(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/5 from MATSYA PURANA and BHAVISYA PURANA)
Anybody who fasts on both Ekadasis on both the light and dark fortnights of the month and eats on the next day (Dvadasi), Lord Sri Krsna becomes very pleased with him.
EKA DASYAM NA BHUNJITA VRATAM ETAD DHIH VAISNAVAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/6 from AGNI PURANA)
Full eating is condemned on Ekadasi and fasting on that day is certainly very pleasing to Lord Krsna.
BRAHMANA KSATRIYA VISAM SUDRANAM CAIVA YOSITAM
MOKSADAM KURVATAM BHAKTYA VISNOH PRIYATARAM DVIJAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/7 from BRHAN NARADIYA PURANA)
Oh brahmanas, those of brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras, whoever one may be, who fast on Ekadasi with full devotion, will certainly achieve liberation.
EKADASYAM NA BHUNJITA KADACID API MANAVAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/15 from VISNU SMRTI)
A human being should never eat on Ekadasi day.
EKADASYAM NA BHUNJIYA NARI DRSTE RAJASYAPI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/16, Srngi Rsi speaks)
Even if a woman is going through menstruation, she should not eat on Ekadasi.
VAISNAVO YADI BHUNJITA EKADASYAM PRAMADATAH
VISNU ARCANAM VRTHA TASYA NARAKAM GHORAM APNUYAT
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/32 from GAUTAMIYA TANTRA)
If due to bewilderment, a Vaisnava eats grains on Ekadasi day, then whatever merit has attained by worshiping Lord Sri Visnu becomes fruitless and he falls into hell.
SAMADAYA VIDHANENA DVADASI VRTAM UTTAMAM
TASYA BHANGAM NARAH KRTVA RAURAVAM NARAKAM VRAJET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/33 from VISNU RAHASYA)
If, after taking a vow to observe Dvadasi (Ekadasi), if one breaks it, he falls into a grievous hell known as Raurava.
VIDHAVA YA BHAVEN NARI BHUNJITA EKADASI DINE
TASYAS TU SUKRTAM NASYED BHRUNA HATYA DINE DINE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/34 from KATYAYANA SMRTI)
Any widow, who eats grains on the Ekadasi day, becomes bereft of all of her merits and she suffers the sin of performing an abortion daily.
YATHA SUKLA TATHA KRSNA YATHA KRSNA TATETARA
TULYETE MANUTE YASTU SA VAI VAISNAVA UCYATE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/54 from TATTVA SAGARA)
Both the Ekadasi from the light fortnight and the one from the dark fortnight are equally powerful. All persons who think that both Ekadasis are equal are addressed as Vaisnavas.
SANER VARE RAVER VARE SANKRANTYAM GRAHANE'PI CA
TYAJYA NA EKADASI RAJAN SARVA DAIVETI NISCAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/63, Devala Rsi speaks)
Oh king, one should never give up fasting on Ekadasi, even if it falls on Saturday, Sunday, on an eclipse day or on Sankranti day.
VARNANAM ASRAMANAN CA STRINAM CA VARA-VARNINI
EKADASY UPAVASASTU KARTAVYO NA ATRA SAMSAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/74 from PADMA PURANA, UTTARA KHANDA conversation between Lord Siva and Parvati)
Oh dear wife, among all kinds of social and spiritual orders or even women, everyone should fast on Ekadasi day. Of this, there is no doubt.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika commentary, "Everyone should fast on such an auspicious day as Ekadasi. Everyone, among all social and spiritual orders are said to be authorized to fast on this day. Even grhasthas, previously as it is said, "brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras, and even women should fast", and furthermore, "men and women should fast". Sudras and even women have not been rejected to fast on Ekadasi. Specifically, "even a widow" and "with his wife and his son", either a married or unmarried woman are authorized to fast. As Manu Maharaja says, "There is no authorization for a woman to separately perform a fire sacrifice, any fasting". Lord Visnu says, "If any woman's husband is alive and she fasts without asking him, she reduces the duration of life of her husband and attains hell herself." This means, a woman has to take her husband's permission to perform auspicious functions. Therefore, it is advised in the Sankhalikhita scripture, "A woman should begin taking vows for spiritual functions and fasting by the order of her husband." Therefore, a Vaisnava understands that a grhastha should fast with his wife and children. A Vaisnava should automatically understand this statement regarding women. As stated in Rukmangada, "He should fast with his children, wife, and relatives together on the Ekadasi day."
ASTA VARSADHIKO MARTYO APURNA ASITI VATSARAH
EKADASYAM UPAVASET PAKSAYOR UBHAYOR API
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/75 from KATYAYANA SMRTI)
From the age of eight to the age of eighty, a person should fast on all of the Ekadasis on both the light and the dark parts of the month.
VAISNAVO VATHA SAIVO VA KURYAD EKADASI VRTAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/78 from VISNU DHARMOTTARA)
Whether one is a Vaisnava or a Saivite, everyone should fast on Ekadasi day.
EKA BHUKTENA NAKTENA BALA VRDDHA ATURAH KSIPET
PAYO MULA PHALAIR VAPI NA NIRDVAD ASIKO BHAVET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/91 from MARKANDEYA PURANA)
A child, an old man or a person unable to fast can take something to eat in the evening or once in the day, whether it be milk, fruit or water, but should properly follow the Ekadasi fast. One should not give up fasting on Ekadasi.
