Ekadashi Pooja: A Complete Guide

Ekadashi Pooja: Honoring Lord Vishnu on the Eleventh Day

A comprehensive guide on performing the Ekadashi Pooja, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Purpose of the Pooja

Ekadashi is a sacred day in the Hindu calendar that occurs twice a month, on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight (Shukla and Krishna Paksha). The Pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is performed to seek his blessings for spiritual purification and liberation.

Items Required

• Lord Vishnu idol or image
• A raised platform
• Yellow cloth
• Flowers (especially lotus and jasmine)
• Incense sticks
• Ghee lamp
• Fruits
• Sweets (especially those made without grains)
• Tulsi leaves

The Pooja Procedure

1. Preparation: Clean the pooja area and set up the raised platform. Spread the yellow cloth and place the Lord Vishnu idol or image on it.
2. Fasting: Observe a strict fast on Ekadashi, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. Some devotees also abstain from water.
3. Invocation: Light the ghee lamp and incense sticks. Invoke Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
4. Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets (made without grains) to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi leaves are considered very sacred and are always offered to him.
5. Vishnu Sahasranama: Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, a hymn containing the thousand names of Lord Vishnu.
6. Vishnu Aarti: Perform the Vishnu Aarti with a ghee lamp, singing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
7. Prayer: Offer your prayers and ask for blessings of spiritual purification and liberation.
8. Breaking the Fast: Break the fast on the next day (Dwadashi) after sunrise, after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu Mantra

Mantra: Om Namo Narayanaya

Transliteration: Om Namo Narayanaya

Breakdown:

• Om: The primordial sound.
• Namo: Salutations.
• Narayanaya: To Narayana (Lord Vishnu).

Meaning: "Om. Salutations to Lord Narayana."

Deity: Lord Vishnu.

Origin Story: Ekadashi is considered very sacred to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing a fast on Ekadashi and worshipping Lord Vishnu can purify the soul and lead to liberation.

How and When to Chant: This mantra can be chanted daily, especially on Ekadashi days. Chant with devotion and a clear intention to seek Lord Vishnu's blessings.

Benefits: Observing the Ekadashi fast and chanting this mantra is believed to bring spiritual purification, liberation, and the blessings of Lord Vishnu.