Ekadashi fasting rules know why consumption of rice is forbidden
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Ekadashi November 2022 Date, time, tithi
November
The Ekadashi Tithi will remain effective from 10:29 AM on November 19 to 10:41 AM on November 20, 2022.
Ekadashi Vrat , Vidhi and Significance
Some devotees even refrain from having water. However, if there’s any food that is forbidden during Ekadashi, it is rice. Though a majority of people avoid eating other food grains, consumption of rice alone is prohibited.
The legend on why rice must be avoided on Ekadashi Tithi
Once, a drop of sweat fell from Brahma’s forehead. And it soon assumed the form of a demon, who then urged Brahma and sought permanent shelter in the universe. However, Brahma knew that granting the boon would make the demon powerful and it would in turn prove destructive. Hence, Brahma tricked him by granting a boon that gave him shelter in rice on Ekadashi Tithis. Therefore, people avoid rice on Ekadashis and thus keep the demon inactive.
The ongoing era is known as Kali Yuga and devotees wait for the arrival of Lord Kalki, the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu
The ongoing era is Kaliyuga, dominated by demonic traits such as greed, hatred, deceit, destruction, devastation, anger, discord, violence etc. The Kali Yuga will end only when Lord Vishnu’s tenth avatar, Kalki arrives to restore peace and sanity.
Here’s a piece of interesting information for the uninitiated. The Kali Yuga is preceded by the Dwapar Yuga, the Treta Yuga and the Sat Yuga. The tradition of vrat has been in practice during all these eras. However, people in Kali Yuga find it challenging to perform austerities primarily because of the degeneration of human values. By observing a vrat and worshipping Lord Vishnu, one can find solace. Therefore,
the prohibition of certain foods makes it easier for devotees to observe a fast and connect with the Almighty.
Is there scientific reasoning behind the tradition of avoiding rice on Ekadashi?
Whether or not this scientific reasoning holds ground, is a matter of debate and investigation. But here’s one of the most prevalent beliefs.
It is said that the Moon’s gravitational pull causes high and low tides on the earth. Its magnetic power attracts the water bodies towards it thereby causing high tides. And the position of the Moon on Ekadashi Tithi (the eleventh day of the Lunar fortnight) may prove detrimental to the human digestive system. Therefore, food grains such as rice with high water-retaining capacity are avoided.
Thus by dodging rice, a person can prevent irritable bowel, bloating or other digestive disorders.
Significance of observing a vrat
Vrat or vratham is a ritual that helps individuals detoxify both mentally and physically. Foods that are too hard to digest are prohibited to reap the maximum benefits of fasting. Hence the significance.