VYADHIBHIK PARIBHUTANAM PITTA ADHIKA SARIRINAM
TRINSAD VARSADHIKANAN CA NAKTA-ADI PRIKALPANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/93 from BAUDHAYANA SMRTI)
Any person who is diseased, or who is dominated by bile or who has aged more than thirty years (after householder life), they are advised to eat in the evening on the Ekadasi day.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks, "Aging more than thirty years means after household life ends. This is understood to be around sixty years of age, so thirty years added to that is ninety years." Furthermore, "One should go to the forest at the ate of fifty". According to this statement, a grhastha's life is said to be fifty years, that is he has decided to live in his family life until the age of fifty. Even then, if one adds thirty years, if becomes eighty years. Therefore, fasting is recommended until a minimum age of eighty.
ASTA ETANY AVRTAGHNANI APO MULAM PHALAM PAYAH
HAVIR BRAHMANA KAMYA CA GUROR VACANAM AUSADHAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/100 from MAHABHARATA, UDYOGA PARVA)
Water, fruits, roots, milk, ghee, the request of a brahmana, the order of a spiritual master and medicine do not wane one's fast.
MAD UTTHANE MAT SAYANE MAT PARSVA PARIVARTANE
ATRA KO DIKSITAH KASCID VAISNAVO BHAKTI TATPARAH
ANNAM'VA YADI BHUNJITA PHALA MULAM ATHAPI VA
APARADHAM AHAM TASYA NA KSAMAMI KADACANA
KSIPAMI NARAKE GHORE YAVAD AHUTA SAMPLAVAN
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/101,102 from KASYAPA PANCARATRA Supreme Lord speaks)
A devotee who is properly initiated and doing devotional service, if he eats on My awakening day, sleeping day, or turning side day, of Ekadasi days, whether he eats grains, or fruits or roots, I never forgive him for his offense and keep them in a ferocious hell until the end (annihilation) of this material world.
MAT SAYANE MAD UTTHANE MAT PARSVA-PARIVARTANE
PHALA-MULA-JALAHARI HRDI SALYAM MAMA ARPAYET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/103)
Whether one takes fruits, roots, or even water on My sleeping day, or My turning-over-on-My-side day of Ekadasis, he pierces My heart with a sharp spear.
SAMAYASYA MAHAROGAD DUHKHINAM SARVA DEHINAM
EKADASIM UPAVASO'YAM NIRMITAM PARAMAUSADHAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/110 from TATTVA SAGARA)
This Ekadasi day was created as the Supreme medicine to remove the disease of material world of having a miserable material body and mind.
TAVAT PAPANI DEHE' SMIN TISTHANTI MANUJADHIPA
YAVAT NA UPAVASET JANTUH PADMANABHA DINAM SUBHAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/114 from NARADA PURANA spoken by Vasistha Muni)
Oh King, as long as one does not fast on Ekadasi, the day of Lord Hari, Who has a lotus navel, until that long all of the sins remain in one's body.
NA GANGA NA GAYA BHUPA NA KASI NA CA PUSKARAM
NA CA API KAURAVAM KSETRAM NA REVA NACAVEDIKA
YAMUNA CANDRABHAGA CA TULYA BHUPA HARER DINAT
CINTAMINI SAMA HY ESA ATHAVAPI NIDHIH SMRTA
KALPA PADAPA PREKSA VA SARVA VEDA UPAMATHAVA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/119,120 from NARADA PURANA spoken by Vasistha Muni)
Neither Ganga, Gaya, Kasi, Puskara, Kuruksetra, Reva, Vedika, Yamuna, and Candrabhaga, none of them are equal to the day of Lord Hari, Ekadasi. Oh king, even if one fasts on Ekadasi unknown to others, all of his sins are at once burnt and he easily attains the spiritual world.
EVAM SAMASTA SUKHA DHARMA GUNASRAYAN CA
EKADASI VRATAM IDAM KALI KETUR UKTAH
SASTRESU SAUNAKA JAGAT-PATISU PRIYAN CA
SRADDHA PARAH PRAKURUTE LABHATE NA MUKTIM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/137 from BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA)
O Saunaka, Ekadasi which is the source of happiness, religiosity and good qualities, which is the topmost meritorious day, which is the most dear day to the Supreme Lord, the Lord of the universe, anybody who takes a vow to fast on this day becomes eligible to be completely liberated from this material world.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami comments on the verse as follows: "The word Kali Ketu means the topmost meritorious day. Ketu means 'that which is the source of all kinds of happiness.' It is stated by all scriptures to fulfill all of one's desires."
NA ASVAMEDHA SAHASRAIS CA TIRTHA KOTY AVAGAHANAIH
YAT PHALAM PRAPYATE VATSA DVADASI-VASARE KRTE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/164 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Brahma and Narada Muni)
Oh son (Narada), whatever merit one achieves by fasting on Dvadasi day, one cannot achieve either by performing a horse sacrifice, or by going to millions of places of pilgrimage to take bath.
NA BHAVET MANASI PIDA ROGAS CATYANTA DUHKHADAH
MAHATMYAM PATHATAH PUMSO DVADASI SAMBHAVAM KALAU
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/170 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Brahma and Narada Muni)
In Kali-yuga, if somebody studies the glories of Dvadasi (Ekadasi) on Ekadasi day, they do not suffer with mental problems and physical disease.
EKADASI VRATAD ANYAD YAD VRATAM KRIYATE NARAIH
TAT PHALAM TAD VIJANIYAD DUHKHODHBHUTAM IVA ANKURAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/178, spoken by Sanat Kumara)
Any person who does not fast on Ekadasi and observes other day's fasts, he suffers the miseries of performing fasts, but does not attain sufficient results, or they only achieve difficulties from fasting and nothing else.
