Why Ekadashi Fasting is Powerful According to Vedic Astrology

You have definitely seen your grandparents or parents missing on certain days of every month and saying that they were on "Ekadashi." You may have noticed them getting up early in the morning, doing prayers, and only eating fruits. From the outside it appears to be a routine of religious worship. There's a whole science to this practice that spans thousands of years, and Vedic astrology has a very special answer as to why the Ekadashi fasting is one of the greatest things that one can do for their life.

Let's now discuss it simply, as it is something every Indian household practices and few people know how it works. 

Ekadashi is a combination of two Sanskrit words, Eka (eleven) and Dashi (day). So literally it means "the eleventh day." The Vedic lunar calendar says that our month is divided into two fortnights. The first half, when the moon increases, is Shukla Paksha; the second half, when the moon decreases, is called Krishna Paksha. Ekadashi is the 11th day of every fortnight. So we have two Ekadashi each month and approximately 24 ekadashi in a year.

Ekadashi fasting is in honor of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe. On this day, devotees refrain from eating grains, rice, and heavy food. Some people observe a complete fast (Nirjala Ekadashi), and some people eat fruits, milk, and light sattvic food.

But here is the deeper question: why this particular day? What better day than today! The solution is in the stars and in the Moon. 

The moon is not a planet in Vedic astrology. It is the king of your mind, emotions, and inner world. Our ancient rishis knew that the position of the Moon in the sky directly impacts our feelings, thinking, and behavior. You're probably familiar with the idea that people get more restless or emotional around the time of the full moon. That's not by chance. It's science that's thousands of years old.

Today, each day of the moon period, or each Vedic Tithi, has a corresponding planet. The 11th day in the Tithi is ruled by Mars (Tuesday), and it is known as Ekadashi. Mars is the passion-laden, fiery, intense planet. This energy that is misdirected creates anger, conflict, and restlessness within us. Fasting on Ekadashi is in fact achieving a balance and cooling down this Martian energy. According to ancient scriptures, the ones who fast on Ekadashi regularly become calmer, less argumentative, and more peaceful. It's like pouring water on a fire. The fast is the water, and Mars is the fire.

The astrology-Ekadashi relation is also very beautiful. The 11th house of your horoscope depicts your gains, the satisfaction of your desires, and your social circle. This day is symbolically linked with doing away with the obstacles that hinder your gains and desires from coming to you. 

You might find this interesting but not spoken about. We consist of about 70% water. The Moon regulates the tides of the oceans, and so it regulates the tides of the body. That's why Vedic astrology takes into account the phases of the Moon in prescribing spiritual practices.

The Moon is increasing its brightness, and the energy surrounding us is expanding during the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (waxing phase). This time is a perfect time to start new spiritual routines, build up the mind, and push forward the soul. Now the Moon is getting weaker, and the energy is more reflective during Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (waning phase). It is the time to let go of old habits, the old karmas, and what no longer serves you.

Our digestive system also slows down naturally on the 11th lunar day, interestingly. It is actually a day on which the body is better equipped to rest and indulge in a light meal. Hence, the practice of fasting is not only spiritually advisable, but it is also physically in accord with what the Moon is doing in the sky. Your body and the universe are in perfect harmony. 

Let's now look at the astrological aspect of Ekadashi fasting, which makes it extraordinary. In Vedic astrology, each individual has planetary Karma depending upon the placement of planets in the chart/Kundali. Rahu, Ketu, Saturn, and Mars in difficult houses can pose problems in career, relationships, health, and finances.

Vedic scriptures state that fasting on Ekadashi is one of the best methods to break the negative planetary karmas. It's like the reset button on a computer. On this day you do not just skip a meal, but you fast sincerely. You are cleansing the Energy of your Kundali. The fast mitigates the effect of the malefic planets and will help to transform these challenging planets into more supportive ones, gradually.

Take a step back. Suppose that your Kundali is a garden. When a planet is in a bad position, it is like a thorny weed. Ekadashi fasting is similar to a good gardener who comes twice a month and pulls out these weeds so that the flowers may grow properly. Over time, your life starts reflecting that cleaner, more positive energy.

In Vedic Astrology, Jupiter is a great teacher and benefactor. If you keep the Ekadashi vrat with sincerity, then you will experience the expansive and benevolent energy of Jupiter. Jupiter is the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, and good health. Saturn is the planet of Karma and discipline, and fasting brings long-term stability and the repayment of past-life debts. 

Yes, and something very interesting from the astrological standpoint that most people do not go into. 

• Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is observed in the bright fortnight when the Moon is waxing. This energy is more outward and active. It is believed that fasting on this day can be extremely powerful in the realization of desires, in bringing careers to fruition, and in giving mental power and willpower. 

