
Lord Brahma replied, “Oh great saintly orator, O best of all sages, Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is, as usual, excellent for all mankind. There is nothing better than Ekadashi, the day of Lord Shree Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst sins if observed properly. For this reason, I shall tell you about Sayana Ekadashi.”
“Fasting on this Ekadashi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a prime candidate for entering into hell. Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesh, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, Oh Narada, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event recorded in the scriptures regarding this Ekadashi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.”
The Story of King Mandhata
“Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Sun dynasty whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own family members and children. On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his entire kingdom. All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but were also very wealthy. The king’s own treasury was free of any ill-gotten moneys, and thus he ruled happily for many years.”
“Once, however, because of some unknown sin committed somewhere in his kingdom, there was a severe drought that lasted for three years. The subjects found themselves deeply beset by famine. The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the prescribed Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations of ghee to their forefathers and the devas, engage in ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures.”
“Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and addressed him thus: ‘Oh king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead. The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, another of His names is Narayana. God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there.'”
“‘It is said that three things cannot exist without water: pearls, human beings, and flour. The essential quality of a pearl is its luster, which is due to water. The essence of a man is his semen, whose main constituent is water. And without water, flour cannot be made into dough to be cooked into various forms of bread to be offered and eaten. Sometimes water is called jala-narayan—the Supreme Lord in the form of this life-sustaining substance. In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rains, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity.’”
“‘”Oh king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus, we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as people die off or leave your kingdom. Oh best ruler on Earth, please find a solution to this problem and bring us back to peace and prosperity once again.”’”
King Mandhata’s Quest
“The king replied, ‘You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives. Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom? The Holy Scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king or head of a country is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer. I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character, I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the good of all subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation.'”
“Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage, paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their ashrams and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last, he came upon the ashram of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see this exalted sage, whose senses were completely under control.”
“The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni. Then the king joined his palms and prayed for the Muni’s blessings. That saintly person reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom. The seven limbs of a king’s domain are the king himself, the ministers, his treasury, his military forces, his allies, the Brahmins, the sacrificial performances performed in the kingdom, and the needs of the subjects under his care.”
The Spiritual Solution from Angira Muni
“After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were situated, King Mandhata asked the sage about his own situation and if he was happy. Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering.”
“The king said, ‘Oh great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while strictly following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.'”
“Angira Rishi said to the king, ‘The present age, Satya Yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness). In this age, everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penances. Although this is the standard, Oh lion among kings, there is one Shudra (an uninitiated, untrained person) who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is why there is no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this laborer, for by so doing you will remove the contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peace to your subjects.'”
“The king then replied, ‘How can I kill an otherwise offenseless performer of austerity and sacrifice? Please give me a spiritual solution.'”
“The great sage Angira Muni then said, ‘Oh king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha. This auspicious day is named Sayana Ekadashi. By its influence, plentiful rains, grains, and other foodstuffs will surely return to your kingdom. This Ekadashi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection. Oh king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadashi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal.'”
The Return of Prosperity
“Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and returned to his palace. When Sayana Ekadashi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day. “
“After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted. In due course of time, there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain. By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrishikesh, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.”
“Therefore, Oh Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadashi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon whoever follows it.”
the faithful devotee.” Lord Shree Krishna concluded, “My dear Yudhishthira, Sayana Ekadashi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. Oh Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadashi.”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Sayana Ekadashi from the Bhavishya-Uttara Purana.
Note: If you cannot fast due to difficult circumstances, you can chant the names of all the Ekadashis and read the true story above to receive the same spiritual benefits.
The 26 Ekadashis of the Year (Including Leap Years)
Suta Goswami said: There are twelve months in a year, and two Ekadashis in each month. Thus, there are twenty-four Ekadashis in one full year. In a leap year, there are two extra Ekadashis.
O great sages, please listen attentively as I declare the names and corresponding Western months of these auspicious days:
- Utpannaa — November–December
- Mokshadaa — November–December
- Saphalaa — December–January
- Putradaa — December–January
- Shattilaa — January–February
- Jayaa — January–February
- Vijayaa — February–March
- Aamalakee — February–March
- Paapamochanee — March–April
- Kaamadaa — March–April
- Varoothinee — April–May
- Mohinee — April–May
- Aparaa — May–June
- Nirjalaa — May–June
- Yoginee — June–July
- Padmaa — June–July
- Kaamikaa — July–August
- Putradaa — July–August
- Ajaa — August–September
- Parivartinee — August–September
- Indiraa — September–October
- Paapaankushaa — September–October
- Ramaa — October–November
- Haribodhinee — October–November
Extra Leap Year Ekadashis:
- Padminee
- Paramaa
Pronunciation Tips:
- To pronounce the “t” correctly: Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and say “t”.
- To pronounce the “n” correctly: Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and say “n”.
