LOTS OF DETAILS

• Ekadasi is observed because on the original 11th lunar day of Utpanna Ekadasi, the Goddess Ekadasi appeared from the body of Sri Vishnu and protected Him by slaying the Mura demon. Thus the Goddess got a boon from Sri Vishnu Himself, that anyone who observes the days of Ekadasi (each 11th lunar day of a month) will achieve great benefits and reach Sri Krishna’s abode;

• Ekadasis are happening twice a month, each 11th lunar day in one of the two moon phases: Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) and the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon), they are equally important;

• Sometimes fasting is done on Maha-Dwadasi day if, according to the astrological calculations, the 11th lunar day is not suitable for fasting (for example, if on the 11th lunar day, the Ekadasi tithi did not start when the sun rises);

• Calculation of Parana timings (time for completing the fast) in ISKCON calendars is based on Hari Vasara;

• While the devotees fast, Krishna never fasts! He is allowed to eat anything, even grains and beans, so for Sri Sri Radha-Krishna Deities the substitute Ekadasi (non-grain/non-bean) full meal has to be cooked or can be even a standard offering (rice, etc.) but then it is not eaten by the devotees and is distributed to non-devotees or kept in a fridge for the next day;

• On the days of Ekadasi, the Deities are dressed in red.