EKATAS CA AGNI HOTRADI DVADASIM EKATAH PRABHUH
TULAYA TAULAYAT TATRA DVADASI CA VISISYATE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/179 from SAURA-DHARMA)
The Supreme Personality of Godhead once took a measuring scale and on one side put sacrifices, austerities etc. and on the other side Dvadasi day and found that Dvadasi is more meritorious.
EKADASI-VRATAM YAS TU BHAKTIMAN KURUTE NARAH
SARVA PAPA VINIRMUKTAH SA VISNOR YAT MANDIRAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/192 from VAYU PURANA)
Any person who observes an Ekadasi fast with devotion becomes free from all difficulties and sins and after becoming purified, attains the abode of Lord Visnu.
YAH KAROTI NARO BHAKTYA EKADASYAM UPOSANAM
SAYATI VISNU SALOKYAM PRAPYA VISNOH SVARUPATAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/197 from SIVA PURANA)
Any person who fasts on Ekadasi with devotion, attains the same form as Visnu, goes to His abode and lives with Him.
EKADASI CA SAMPURNA VIDDHETI DVIVIDHA SMRTA
VIDDHA CA DVIVIDHA TATRA TYAJYA VIDDHA TU PURVAJA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/199 from SIVA PURANA)
There are two divisions of Ekadasis - the complete Ekadasi and the overlapping Ekadasi. The overlapping Ekadasis are also divided into two - begin overlapping and end overlapping. The beginning overlapping should always be given up.
EKADASIM UPAVASED DVADASIM ATHAVA PUNAH
VIMISRAM VAPI KURVITA NA DASAMYA YUTAM KVACIT
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/202 from SAURA DHARMOTTARA)
Ekadasi and Dvadasi are both qualified for fasting. Furthermore, one should fast when Ekadasi is combined with Dvadasi, but one should never fast when Ekadasi is combined with Dasami.
NA UPOSYA DASAMI-VIDHA SADAIVA EKADASI TITHIH
SAMUPOSYA NARO JAHYAT PUNYAM VARSA SATODBHAVAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/205 from NARADA PURANA)
One should never fast on the days when Ekadasi is overlapped with Dasami. If one does so, looses whatever merit he had accumulated for one hundred years.
PURVAM TVAYA SABHARYENA DASAMI SESA SAMYUTA
KRTA CA EKADASI RAJAN TASYA IDAM KARANAM MATAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/211 from BRAHMA PURANA Maitreya speaks to Dhrtarastra in answer to his question as to why all of his 100 sons had been killed)
Oh king, previously, you, along with your wife, had fasted on an Ekadasi which was overlapped with Dasami day, therefore you are suffering the separation of all of your sons.
DASAMY EKADASIM PURVAM SAMUPOSYA JANARDANAH
ABHYARCITAS TVAYA DEVI TASYEDA KARMANAH PHALAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/214 from BRAHMA PURANA Valmiki Muni answered Mother Sita's questions of why she had been vanquished to the forest by Lord Rama)
Previously you had observed an Ekadasi fast which was overlapped with Dasami and worshiped Lord Sri Hari. This is the result which you are experiencing now.
DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTAM YAH KAROTI VIMUDHADHIH
EKADASI PHALAM TASYA NA SYAD DVADASA VARSIKAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/218 from KURMA PURANA, NARADA PURANA AND VISNU RAHASYA)
Those foolish persons who fast on Ekadasi which is mixed with Dasami, do not receive any result for performing Ekadasi fast for the past twelve years.
GANGODAKASYA SAMPURNAM YATHA TYAJYAM GHATAM BHAVET
SURAVINDU SAMYUKTAM TAT SARVAM MADYATAM VRJET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/223 from BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA)
Just as a cup of Ganges water which has been mixed with a drop of wine is fit for giving up, in the same way an Ekadasi which has been minutely mixed with Dasami is fit for giving up.
VIDDHAM EKADASIM VIPRAS TYAJANTY ETAM MANISINAH
TASYAM UPOSITO YATI DARIDRYAM DUHKHAM EVA CA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/226 from GARUDA PURANA)
Oh brahmanas, learned souls reject Ekadasis which are mixed with Dasami because they know that if they fast on this day, they will only get poverty and misery.
DVAPARANTE TU GANDHARI KURU VANSA VIVARDHINI
KARISYATI CA SENANI MUDHA BHAVAD SIKHI-DHVAJA
TENA PUTRA SATAM TASYA NASAM ISYATY ASAMSAYAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/228 from SKANDA PURANA)
Oh commander and chief of the demigods (Skanda) at the end of Dvapara-yuga, Gandhari, who will increase the Kuru dynasty by producing one hundred sons, due to bewilderment and madness will observe Ekadasi which will be mixed with Dasami. Due to this, her hundred sons will be destroyed. Of this, there is no doubt.
DASAMY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO'SURAH
DVADASY EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO HARIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/230 from SKANDA PURANA)
The demons reside in any Ekadasi which is overlapped with Dasami and whoever fasts on this day achieves negative results. Lord Hari resides in any Ekadasi which is overlapped with Dvadasi. If someone observes fasting on this day, he receives complete results, which is proper.