“O sages, one who hears about these Ekadashis will learn how to observe them properly. Each Ekadashi bestows particular benefits on the faithful observer. One who is physically unable to fast on Ekadashi may read the glories of each Ekadashi when it occurs and recite all the names of the Ekadashis; thus, he will achieve the same goal as the person who observes the full Ekadashi vow.”
Ekadashi Fasting Guidelines
For a detailed list of what to eat or avoid, along with over 100 Ekadashi recipes, please visit our website at www.dipika.org.za and look under the sub-menu EKADASHI – THE DAY OF LORD HARI.
Strictly Abstain From:
- Grains & Cereals: Breads, wheat, flour, beans, rice, dhals, green beans, roti, etc.
- Beverages: Coffee.
- Meat products.
Do Not Cook With:
- Powdered hing.
- Store-bought turmeric (you can use whole turmeric instead).
- Store-bought masala and chilli powder.
Permitted Cooking Ingredients:
Whole turmeric, clean salt, cinnamon sticks, clean oil, butter, ghee, ginger, fresh chilli, curry leaves, maas (yogurt), cheese, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, clean sugar, rooibos tea, spinach, dhania, thyme, peppers, ground pepper, mint, green bananas, fresh cream, sour cream, and bay leaves.
Permitted Vegetables: Potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts, cabbage, pumpkin, butternut, gem squash, carrots, lettuce, paneer, and all kinds of fruits.
16 Ekadashi Meal Ideas
- Paneer Tomato Chutney: Make a fresh tomato chutney, then add scrambled paneer and dhania. You can also add a little maas (yogurt) or fresh cream.
- Eggplant & Potato Mash Bake: Cut eggplant into thin slices and deep fry, then set aside. Prepare a potato mash. In a casserole dish, lay the eggplant at the bottom, cover it with mash, sprinkle cheese over the top, and place thin slices of tomato and strips of peppers on top. Bake for a few minutes and serve.
- Potato Soup: A warm soup seasoned with salt, thyme, and black or white pepper.
- Mixed Vegetable Stew: Combine cabbage, carrots, peppers, zucchini, and potatoes. Season with black pepper, thyme, a little butter, and fresh cream. Use the leftover liquid from the baked vegetables recipe below for added flavor.
- Crispy Herb Baked Vegetables: Cut potatoes and butternut into large pieces, carrots into thin strips, cauliflower into florets, and sweet potatoes into rounds. Boil the vegetables for 15 minutes, drain them, and save the liquid for stews. Mix butter, black pepper, salt, oregano, and plenty of thyme, rub well into the boiled vegetables, and bake in the oven until crispy on the outside.
- Vaikuntha Curry: Sliced cabbage, green peppers, and carrots cooked with curry leaves and ginger. Add fried paneer cubes, thyme, and dhania.
- Cheesy Potato Rounds: Cut potatoes into rounds, deep fry, and drain to remove excess oil. Place flat on a baking tray, grate cheese over them, and bake until the cheese melts.
- Loaded Potato Bites: Cut potatoes into rounds, deep fry, and drain excess oil. Place on a baking tray with spaces between each slice. Mix scrambled curds, tiny cubed tomatoes, green peppers, salt, grated cheese, black pepper, and thyme, then place the mixture onto the potato slices. Top with more cheese and bake until melted.
- Jacket Baked Potato: Bake a whole potato with the jacket on in the microwave until soft. Cut a cross in the top, press it open, dot with butter, add a tablespoon of sour cream, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese melts.
- Cabbage & Potato Curry: Cook cabbage and potatoes together with fresh tomatoes.
- Creamy Mixed Vegetables: Cook mixed vegetables (such as potato, cauliflower, and zucchini) in butter, ghee, or oil. Once cooked, add sour cream or fresh cream and simmer until it thickens.
- Fried Peanuts & Green Bananas: Simple and quick snacks fried in permitted oil or ghee.
- Fresh Salads: Make refreshing garden salads or fruit salads.
- Ekadashi Chevda: Fry nuts and grated potatoes (colored with red, green, or yellow food coloring if desired). You can also fry thin slices of green bananas.
- Sago Milk: Add 4 cups of water to a pot, add 1 cup of sago, and bring to a boil while stirring continuously. Add sugar to taste (approx. 1 cup) and a few drops of vanilla essence. Cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes until the sago becomes clear. Add 2 cups of milk and boil until slightly thick.
- Sago Patties: Soak 1 cup of sago in cold water for 20 minutes, then remove the excess water. Boil three medium potatoes and mash them while hot, then mix in the sago. Finely cut 2 chillies, chop some dhania, and add salt to taste. You can also add grated cheese. Form into patties, deep fry until golden brown, and serve with tomato chutney.
Reference: “Ekadashi: The Day of Lord Hari” 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami.