Ekadashi ('Eka' is 1, 'Dasha' is 10) is the 11th day in the lunar calendar, i.e. counting from the new moon day and also from the full moon day.
Now, based on this fact, the significance of Ekadashi fasting can be explained in this way -
As the atmospheric pressure builds up faster and doubles on the 12th day from Amavasya / Poornima days (called as Dwadashi), to avoid any complications in the body, people fasting are advised to consume food as early in the morning as possible, the next day.
2. It is noted that fasting on this day is also very conducive to concentrate on meditation and prayers. According to science, it takes about 3-4 days for the brain to understand our food intake after we have eaten. It is said that if we eat light/fast on Ekadashi days, that intake will reach the brain correspondingly on the new moon/full moon day.
According to research, the air pressure in the earth’s atmosphere rapidly changes on both the new moon (Amavasya) and the full moon (Poornima) days. This is because of the orbital paths - combination of the sun, moon and the earth and their varying distances at particular intervals (i.e. every 24 hours for one entire rotation of the Earth). Accordingly the pressure in the atmosphere too changes drastically and varies from day to day.
This can be observed by the change in the nature of the tidal waves on the new moon and full moon days. On an Amavasya, the waves are very high and rough due to the increase in atmospheric pressure in the oceans. But from the next day onwards, the waves become calm - an indication that the pressure has also receded. Particularly on the 11th day from new moon or full moon days, the pressure is very light or nil.
Now, based on this fact, the significance of Ekadashi fasting can be explained in this way -
1. Compared to any other day of the moon cycle, atmospheric pressure is lowest on Ekadashi days. Thus, this is the best time to fast and cleanse our bodies. If we fast on any other day, the high pressure/strain may damage our system. On this day, the body never experiences the pain while we cleanse our systems, thus refreshing the entire body mechanism - specifically the liver/stomach/bowel.
As the atmospheric pressure builds up faster and doubles on the 12th day from Amavasya / Poornima days (called as Dwadashi), to avoid any complications in the body, people fasting are advised to consume food as early in the morning as possible, the next day.
2. It is noted that fasting on this day is also very conducive to concentrate on meditation and prayers. According to science, it takes about 3-4 days for the brain to understand our food intake after we have eaten. It is said that if we eat light/fast on Ekadashi days, that intake will reach the brain correspondingly on the new moon/full moon day.
Health Benefits
The fortnightly Ekadashi fasting accompanied with healthy eating improves insulin responsiveness, lowers blood cholesterol and prolongs life span. It helps improve the mental stability of people suffering from anxiety and depression. It also detoxifies the body, cleanses the blood and improves the functioning of kidneys and liver.