YE SAMSANTI DINAM VISNOR DASAMI VEDHA DUSITAM
JNEYAS TE PAPA PURUSAH SUKRAMAYA-VIMOHITAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/234 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva and Uma devi)
Any person who fasts on Ekadasi which is contaminated by Dasami or makes somebody else fast, has been controlled and bewildered by Sukracarya, the spiritual master of the demons. This should be understood properly.
EKADASI DASAMI-VIDDHA DHANA SANTANA NASINI
DHVANSINI SARVA PUNYANAM KRSNA BHAKTI PRANASINI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/239 from SKANDA PURANA)
Dvadasi or Ekadasi, if it overlaps Dasami, it ruins offspring of one who fasts on those days, ruins the merit of all time, takes away the devotional service to the Lord and gives him a birth among the devils or ghosts.
DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTAM NISIDDHAM VISNUNA PURA
TASMAD BHAGAVATAIR BHUPA SODHAYITVA HARER DINAM
UPOSITAVYAM YATNENA PURVA-SANGATI-VARJITAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/244 from SKANDA PURANA Markandeya Rsi speaks to King Bhagiratha)
Oh king, previously the Supreme Lord Visnu prohibited one to fast when the Ekadasi overlapped Dasami. Therefore, the devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead should endeavor to reject the Ekadasi which overlaps Dasami and observe a pure Ekadasi fast.
KURUTE VAISNAVO BHUTVA SA SALYAIKADASI VRTAM
JNANATO'JNANATO VAPI NA SA VISNU PRIYO BHAVET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/246 from SKANDA PURANA)
Any Vaisnava who knowingly or unknowingly observes Ekadasi overlapped with Dasami should certainly understand that Lord Sri Visnu will not be happy with him.
TASMAD EKADASI YUKTA DASAMYA NARASATTAMA
NA KARTAVYA PRAYATNENA NISKALA DVADASI MATA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/248 from SKANDA PURANA)
Therefore, O best among human being, it is not recommended to observe Ekadasi overlapped with Dasami. Great sages have recommended and stated to you to observe only pure Ekadasi fasts.
PUNYAM SUSANCITAM YATI KALPA KOTI SATA ARJITAM
SASALYAM YE PRAKURVANTI MUKTIDAM MAMA VASARAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/253 from DVARAKA MAHATMYA spoken by the Supreme Lord)
Any person who fasts on the liberating day of Mine, but which is mixed with Dasami, their collective merit for the past 100 cycles (one cycle equals 1000 yugas) is destroyed.
SAVIDDHAM VASARAM YASMAD KRTAM MAMA PITAMAHAIH
PRETATVAM TENA SAMPRAPTAM MAHA DUHKHA PRADAYAKAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/256 from DVARAKA MAHATMYA Sri Candra Sharma prays to the Supreme Lord)
Oh Supreme Personality of Godhead, my forefathers had observed the day of Lord Hari fast some time on the Dasami day. This is why they have achieved the form of ghost which is very miserable condition.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika: "Candra Sharma brahmana was a devotee of Lord Siva and was against the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna. Somehow, in a dream, he saw that his forefathers had achieved the form of ghosts due to observing fasting on the overlapping day of Ekadasi and Dasami. Then he was advised by a devotee of the Lord to go to Dvaraka near the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He worshiped Him and prayed to Him to please free his forefathers from their devilish condition. The Lord then freed them because of his prayers."
SUKRENA MOHITA VIPRA DAITYANAM KARANENA TU
PUSTY ARTHAM DASAMI VIDDHAM KURVANTI MAMA VASARAM
VASARAM DASAMI VIDDHAM DAITYANAM PUSTI-VARDHANAM
MADIYAM NASTI SANDEHAH SATYAM SATYAM PITAMAHA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/257,258 from PADMA PURANA the Supreme Lord speaks to Lord Brahma)
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said, "O Brahma, the brahmana bewildered by the illusion created by Sukracarya fasts on the Dasami mixed Ekadasi to enhance the strength of demons. My day (Ekadasi) influenced by Dasami day increases the strength of demons. I repeatedly and truthfully say this. Of this there is no doubt."
YAVAD DASAMYA SAMYUKTAM KARISYANTI DINAM MAMA
TAT PUNYAM DAITYA JATINAM SURAIR DATTAM PITAMAHA
TEHA PUNYENA SAMPUSTO HIRANYAKSAH PITAMAHA
NIRJITYA VASAVAM SANKHYE HRTAM RAJYAM DIVAUKASAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/259,260 from PADMA PURANA conversation between the Supreme Lord and Lord Brahma)
O Grandfather of the world, as long as somebody fasts on Ekadasi mixed with Dasami, the demigods extend their merits to the demons. Therefore the demon Hiranyaksa became strong due to that merit and defeated Indra in the battle and usurped the kingdom of the demigods.
PURNA VIDDHAM UPASTE KO NANDAM VEDA BALAD API
KO VEDA VACANAT TATA GOSAVE GAM NIHANTI VAI?
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/268 from BHAVISYA PURANA and MARKANDEYA PURANA)
Oh son, after knowing the instruction about fasting on Dasami, who is that person who would like to fast on the Ekadasi which overlaps Dasami? Who would be those persons, after hearing Vedic instructions, who would kill cows in the name of worshiping cows?
SUPUNYA EKADASI SUTA YADI SALYA VIVARJITA
KARTUR NIRAYA PATAYA SASALYA SAMUPOSITA
SALYAM VEDHA ITI PROKTAM PURANARTHA VICAKSANAIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/270 from KURMA PURANA and BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA Srila Vyasadeva speaks to Suta Gosvami)
Oh Suta Gosvami, if somebody strictly observes a pure Ekadasi which is not mixed with Dasami, it is all auspicious. If Ekadasi is mixed with Dasami and is observed, then the observer who is fasting will fall into the hellish planets. Therefore, the learned people, the knowers of Vedic literatures have determined this fasting to be improper.
