Jammu & Kashmir: The month of Margashirsha is considered very sacred. As soon as Margashirsha begins, one should bathe and maintain purity. By controlling the senses, one should renounce desires, anger, greed, attachment, ego, envy, and malice and engage in the remembrance of God. There are 24 Ekadashis every year, but during Adhik Maas or Mal Maas, the number increases to 26.
The Ekadashi falling in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of Margashirsha month is called Mokshada Ekadashi. On this subject, Mahant Rohit Shastri, Jyotishacharya and President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish avim Vedic sansthan Trust, explained that religious texts highly extol the significance of Mokshada Ekadashi. This year, the sunrise-based Ekadashi of Margashirsha Shukla Paksha will occur on Wednesday, December 11, making it the day of fasting for Mokshada Ekadashi.
According to religious scriptures, worshiping Lord Vishnu on Ekadashi eradicates all sins. Observing the fast yields merit greater than performing Ashwamedha Yajna or undertaking holy pilgrimages. Mokshada Ekadashi is observed to pray for liberation (moksha). Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti fall on the same day. On this day, Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Mokshada Ekadashi means “the Ekadashi that grants salvation.” Observing this fast grants the devotee liberation after death and helps ancestors attain heaven. Scriptures compare Mokshada Ekadashi to Chintamani, the gem that fulfills all desires. On this day, devotees should worship the Bhagavad Gita with sandalwood paste and tilak, recite its verses, and perform its aarti.
How to Perform the Worship:
Regarding the rituals of this fast, Mahant Rohit Shastri stated that along with physical cleanliness, one must also ensure mental purity. On the Dashami (tenth day) of Margashirsha Shukla Paksha, after eating, thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure no food particles remain. On the following day, i.e., Ekadashi, both husband and wife should jointly worship Lakshmi-Narayan. After bathing in the morning, set up the idol or picture of Lord Lakshmi-Narayan on a clean platform in the prayer room or any pure space in the house. Purify the platform and room with Ganga water or cow urine. Place a water-filled silver, copper, or clay pitcher with a coconut on it as part of the Kalash Sthapana. Worship all the deities, Navagrahas (nine planets), Yoginis, and Nagar Devtas present in the Kalash. Then take a vow of fasting and perform the Shodashopachara (16-step) worship of Lord Lakshmi-Narayan along with all established deities using Vedic mantras and the Vishnu Sahasranama. Offerings include: invocation, seating, water for washing feet, arghya, sipping water, bath, clothing, sacred thread, sandalwood paste, roli, turmeric, vermilion, durva grass, bilva leaves, ornaments, garlands, fragrant substances, incense, lamp, food, fruits, betel leaves, sesame seeds, donation, aarti, circumambulation, and mantra flowers. Conclude the worship by reciting or listening to the fast’s story and distributing prasad.
Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times.
The fast can be observed either without food or with fruits. Fasting individuals can consume fruits in the evening after worshiping Lord Vishnu. However, the fast concludes (Parana) on Dwadashi (the twelfth day). On the next day, Dwadashi, offer food and alms to a needy person or Brahmin.
Special Precautions During Ekadashi:
Avoid consuming tamasic foods on Ekadashi. Observe celibacy and refrain from intoxicants such as alcohol. Those observing the fast should not cut their hair, nails, or beard during this time. Avoid wearing leather items, belts, shoes, or black clothing. Causing emotional harm to others is considered a great sin. Wrong deeds negatively affect not only your body but also your future.
Mahant Rohit Shastri (Jyotishacharya)
President, Shri Kailakh Jyotish avim Vedic sansthan Trust (Registered)
Contact: 9858293195, 7006711011, 9796293195
Email: rohitshastri.shastri1@gmail.com
