Ekadashi in Sanskrit meaning "one plus ten" which is eleven, denotes the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar. Most among the several spiritual sadhanas which are followed in Hinduism, this holy occasion happens twice in a lunar month: on the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) and waxing moon (Shukla Paksha).

The Spiritual Significance

For spiritual development and devotion to Lord Vishnu, the preserver god in the Hindu trinity, Ekadashi is regarded particularly fortuitous. To purify both body and mind, followers fast from grains and beans, hence enabling more attentive meditation and devotion.

The Padma Purana, one of the eighteen main Puranas, says that there is freedom from the cycle of birth and death in sincerely observing Ekadashi fast. The Skanda Purana (Chapter 3, verses 6-8) states: "The merit gained by observing Ekadashi fast with devotion is equivalent to performing numerous sacrifices and giving abundant charity. ​"

Historical and Scriptural Bases

Ekadashi is well-known in several Hindu scriptures. King Ambarisha paid Ekadashi with much honor, so drawing the direct protection of Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra (divine plate), the Bhagavata Purana (Song 9, Chapter 4) relates. 

Lord Krishna emphasizes in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9, verse 14 the importance of regulated spiritual practices: "Always chanting My glories, working with great resolution, bowing before Me, these great souls constantly adore Me with devotion.

Many spiritual masters see this verse as validating strict practices like Ekadashi.

In a conversation found in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: "One who observes Ekadashi fast is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in spiritual life" (Krishna-janma-khanda, Chapter 31, verses 33–34). 

Ways of Observing Ekadashi 

Those who want to take up this habit ,Traditional observance includes avoiding all cereals, legumes, and beans. While some gurus eat only water, others let in fruits, nuts, dairy products, and root vegetables. The day should be spent in spiritual activities—prayer, meditation, chanting, and study of holy scriptures. Since Ekadashi is especially related to Him, Lord Vishnu gets special prayers and donations. Many followers keep a nightly vigil (jagarana), bonds of devotional activities and sleep were kept.

Emphasizing in Book 3, Chapter 11 of the Vishnu Purana: "The essence of fasting is not only abstinence from food but rather focusing the mind toward the Supreme."

 Several Ekadashi Types Each of the eleven Ekadashis has a distinct name, tale, and importance yearly. Some relatively esteemed ones are

Observed during the warm month of Jyeshtha (May-June). Occurring in December-January, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is thought to see the gates to Vishnu's home swing open. As outlined in the Padma Purana (Uttara-khanda, Chapter 123), Putrada Ekadashi is said to bless childless couples with children.

Advantages of new Hindu followers

For newcomers to Hindu customs, Ekadashi presents a straightforward spiritual exercise that:

1. organizes spiritual life and gives it rhythm and structure 

2. Fosters mindfulness and self-discipline. 

3. Connects practitioners to millennia of lived tradition 

4. Offers bodily advantages by intermittent fasting 

5. Fosters community through common observance

"Even a person who has just begun the path of dharma, if observing Ekadashi with full knowledge, reaches the ultimate destination," proclaims the Padma Purana (Uttara-khanda, Chapter 242, verse 6). Appreciating Ekadashi means embracing a deep road to spiritual enlightenment have guided many people toward closer relationship with the divine, not only a ceremony.