Rules of Ekadasi

Basic Rules for understanding Vaisnava Calendar.

1. The Tithi at sunrise rules the day.

2. If the Tithi begins after sunrise and ends before sunrise of the next day (Lost) it is combined with       the next Tithi.

3. If the same Tithi falls on sunrise two days in a row, observances are scheduled on the first day;           except Ekadasi, Amavasya, or Purnima Tithis which are scheduled for the second day.

Rules for Ekadasi

     Srila A. C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada makes an interesting comment in his purport to Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya lila. 9-24-342: “You should recommend the avoidance of mixed Ekadasi and the performance of pure Ekadasi. You should also describe the fault in not observing this. One should be very careful as far as these items are concerned. If one is not careful, one will be negligent in executing devotional service.”

General Rules for observance are:-

1. Ekadasi must come in prior to the Arunodaya Viddhi (1hour, 12 mins, before sunrise). When it         does so it is called Suddha Ekadasi – pure ekadasi. If it begins after that, it is considered impure and    is therefore to be observed on the Dwadasi ( making Mahadwadasi or Compounded) on the next         day. 

2. If Ekadasi falls on Sunrise two days in a row, fasting is observed on the second day.