Om Sai Ram
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Tithi in Hindu Calendar on June 12, 2011 – Today is Shukla Paksha Ekadasi – 11th day of waxing phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in all places. It is Shukla Paksha Ekadasi till 9:14 AM on June 12, 2011. After 9:14 AM it is Shukla Paksha Dwadasi. All time based on India Standard Time.Nakshatra – Chitra or Chithirai Nakshatra till 6:04 AM. Afterwards it is Swati or Chothi Nakshatram.
Rashi or Moon Sign – Tula Rasi.
Festivals, Vrat and Auspicious days – Nirjala Ekadasi Vrat.
Nirjala Ekadasi VratNirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava or Bhim Ekadasi, occurs during the waxing phase of moon in the month of Jyestha (May – June). The greatness of this Ekadasi was explained to Bhima, the second Pandava brother, by sage Vyasa. Hence the Ekadasi is also referred as Pandav or Bhim Ekadasi. In 2011, the date of Nirjala Ekadashi is June 12.
The significance of Nirjala Ekadasi is mentioned in the Mahabharata and Padma Purana. Draupadi and the Pandavas, except for Bhima, used to observe all the Ekadasis. Bhima, who was a voracious eater, could not bear hunger and used to skip the fasting.
Now, Bhima wanted to observe fast and also eat!! So he enquired to Sage Vyasa to find a way out. But since eating and fasting was impossible, sage Vyasa told about Nirjala Ekadasi, which has all the benefits of observing twenty four ekadasis.
Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the strictest fast in Hindu religion and among all Ekadasis. Nirjala means ‘without water.’ Staunch Vishnu devotees who undertake this fast does not drink water while fasting on the day. No food is also consumed on the day. The fast begins on Ekadasi sunrise and ends on next day sunrise.
It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi provides the benefit of all the other Ekadashis observed in a year. Observing it is also equal to going on pilgrimage. Above all, upon death, people who have observed Nirjala Ekadashi are received by messengers from Vaikunta and not by Yama, the god of death.
It is strictly advised by elders and doctors that those people having poor health condition (diseases), those undertaking medicines, pregnant women and those who have just delivered baby should not attempt to observe Nirjala Ekadasi. One should never torture the body in the name of customs and religious traditions.
There are several other better ways of observing it like donating food and clothes to the needy.
Ekadasi
Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat 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.
Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.
Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer
A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
Fruits
Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
Yellow bananas
And other normal puja items
Observance
Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
Pray or meditate for few minutes.
If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.
Ekadasi Fasting
Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.
Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day.
Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.
Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer
A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
Fruits
Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
Yellow bananas
And other normal puja items
Observance
Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
Pray or meditate for few minutes.
If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.
Ekadasi Fasting
Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.
Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day.
(What food can be eaten on Ekadasi for those observing partial fast?)
It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains.
Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice. The most preferred Ekadasi fasting food in western parts of India is Sabudana Khichadi with potatoes and ground nut - but no onion and garlic.
The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts. So Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.
Afternoon
Take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu
Evening Prayers
Take a bath in the evening.
Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu
Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.
Prayers for Ekadashi
Vishnu Ashotharam
Vishnu Sahasranamam
Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana
Or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna
No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at Night
Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at night
Next Day Morning
The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.
The food that can be consumed on the Ekadasi day includes fresh and dried fruits, milk products, vegetables and nuts. So Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.
Afternoon
Take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu
Evening Prayers
Take a bath in the evening.
Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu
Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.
Prayers for Ekadashi
Vishnu Ashotharam
Vishnu Sahasranamam
Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana
Or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna
No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at Night
Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at night
Next Day Morning
The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.
BABA May I AnswerI have heard that Shri Sai Satcharitra is book based on the life-story of Shri Sai Baba. I live in a foreign country-where and How can I get Shri Sai Satcharitra book in the language of my choice?
People living in India can get the book from Shirdi or Mumbai Sai Sansthan but all those living in foreign countries can get the Shri Sai Satcharitra book in the language of their choice from the below website
People living in India can get the book from Shirdi or Mumbai Sai Sansthan but all those living in foreign countries can get the Shri Sai Satcharitra book in the language of their choice from the below website
Helping the Needy makes a Meaningful Life Some of the saintly people seen in the present day world were just ordinary people once. The present day sages, like common people, were ordinary human beings once. They gladly go out with a happy heart and a sense of duty, and help and serve the needy wherever and whenever they are called upon. They are readily available to reach out to the helpless at any time and lend their helping hand willingly. These good Samaritans move about in such a manner that even the beneficiaries are unaware of their presence amongst them. But there are some people who are always engrossed in selfish pursuits and do not find time to spare for others. When we believe that God dwells in all, we will come to know the dire needs of people and would happily help them.God will appreciate and bless such good people by infusing sufficient energy into them to undertake even major projects of human welfare. This should be treated as a boon and we should spare our time, money, talents in the selfless service of others' welfare. Of what use one's wealth hoarded and one's talents not put to better the lives of others? Wealth hoarded and talents untapped are a sheer waste. Baba, the Ocean of Love, dwells in the hearts of those that move around and serve the needy wherever they are and makes their lives worthier.
Quote of BABA:
I stay by the side of whoever repeats Sai name.
some people commit lot of sins in life and hypocritically behave that as if they were holy saints. Never matter as long as sathguru saibaba thandri narayana divine blessings are working all through , nobody can betray others. They themselves become fools and greatest sinners on earth
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