DVAYOR VIVADATOH SRUTVA DVADASIM SAMUPOSAYET
PARANANTU TRAYODASYAM ESA SASTRA VINIRNAYAH
DVADASI DASAMI YUKTA YATA SASTRE PRATISTHITA
NA TAT SASTRAM AHAM MANYE YADI BRAHMA SVAYAM VADET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/277,278 from KURMA PURANA Srila Vyasadeva speaks to Suta Gosvami)
If there are two people arguing and due to that argument and unsteady opinions the exact date of Ekadasi cannot be determined, then hearing this, one should fast on Dvadasi day and break fast on Trayodasi. This is the scriptural instruction. If any scripture recommends to observe Ekadasi mixed with Dasami, even if Lord Brahma is the writer of that scripture, I (Vyasadeva) do not accept it.
KSAYE VAPY ATHAVA VRDDHAU SAMPRAPTE VA DINATRAYE
UPOSYA DVADASI SUDDHA TRAYO DASYANTU PARANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/286 from NARADA PURANA)
If there is a reduced day in the fortnight or increase of a day, or if there are three days combined, then one should fast on a pure Dvadasi day and break the fast on Trayodasi.
URDHVAM HARIDINAM NA SYAT DVADASIM GRAHAYET TATAH
DVADASIM UPAVASO'TRA TRAYO DASYANTU PARANAM
EVAM KURVAN NARO BHAKTYA VISNU SAYUJYAM APNUYAT
ANYATHA KURUTE YASTU SA YATI NARAKAM DHRUVAM
EKADASI RSINAM TU DVADASI CAKRAPANINAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/293-295 from SKANDA PURANA)
If Ekadasi appears to be Dasami, it is not called the day of Lord Hari, therefore Dvadasi is to be accepted for fasting and one should then break fast on Trayodasi. If one follows this process with devotion, then he goes to live in the Lord's abode after liberation. If one does otherwise, he falls into the hellish planets because Ekadasi is the day of the sages and purified Ekadasi with Dvadasi is the day of Lord Hari.
UDAYAT PRAK YADA VIPRA MUHURTA DVAYA SAMYUTA
SAMPURNA EKADASI NAMA TATRAIVA UPASAVED GRHI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/316 from GARUDA PURANA, BHAVISYA PURANA and SIVA
RAHASYA)
Oh brahmana, ninety-six minutes before sunrise, if there is an Ekadasi available, it is called a complete and pure Ekadasi. On this Ekadasi, even every householder should fast.
ATA EVA PARITYAJYA SAMAYE CA ARUNODAYE
DASAMI EKADASI VIDDHA VAISNAVE NA VISESATAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/318 from BHAVISYA PURANA)
Therefore one should give up Ekadasi which is combined with Dasami, even if it is available before sunrise. Specifically, Vaisnavas should always reject Ekadasis which overlap Dasamis.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that if Ekadasi is mixed with the previous day (Dasami), even ninety-six minutes before sunrise, it is said to be an unwanted Ekadasi. It does not matter what moment before sunrise Ekadasi is overlapping Dasami, it should always be given up, especially by Vaisnavas. The duty of a Vaisnava is to reject the mixed Ekadasi of the previous day. Such a statement as this from the Bhavisya Purana is meant specifically for Vaisnavas. It may be found somewhere else that Saivites and others can observe an Ekadasi mixed with the previous day.
ARUNODAYA VELAYAM DASAMI-SAMYUTA YADI
ATRA UPOSYA DVADASI SYAT TRAYODASYANTU PARANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/319, Kanva Rsi speaks)
If before sunrise, Dasami is mixed with Ekadasi, one should fast on Dvadasi and break fast on Trayodasi.
UDAYAT PRANMUHURTENA VYAPINY EKADASI YADA
SAMYUKTA EKADASI NAMA VARJAYED DHARMA VRDDHAYE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/322 from GARUDA PURANA)
Even if Ekadasi is available forty-eight minutes before sunrise, still it is said to be mixed with the previous day. People who are interested to increase their merits should give up fasting on such Ekadasis.
DASAMI SESA SAMYUKTO YADI SYAD ARUNODAYAH
VAISNAVENA NA KARTAVYAM TAD DINAIKADASI VRTAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/336 from BHAVISYA PURANA)
At the time of sunrise, if Dasami (Ekadasi?) is available, a Vaisnava should not fast on that Ekadasi.
ARDHA RATRAM ATIKRAMYA DASAMI YADI DRSYATE
TADA HY EKADASIM TYAKTVA DVADASIM SAMUPOSAYET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/354 from KURMA PURANA)
If Dasami day passes over midnight, then one should give up fasting on that Ekadasi, but fast on Dvadasi day.
SAMPURNA EKADASI YATRA PRABHATE PUNAR EVASA
VAISNAVI CA TRAYODASYAM GHATIKAI KAPI DRSYATE
GRHASTHO'PI PARAM KURYAT PURVA NA UPAVASET TADA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/360 from GARUDA PURANA)
If there is a complete Ekadasi available which begins from dawn and carries on until the next day which, due to extension, continues until sunrise on the next day, it is better to perform Ekadasi on the next day, and this is the duty of both the grhastha and the sannyasi to not follow the previous day Ekadasi.
