DO’s AND DON’Ts IN DAY TO DAY LIFE - PART 11

EKADASI AND DWADASI        

Dwadasi which occurs on Thiruonam day (Sravana) is doubly holy. Observing fast on Sravana Dwadasi day is more effective than fast on Ekadasi.

Madyahneekam can be performed before noon on Dwadasi days as Paranai has to be done. This is not applicable to Sradha.

If Dwadasi is only for a very less time in the morning, we have to do all day rituals in the early morning and do Paranai. If it is extremely less, then Paranai can be done by taking a Thulasi leaf in water.

Whatever taint falls on us, Ekadasi fast has to be observed. Fast should not be observed often whenever we want. Similarly you should not eat for more than necessary and often.

If people are not able to observe fast, they can take milk and fruits (This is called Palahara). If people are not able to observe fast on all Ekadasi days, at least on Bheema Ekadasi you should observe complete fast.

After taking food on Dwadasi day, it would be great if we take one Thulasi leaf in little water. It would be great , if we can do it daily.

On fast days,
1. Do not drink water frequently.
2. You should only wash your mouth and not brush your teeth vigorously.
3. You should not sleep during day time.
4. You should not eat betel leaf.
5. You should not walk , run, fight or shout.
6. You should not make love.

On Dwadasi day we should break fast by eating Nellikkai, Chundaikai and Agathikeerai.  If not all the three, at least one should be taken.

On Dwadasi days you should not eat snake gourd, brinjal, onion, honey and food supplied by others. You should not sleep during day time, do not eat dinner and avoid love making.

In our house we have to observe all Aacharas. If we go outside our village, it is enough if we observe half the aacharas. If we go to a town, it is enough if we observe quarter of the aacharas. And while traveling, it would be all right if we observe aacharas as much as it is possible.  Please see separate post on Ekadashi.