Vaishnava Yogini Ekadashi

Rituals during Vaishnava Yogini Ekadashi :

• The fasting on Vaishnava Yogini Ekadashi continues for a period of three days. The preparations and arrangements commences a day before, on 'dashami' i.e., 10th day. On this day, eating only one meal is observed during noon. Nor, the person should eat anything in other's home nor he should have food served in bell-metal plates.
• Person should sleep on the ground on this day.
• On the genuine ekadashi day, the person observes fast from day to night.
• Some of the people even do not drink water on this day.
• In partial fasting eating of fruits, nuts and dairy products is allowed if a person is ill or unwell.
• Devotees get up before sunrise. They take bath with a paste made from 'Til' (sesame seeds) which is considered very promising.
• Idol of Lord Vishnu is worshipped with flowers, incense sticks and lamp. Jagran is performed at ekadashi night.
• Devotees sing bhajans of Lord Vishnu and chant Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, all night.
• They also visit temple of Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings.
• One is advised to read 'Bhagavad Gita', 'Vishnu Sahasranaam' and other religious books to attain rewards and benefits on this day.
• The Vaishnava Yogini Ekadashi vrat is broken on the next day, 'dwadashi' (12th day).
• Fast is broken after offering prayers and devotion to the lord.
• One should some kind of donations to Brahmins.
• One, who observes fast with dedication, honesty and commitment, must break the fast by drinking 'Charnamrita' (water left after washing Lord's feet) only.