How to observe Ekadasi at home? Full day Schedule!

This as narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana:

(1)

Begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi in November – December. 

However, he can start from any Ekadasi.

 (2) WHO IS EKADASI?

Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat the Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.

It is enough to start fasting before the sun rise on the ekadasi day. 

(3)

Have a framed picture or deity of Lord Vishnu/ Krishna.

Some Fruits.

Tulsi leaves picked on the previous day itself.

And other usual Puja items - Ghee lamp, Incense sticks, etc.

(4)

Wake up early in Brahma muhurtha period in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers. Perform a simple puja to Lord Krishna at home with a ghee lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves. Chant more in the morning.

If there is a Vishnu/ Krishna temple nearby, visit the temple.

Observe Fast as given below.

(5) FASTING

Start Fast from before sunrise.  

Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate.

If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, you may observe a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice and other grains.

Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk and the preparations made from Sabudana.

Take these intakes in small quantities. Don't load your stomach.

(6)

Perform chanting in the afternoon amidst your works. Keep vigil and chanting.

(7)

Take a bath in the evening and  follow the morning puja to Krishna in the evening too.

Visit your nearby Vishnu/ Krishna temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.  Chant a few rounds in the evening also.

(8) What Prayers to do?

Recite the following mantras on Ekadasi:

Sri Guruvashtakam (Samsara dhava);   Hare Krishna Maha Manthra;  Sri Narsimha Pranama Mantra (Namaste narsimhaya);  Narsimha stuti, etc.. Vishnu Sahasranama. 

(9) BREAKING FAST

Break the fast on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu/ Krishna  by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast after sunrise.