DVADASI-MISRITA GRAHYA SARVATRA EKADASI TITHIH
DVADASI CA TRAYODASYAM VIDYATE YADI VANA VA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/362 from PADMA PURANA)
It does not matter if Ekadasi is touching the Trayodasi or not, but Ekadasi mixed with Dvadasi should be observed among all other fasts.
EKADASI KALAYATRA PARATO DVADASI NA CET
TATRA KRTU SATAM PUNYAM TRAYODASYAMTU PARANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/365 from SKANDA PURANA)
Even if for a moment Ekadasi is available on Dvadasi day and Dvadasi is not touching the Trayodasi day, one should fast on Dvadasi and break fast on Trayodasi. This fasting brings the results of performing one hundred sacrifices.
EKADASI KALA YUKTA UPOSYA DVADASI NARAIH
TRAYODASYANTU YO BHUNKTE TASYA VISNUH PRASIDATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/371 from BAUDHAYANA SMRTI)
Human beings are desired to observe Dvadasi fasts which is mixed with Ekadasi and break fast on Trayodasi. If they do so, Lord Sri Visnu becomes pleased with them.
EKADASI BHAVET PURNA PARATO DVADASI YADA
TADA HY EKADASIM TYAKTVA DVADASYAM SAMU POSAYET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/372 from SKANDA PURANA)
Although Ekadasi is complete which began from dawn and also Dvadasi is complete which mixes with Trayodasi even for a few moments, then one should not fast on Ekadasi, but should fast on Dvadasi day.
EKADASI TU SAMPURNA PARATO DVADASI BHAVET
UPOSYA DVADASI TATRA TITHI VRDDHIH PRASASYATE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/373 from KALIKA PURANA)
Even if Ekadasi is a complete day and Dvadasi being extended, then one should fast on Dvadasi. This is called extended fasting.
SAMPURNA EKADASI TYAJYA PARATO DVADASI YADI
UPOSYA DVADASI SUDDHA DVADASYAM EVA PARANAM
NA GARBHE VISATE JANTUR ITY AHA BHAGAVAN HARIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/376 from BHAGAVATADI TANTRA)
The Supreme Personality of Godhead says, "If Dvadasi combines even for a moment with Trayodasi, one should give up a complete day of Ekadasi fast and fast on Dvadasi. If someone does fast like this, he does not need to take another birth in the material world."
EKADASI DVADASI CA RATRISESE TRAYODASI
TRIBHIR MISRA TITHIH PROKTA SARVA PAPA HARA SMRTA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/378 from KURMA PURANA)
If Ekadasi and Dvadasi fall in one day, and at night Trayodasi is combined, in other words, there are three days combined in day and night, it is called Trisprsa. This tithi or day is said to be removing sins.
TRISPRSA EKADASI YATRA TATRA SANNIHITO HARIH
TAM EVA UPAVASET KAMI AKAMO VISNU TATPARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/380 from KURMA PURANA)
Where there is Trisprsa Ekadasi, there Lord Hari Himself resides. Both the devotees who are full of desires and those who are desireless should fast on this Trisprsa Mahadvadasi.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami has given his Digdarsini commentary saying, "It is said that when Ekadasi, Dvadasi and the end of the night (Trayodasi) are combined, one should perform fast with his sons, grandsons and all of his family members. This is because whether one is full of desires, desiring wealth, sons or many other things or he is a desireless Vaisnava who is interested to please the Supreme Lord (one who is not desiring liberation, but is interested to please the Supreme Lord, Visnu, is called a Vaisnava), all of them should observe this Trisprsa Ekadasi fast. By doing so, one becomes free from the sin of killing a brahmana, etc. He becomes free from all kinds of miseries acquired from different births and attains the merit of performing sacrifices too. This fasting is the source of auspiciousness and increases one's merit. Therefore one should accept it."
PURA CA EKADASI SVALPA ANTE CAIVA TRAYODASI
SAMPURNA DVADASI MADHYE TRISPRSA SA HARI PRIYA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/387 from DVARAKA MAHATMYA)
If in the beginning there is a tinge of Ekadasi, in the middle there is a complete Dvadasi day and at last, there is a minute mixture of Trayodasi, that is called Trisprsa Ekadasi, which is very dear to Lord Hari.
SUDDHAIVA DVADASI RAJAN UPOSYA MOKSA KANKSIBHIH
PARANAS TU TRAYODASYAM PUJAYITVA JANARDANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/407 from VISNU RAHASYA spoken by Srila Vyasadeva)
Oh King, those people who are desirous for liberation from this material world observe a purified Dvadasi fast and break it in Trayodasi after properly worshiping Lord Janardana.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives his commentary in his Digdarsini-tika, stating that attaining liberation means to become free from birth, death, etc. which is the bondage in the material world. In other words, anyone who liberates others from the maximum misery is called "liberation", or Lord Sri Visnu. A real devotee of the Lord is interested in attaining love of Godhead. That is his liberation and it is his ultimate desire. It has been accepted here that if the day of Vaisnava (Dvadasi) is not available, then one can worship Lord Sri Janardana on Trayodasi and break one's fast. It is specifically recommended that even on Trayodasi, after worshiping the Supreme Lord Sri Janardana, one can break his fast. This is undoubtedly an authorized statement.
