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More Ekadashi questions

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Mani Varadarajan • June 2, 1997 


Thanks to Sri V. Sadagopan and Sri P.R. Ranga for their input on the subject
of Ekadashi. There remains one question in my mind: for those unable to
observe the full fast, Sri Sadagopan says that fruit and milk may be taken.
In this respect, I wonder whether all other foods are forbidden even for
those who cannot fast.

I ask because I have observed varying practices in various sampradayas: some
Vaishnavas hold that only rice is explicitly forbidden on Ekadashi, and that
other grains (bread etc) may be eaten, though of course a full fast is more
meritorious. Others claim that the word "annam" does not refer only to rice,
but to any kind of food grain (as well as beans etc), so that all sorts of
bread, dal, etc are banned on Ekadashi -- whereas foods other than grains
may be eaten by those too weak to fast.

Any clarification of the Sri Vaishnava standpoint on this matter would be
most appreciated.

(And incidentally: while there is no doubt about the merit in observing
Ekadashi and Dvadashi vratas, is their *non-observance* -- such as eating
rice on Ekadashi -- considered a sin?)

Best regards,
Martin Gansten