Ekadashi Vrat
Ekadashi is considered to be a very sacred day and so a fast is observed on every eleventh day of the bright and dark half of the month.The eleventh day of the moonis especially set apart for devotional exercises and fasting.It is a day dedicated to the worship of Vishnu.The Vishnu Purana and the Markandeya Purana gies detailed description of the benefits resulting from the observance of Ekadashi Vrata.It is believed that Lord Vishnu transformed himself into Ekadashi to reedeem the mankind from sins.This day is significant as it is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Hari himself.
In all, 24 Ekadashi fasts are observed in a year,but there are some Ekadashis which are relatively of greater significance.Nirjala Ekadashi is one of these.Not only people refrain from talking food on this day (Jyaishtha Sudi 11) but even the intake of water is impermissible.Both men and women observe strict fast and offer puja to Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins.On the preceding day that is on the 10th lunar day; Sandhya is performed and only one meal is taken.In the evening Vishnu is worshiped holding some durva grass in the land.The night is spent in meditation and prayer.On the day of Ekadashi eating rice totally prohibited.
During the Nirjala Ekadashi ,Panchamrat is prepared by mixing together milk,ghee,curds,honey and sugar, and then offered to the deity is adorned with rich raiments,ornaments and jewels and a fan is placed beside it.Then Vishnu is meditated upon as the Supreme Lord of the Universe and puja is done with flowers,lamps,water,incense,etc.
The Faithful observance of the fast and other rituls on this day ensure happiness,salvation,longevity and prosperity.After the complation of the worship rituls clothes,grains,umbrellas,fans,pitchers filled with water,etc.are given in charity to the Brahmins according to ones means and capacity.The month of Jyaishtha is very hot and the days are long,and so observing fast ,without even talking a drop of water from down to dusk means a great act of piety and austerity.Ekadashi vow and vigil enhances mental equipoise,tolerance and spiritual powers and grants great religious merit.
Ekadashi Vrat Aarti (Vishu ji Aarti)
Om Jai Jagadiish Hare Swaami Jai Jagadiish Hare
Bhakta Jano Ke Sankatt, Shan me dur kare. Om...
Bhakta Jano Ke Sankatt, Shan me dur kare. Om...
Jo Dhyave Phal Pave Dukh Vinshe man ka,
Sukh Sampati Ghar Aave Kasht Mite tan Ka.Om...
Maat Pita Tum Mere Sharan Gahun Kiski,
Tum Bin Aur Na Dooja Aas karun Jiski. Om...
Main Murakh Khal Kaami Kripa Karo Bharta.Om...
Tum Ho Ek Agochar Sabke pranpati,
Kis Vidhi Milun Dayamay Tumko Mein Kumati.Om...
Deen Bandhu Dukh Harta Tum Thakur Mere,
Karuna Hast Barao Dwar Para Tere.Om...
Vishay Vikar Mitao Paap Hare Deva.
Shradha Bhakti Barao Santan Ki Dewa. Om..
Om Jai Jagadiish Hare Swaami Jai Jagadiish Hare
Bhakta Jano Ke Sankatt, Shan me dur kare. Om...
Bhakta Jano Ke Sankatt, Shan me dur kare. Om...