ITTHAM SASTRA VICARENA SISTACARA ANUSARATAH
EKADASI VYAVASTHEYAM KRTA VAISNAVA SAMMATA
VIDVANSO'PI ATRA MUDHAH SYUR VINA KRSNA PRASADATAH
ATAH SADASAU NIRDDHARYA PRASTVA BHAGAVATA UTTAMAN
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/410,411 from VISNU RAHASYA)
In this way, after studying the rules in the scriptures and following the statements of realized souls, Ekadasi, which is pleasing to the Vaisnavas, is established. Unless one has the direct mercy of the Lord, even if he is very learned, it is very difficult to determine the correct days for Ekadasi. Therefore, to perform the Ekadasi fast properly, one should always reach the topmost Vaisnava devotee of the Lord and ask for the exact date.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains in his Digdarsini-tika that the ways for the Vaisnavas and the non-Vaisnavas to determine the exact dates of Ekadasi have been explained here. One should consider the statements of the scriptures and also should discuss this with learned personalities as well. One should not just rely on the scriptures, but it is important to also consult the learned souls as well. According to Vaisnava, following Vaisnava Ekadasi is important, not an Ekadasi which has been pierced with the previous day (Dasami). Even on Ekadasi, if Dvadasi is available, if it is mixed with Dasami, one should completely give it up. Trisprsa Ekadasi, which is free from Dasami, falling in Caturmasya during one of the dark fortnights is said to be observable. In essence, a Vaisnava should always be consulted so as to know what to do. Due to the illusory influence of Sukracarya, even the learned scholars, who are expert in Vedic literature, become bewildered and are unable to determine the exact day for fasting on Ekadasi. Therefore, one should be a devotee who is depending on the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the exact way to determine the exact Ekadasi fasting day.
DVADASYA NIRNAYE BHUPA MUDHAM ATRA JAGATTRAYAM
ATRA MUDHA MAHIPALA PRAYASO YE NARAH PURA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 12/412 from VISNU RAHASYA conversation between Markandeya Rsi and King Indradyumna)
Oh King, the three worlds have been become bewildered on the subject of establishing the correct day of fasting on Dvadasi. What to speak of the present day, even in ancient times great persons were almost bewildered in perfectly determining the correct days for fasting.
VARAM SVA-MATRA GAMANAM VARAM GOMANSA BHAKSANAM
VARAM HATYA SURAPANAM NA EKADASYANTU BHOJANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/8 from NARADA PURANA)
Worse than enjoying conception with one's own mother, eating beef, murdering, or drinking liquor is eating on Ekadasi day. Therefore one should not eat on the Ekadasi day.
DASAMYAM EKA BHAKTANTU KURVITA NIYATENDRIYAH
ACAMYA DANTA KASTHANTU KHADAYET TADANANTARAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/18 from SMRTI ANTARA)
On Dasami day, a person should eat only once with controlled senses. After that, he should wash his hands and mouth and brush his teeth properly.
DINARDHA SAMAYE'TITE BHUJYATE NIYAMENA YAT
EKA BHAKTAM ITI PROKTAM KARTAVYAM TAT PRAYATNATAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/21 from BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA)
A person who is regulated will eat only once a day when half of the day has passed (in the afternoon), and he should eat in a religious mood for purification.
MATIR NA JAYATE YASYA DVADASYAM JAGARAM PRATI
NA HI TASYA ADHIKARO'STI PUJANE KESAVASYA HI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/86 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva and Uma)
One who does not remain awake overnight on a Dvadasi fasting day is not qualified to worship Lord Sri Hari.
HRDAYE VARTATE YASYA SADA YOGESVARO HARIH
MATIR UTPADYATE TASYA DVADASI JAGAROPARI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/87 from SKANDA PURANA Lord Brahma speaks to Narada Muni)
The Supreme Lord Hari, if He is in anybody's heart, He will surely give him the intelligence to remain awake overnight on the Dvadasi fast day.
SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM BHAKTYA PATHATE VISNU SANNIDHAU
JAGARE TAT PADAM YATI KULA VRNDA SAMANVITAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/131 from SKANDA PURANA and PRAHLADA SAMHITA conversation between Lord Brahma and Narada)
If anybody studies Srimad Bhagavatam with full devotion before the Deity of Lord Sri Hari, he will surely go to the spiritual abode with all of his ancestors.
DASTA KALI BHUJANGENA SVAPANTI MADHUHA DINE
KURVANTI JAGARAM NAIVA MAYA PASA VIMOHITAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/171 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva and Parvati)
Any person, who on the day of Lord Hari does not remain awake overnight and instead sleeps, one should understand that he has been caught with a one hundred-fold network of illusion and has been bitten by the snake of Kali-yuga.
YAT KINCIT KRIYATE PAPAM KOTI JANMANI MANAVAIH
KRSNASYA JAGARE SARVAM RATRAU DAHATI PARVATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/182 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva and Parvati)
Oh Parvati, on the day of Lord Sri Hari, if somebody remains awake, all of the sins accumulated for the previous millions of births are destroyed at once.
YAH PUNAH SUSTHA CITTO'PI SVA STHANE VASATE'PI SAN
NA HARER JAGARAM KURYAT TENA KARYA NA ME KVACIT
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/190 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva and Parvati)
Oh Parvati, what more can I say. A healthy person, while living in his own house still does not remain awake on the day of Lord Hari at night, even though he is a devotee of the Lord, even I do not have any connection with him.
