Hyderabad: Toli Ekadashi was observed on Friday across the country. According to Hindu scriptures, the Hindu month which comes with the Purvashada star, is known as Ashadam, and also Shunya Masam.
As the Sun enters the zodiac sign Cancer on Toli Ekadashi — moving to the South of the Equator — the second part of the year is considered as Dakshin Ayana, which ends on Makara Sankranthi.
According to prominent astrologer Daivagna Sharma, on Toli Ekadashi all the 33 crore Hindu gods would be in the Tulasi plant.
“Both the Krishna (black) Tulasi and Vishnu (white) Tulasi are important on this day. The leaves of the plant are offered to Lord Vishnu, who is supposed to go to sleep on this day. As he goes to sleep, this Ekadashi is also called Shayana Ekadashi. He later wakes up on Vykunta Ekadashi, which falls in Karthika Masam.
“Toli Ekadashi is also called Moksha Ekadashi,” he said. Mr Sharma added that, “fasting is important on this day”.
“Appraharam (food not cooked with fire) is good for breaking the fast. Danam (donations to the poor) is also important. Donating a cow along with a calf, footwear, umbrellas or salt will give punya lokas,” he said.
He added that Toli Ekadashi marked the beginning of the Chaturmasya Vratham.
“The vratham begins in connection with Lord Vishnu’s sleep and ends the next day, on Vykunta Ekadashi.
“Those who take this deeksha should not leave their village until the end of the vratham, for four months, besides fasting — restricting some vegetables and pulses,” he said.
