The consumption of rice and the pulses on the day of Ekadashi is equivalent to the sins of Brahmahathya and the sin of killing Cow.

"Ekadashi Vratam Nama
Sarva Kama Phala Pradam
Kartabyam Sarvada Viprair
Vishnu Prinana Karanam"

The above shloka reveals the importance of Ekadashi Vrata and fasting on Ekadashi Days. The Ekadashi Vrata could bring Everything in the life of worshipper whoever follows it with utmost faith and devotion. It brings Dharma (Righteousness), Kama (Desires), Artha (Knowledge about Self), Moksha (Salvation).

In Hinduism Ekadashi is considered an auspicious day and is usually observed by partial fast. Beans and grains are not consumed by observant people during because they are believed to be contaminated by sin. Instead, only fruit, vegetables, and milk products are eaten. This period of abstinence starts from sunrise on the day of Ekadashi to sunset on the following day.

Hindu rules state that anyone between the ages of eight years and eighty years should fast, including forgoing water. However, people who are sick, have health issues, or are pregnant are exempt from the rule and may consume light food including milk and fruits. Those who fast on this day are considered to get rid of malefic planetary influences, experience happiness, and gain the right peace of mind to think of Ishvara and attain moksha.

There are 26 Ekadashis in a Year ;

Utpanna Ekadashi, Moksada Ekadashi, Saphala Ekadashi, Putrada Ekadashi, Sattila Ekadashi, Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi, Amalaki Ekadashi, Papamocani Ekadashi, Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Sayana Ekadashi, Kamika Ekadashi, Pavitra Ekadashi, Annada Ekadashi, Parsva Ekadashi, Indira Ekadashi, Pasankusa Ekadashi, Rama Ekadashi, Utthana Ekadashi, Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi.

"Astai Tanyavrataghnani
Apo Mulam Phalam Payah
Havir Brahamana Kamya Cha
Guror Vachanam Aushadham"

The consumption of rice and the pulses on the day of Ekadashi is equivalent to the sins of Brahmahathya and the sin of killing Cow. It is believed the sins take shelter in the grains and rice. It is strictly forbidden for one to accept any kind of grain on Ekadashi, even if it is offered to Lord Vishnu.

"Since the living entities of Kali yuga are short lived and lusty, they are unable to perform severe austerity. The living entities of Kali yuga subsist on food grains and cannot survive without eating these grains. People of Satya, Treta and Dvapara yugas were capable of undergoing severe austerity and tolerate physical distresses. This is why a minimum austerity in the form of fasting twice a month on the days of Ekadasi has been prescribed for the people of Kali yuga. If they are able they should eat only once the day before Ekadasi, fast totally on the day of Ekadasi and eat only once the day after Ekadasi. If one is unable to follow even this, in other words if one is unable to eat only once on the day before and after Ekadasi, than he must observe complete fast on the day of Ekadasi.

If one is still unable to follow this then he should give up eating five types of grains and observe the vow of Ekadasi simply by partaking some fruits and roots. The five types of grains are:

rice or other products made from rice
wheat flour
barley etc.
pulses such as moong, chickpea, green peas, lentil
mustard oil and sesame oil.
The Ekadashi Vrata also known as the day of 'Upavasa' ( Upa + Vasam = stay close to Lord), means refraining from all other activities and engage in chanting and praising the glory of Sriman Narayana.

Hari bol ~ Hari Om Tat Sat ~ Jai Shri Vishnu Narayana. ✨🕉🐚🌷🐍📿🌀✨🙏