Essential Guidelines for Varuthini Ekadashi Fasting: Foods to Embrace and Avoid
Understanding Varuthini Ekadashi Fast
The Varuthini Ekadashi fast is celebrated annually on the Ekadashi Tithi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) in the month of Vaishakh. This year, it falls on April 13th. Devotees believe that fasting on this day fulfills their desires and brings success in various life aspects. The month of Vaishakh is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making adherence to the fasting rules crucial. Let's delve into the recommended foods and those to avoid for a successful Varuthini Ekadashi fast.
Recommended Foods for Varuthini Ekadashi
What to Eat on Varuthini Ekadashi
If you're not observing a *Nirjala* (waterless) fast, you can enjoy fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, and papayas, which are energizing and easy to digest.
It's advisable to consume homemade milk, yogurt (curd), buttermilk, and *paneer* (cottage cheese) as they are pure and suitable for fasting.
Dry fruits such as almonds, raisins, cashews, and walnuts are excellent choices, providing energy and helping to keep you satiated.
Lightly cooked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and *Arbi* (colocasia root) are also permissible and commonly included in fasting meals.
*Kuttu ka atta* (buckwheat flour) and *Singhare ka atta* (water chestnut flour) are great alternatives for making *rotis* (flatbreads) or *pakoras* (fritters).
You may enjoy *Sabudana Khichdi* (sago pudding) or other sago-based dishes, as sago is a staple during fasting.
Tea or coffee can be consumed, but it's best to have them plain, without milk or sugar.
Foods to Avoid During Varuthini Ekadashi
What to Avoid on Varuthini Ekadashi
On fasting day, it's essential to avoid rice, wheat, and other common grains, as they contradict Ekadashi rules.
Legumes and pulses, except for *Moong Dal* (split green gram), should not be consumed, along with maize and mustard products.
Staple foods like Roti, Chapati, Paratha, Idli, and Dosa are also prohibited.
Avoid onions and garlic due to their *Tamasic* (regressive) qualities.
Non-vegetarian items such as meat, fish, and eggs must be completely excluded.
Additionally, steer clear of foods cooked with excessive oil or *ghee*, as this undermines the *Sattvic* (pure) nature of the fast.
Auspicious Timings for Varuthini Ekadashi Puja
Auspicious Timings (Muhurat)
**First Muhurat:** From 5:58 AM to 7:34 AM
**Second Muhurat:** From 9:10 AM to 10:46 AM
The first Muhurat is regarded as *Amrit* (Nectar) and is the most favorable, while the second is termed *Shubh* (Auspicious).
Muhurat for Ritual Bathing
**Brahma Muhurat:** From 4:28 AM to 5:13 AM
Abhijit Muhurat
From 11:56 AM to 12:47 PM.
Breaking the Fast (Parana) Timing
Time for Breaking the Fast (Parana)
The *Parana* (breaking of the fast) for Varuthini Ekadashi will occur on April 14th, with the designated time for breaking the fast set between 6:54 AM and 8:31 AM. It is auspicious to break the fast only after the *Hari Vasar* period concludes at 6:54 AM.