• Krishna Paksha Ekadashi falls during the dark fortnight when the Moon is waning. The energy here is more inward and reflective. This is energy that is more inward and reflective. This day of fasting is especially strong for breaking old karmas, healing old wounds, and letting go of all negative habits and patterns.

Both are equally important. If you observe both Ekadashis every month consistently, the combined effect on your planetary karma and overall life quality is said to be transformational.

There are 24 different Ekadashis. A few have additional astrological significance due to the planetary combinations on those dates. These are just a few of the most important: 

• Nirjala Ekadashi: Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated during the summer month of Jyeshta. This is a full waterless fast and is considered the most powerful of all. It is said to possess the virtue of all the 24 Ekadashi. 

• Devshayani Ekadashi: Devshayani Ekadashi is observed during the month of Ashadha and is considered to be the month when Lord Vishnu sleeps in the Universe. This starts the chaturmas or four months of intensive spiritual practices. 

• Dev Uthani Ekadashi: Dev Uthani Ekadashi occurs in the month of Kartik, which is the month of the waking up of Lord Vishnu. This is very auspicious and the start of the Hindu wedding season. The planetary energy of this day is very positive astrologically. 

• Mokshada Ekadashi: Mokshada Ekadashi is celebrated in the month of Margashirsha. It is believed to give the greatest spiritual liberation. On this day many believe that Lord Krishna gave the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.

These have their own distinct vibration and are suitable for different types of prayers and intentions. 

Let's discuss the multiple layers of this practice since it is layered. 

Mentally, fasting quiets the non-stop chatter in the mind. Your brain doesn't have to work hard if your digestive system isn't. This provides a unique opportunity to relax your mind, concentrate on yourself, and fall into a more meditative state. That is why rishis and yogis have always undertaken fasting during spiritual practices.

Emotionally, since the Moon is the ruler of emotions and is situated in a sensitive position on Ekadashi, fasting on this day helps to process and release stuck emotions. It's somewhat like unclogging a drain. Those things that have weighed on your heavy heart begin to shift and heal.

Physically, you have a real rest from your digestive fire (Agni). Grains are avoided, and your gut gets a chance to heal and reset. There are many people who have spoken about feeling lighter and more energetic the day following Ekadashi.

Astrologically, or karmically, every fast performed with pure intention and devotion generates something known as Punya or spiritual credit. This Punya is active in your life and smoothens out the rough edges of challenging planetary transits, such as Shani Sade Sati or Rahu-Ketu. 

For those just starting out, here are a few tips on how to begin without getting too overwhelmed: 

• Get up early and have a bath before the sun rises, if possible

• Light a lamp or incense in front of Lord Vishnu's image/Idol.

• Skip all grains, pulses, wheat, and rice for the whole day.

• If necessary, snack on fruit, milk, sabudana, sweet potatoes, or rock salt-seasoned snacks.

• Read a book of Bhagavad Gita or chant Vishnu Sahasranama.

• Don't watch unneeded entertainment or engage in squabbling

• Next morning (called Dwadashi) eat a light meal after sunrise, breaking the fast. 

It's all about intent. When fasting is done with awareness and devotion, its astrological benefits are several times multiplied. If a person is not in a position to fast completely for health reasons, a partial fast or even just eating sattvic and grain-free food on this day has its own value. 

This is a personal and all too often overlooked truth. Your Karma with planets can be known with your birth chart or Kundali. Ekadashi fasting is a universal detox and is beneficial for all, but it may be more profound for the individuals who have certain difficult planetary positions.

Ekadashi fasting is recommended in specific cases of Rahu or Ketu in bad houses, as it makes the shadow effect of these planets lesser. Regular Ekadashi fasting can steadily improve mental stability and emotional balance in the long run if your Moon is weak or afflicted in your Kundali. During Sade Sati (Saturn's 7½ years passage), people who regularly observe ekadashi find that the difficult days don't become as difficult.

It's a simple reason. Fasting helps to teach the mind and body to function on less. That is the discipline that Saturn requires. If you don't like something, you will get into trouble, but if you like it, you will be found at ease; that is, on the day of Ekadashi, you will be disciplined, and Saturn will be pleased that you have respected its energy. A reputable Saturn is going to provide better results.

This is a gift from our ancient rishis, a gift they may have known already. Today, scientists have discovered intermittent fasting twice a month can promote gut health, decrease inflammation, help the brain function, and even slow down the aging process at a cellular level. These are just what you should be getting from Ekadashi fasting twice a month. The fast also corresponds to a timing of the moon that corresponds to its effect on our biology. This is amazing considering that Vedic Astrology has been able to map all this thousands of years before modern labs could measure it.