From Grandparents' rituals to Science: The truth behind Ekadashi fasting

In most Indian households, fasting during Ekadashi is an unspoken practice that has been passed on through generations, but little do we know about Ekadashi and why it is believed to be essential to abstain from meals. Let’s find out…

Why fast on Ekadashi?

There’s no denying that we all have grown up observing our grandparents and parents observing the Ekadashi fast, wherein they skip meals and abstain from eating rice and anaj. As per Vedic traditions, Ekadashi is observed by the devotees of Lord Vishnu and it is believed that observing a fast on this day helps purify the body, mind and soul. In fact, according to ancient scriptures, it is believed that keeping this fast and worshipping the almighty can help master the self and foster spiritual devotion through fasting and prayer.




The time of Ekadashi?

As per Vedic astrology, the Ekadashi falls twice monthly on the 11th lunar day (tithi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) and waning moon (Krishna Paksha), roughly 11 days after each full and new moon. It is believed that it is the best time to cleanse the body, mind and soul by devotion and abstaining from rajasic and tamasic foods, as doing so helps in internal healing.

The science behind Ekadashi?

According to modern beliefs, Ekadashi fasting aligns with lunar cycles that occur on the 11th day (tithi) of each lunar phase when the moon's gravitational pull peaks, intensifying its influence on the body's water content, much like the ocean tides that potentially disrupt digestion, emotions, and mental focus. It is believed that abstaining from grains and heavy foods during this period can help the digestive system to rest and go through a process of cleansing and detoxification, autophagy (cellular repair), improved metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation along with better mental clarity and willpower as blood flow prioritizes the brain over digestion. This Vedic practice thus balances internal tides, fostering physical rejuvenation, emotional stability, and spiritual discipline in harmony with cosmic energy.

How does Ekadashi impact the mind and soul?

Have you noticed how we often eat when we are bored stressed or angry? Well, a simple way to understand the science behind this Vedic tradition is when you consciously decide to fast on Ekadashi, you have a strong hold on your senses and even cravings, which eventually helps in effective mind control and is believed to be an important way of cleansing your mind and soul.

As per the books of Vedic astrology, observing this fast has an interesting connection with the moon. Our bodies are mostly made of water like the oceans. Just as the moon pulls the tides, the moon is believed to affect the tides inside our bodies and minds, making us feel more emotional or restless around days. Ekadashi is the day when we balance that out keeping us calm and steady when the moon's pull is strongest. Ekadashi is a day to remember that we are not just beings who need food but spiritual beings who need peace and calm.