BRAHMANAH KSATRIYA VAISYAH STRIYAH SUDRAS CA JAGARE
PRAPTAS TE PARAMA STHANAM SRI VISNOR JAGARE KRTE
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/198 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Siva and Parvati)
Whether one is a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, woman or sudra, fallen person, unwanted progeny, demons, evil spirit or devil, any of them who had previously observed an Ekadasi fast and remained awake overnight for the pleasure of Lord Hari, attained the spiritual abode of Lord Visnu.
TATRA BRAHMA CA RUDRAS CA SAKRADYA DEVATAGANA
NITYAM EVA SAMAYANTI JAGARE KRSNA VALLABHE
RSAYO NARADADYAS TU VYASADYA MUNAYAS TATHA
AHAS CA TATRA GACCHAMI KRSNA PUJA RATAH SADA
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/219,220 from PRAHLADA SAMHITA)
Prahlada says, "Wherever there is a person remaining awake overnight on Ekadasi, which is very dear to Lord Krsna, all the demigods, including Brahma, Indra and Siva, are all available there. And where there is such a wake going on, all of the great sages, headed by Narada Muni and Vyasadeva, are available there and I (Prahlada Maharaja) who am always engaged in worshiping Lord Sri Hari, am also available there."
GANGA SARASVATI REVA YAMUNA VAI SATADRUKA
CANDRABHAGA VITASTA CA NADYAH SARVASTU TATRA VAI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/223 from PRAHLADA SAMHITA)
Prahlada Maharaja says, "There only, the Ganges, Sarasvati, Reva, Yamuna Satadruka, Candrabhaga, Vitasta and other religious rivers are available there as well."
PRATAH SNATVA HARIM PUJYA UPAVASAM SAMARPAYET
PARANANTU TATAH KURYAD VRATA SIDDHAU HARI SMARAN
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/230 from KATYAYANA SAMHITA)
After taking bath early in the morning and worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Hari, one should offer his fasting to Him and then to achieve merit from such fasting, one should remember Lord Sri Hari while breaking the fast.
NITYA KRTYAM SAMAPYA ATHA SAKTYA VIPRANSCA BHOJAYET
KURVITA DVADASI MADHYE TULASIM PRASYA PARANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/236 from TRAILOKYA MOHANA PANCARATRA)
Thereafter, after performing daily service to the Supreme Lord, according to one's capacity, one should give eating ingredients to brahmanas in charity and then take a Tulasi leaf in his mouth and break one's fast.
KRTVA CAIVA UPAVASAMTU YO'SNATI DVADASI DINE
NAIVEDYAM TULASI MISRAM PAPA KOTI VINASANAM
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/237 from SKANDA PURANA)
After fasting properly on Ekadasi, one should eat mahaprasada the next day (Dvadasi) and at that time millions of his sins are burnt.
MAHA HANIKARI HY ESA DVADASI LANGHIT NRNAM
KAROTI DHARMA HARANAM ASNATEVA SARASVATI
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/238 from PADMA PURANA)
As when one goes across the Sarasvati River without taking bath, he looses his merit, similarly, when one continues fasting on Dvadasi day, he suffers a great amount of meritorious loss. (One who does not break fast at the proper time looses a great amount of merit.)
Srila Sanatana Gosvami states that, "'Without taking bath in the Sarasvati'" (only) means that if you cross to the other side of the Sarasvati to take bath, all of his religious merits will be stolen from you."
EKADASYAM UPOSYAIVA DVADASYAM PARANAM SMRTAM
TRAYODASYAM NA TAT KURYAD DVADASA DVADASI-KSAYAT
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/241 from KURMA PURANA)
One should fast on the Ekadasi day and break his fast on Dvadasi day. It is not recommended to break one's fast on Trayodasi day. One who breaks his fast on Trayodasi day (one who does not break his fast at the proper moment), looses the merit which had gained by fasting on twelve Dvadasis.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami says in his Digdarsini-tika (commentary) that, "'Passing over' means, not breaking his fast at the proper time."
DVADASYAH PRATHAMAH PADO HARIVASARA SANJNAKAH
TAM ATIKRAMYA KURVITTA DARANAM VISNU TATPARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/258 from VISNU DHARMOTTARA)
The first fourth portion of the Dvadasi day is called "the day of Lord Hari". A person who is a devotee of Lord Visnu should pass over this portion to break his fast.
DVADASI EKADASI YOGE VIKSATO HARI VA SARAH
EKADASYANTYA PADASCA DVADASYAH PURVA EVA HI
HARIVASARA ITY AHUR BHOJANAM NA SAMACARET
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/259)
Because Ekadasi is connected to Dvadasi it is called the day of Lord Hari. Learned souls say that when the fourth part of the day of Ekadasi is combined with the first part of the day of Dvadasi, it is named as the day of Lord Hari. Therefore it is rejected to eat during this period.
YATHA RAJASVALA SANGAM ANYAYAM VARJITAM SADA
TATHA DASAMI SAMYUKTAM MAD DINAM VAISNAVAIR NARAIH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/440 from PADMA PURANA the Supreme Lord speaks)
It has always been forbidden to have conception with a lady passing through menstruation. Similarly, on My own day (Ekadasi) one should never observe fast when it is mixed with the Dasami day.
JAGARE PADMANA BHASYA PURANAM PATHATE TU YAH
JANMA KOTI SUKRTAM PAPAM DAHATE TULARASI VAT
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 13/530 from SKANDA PURANA)
While remaining awake for the lotus-naveled Lord Sri Hari, one who studies Puranas (meritorious histories), then whatever sins one has acquired for millions of births, burn up just like a piece of cotton quickly burns to ashes in the fire.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati's Navadwip Panjika Intro'
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