Ekādaśī: The day of Lord Hari : a translation of portions of various Purāṇas by Kṛṣṇa-Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, the literary incarnation of God

In the discipline of Krsna consciousness, fasting at regular intervals is highly recommended for both physical and spiritual improvement. The science of nutrition teaches that periodic fasting greatly benefits the body by giving the digestive organs a rest and allowing for internal cleansing. The body then functions much more efficiently. Even more important for devotees of Krsna, however, is the spiritual benefit to be gained by fasting on certain auspicious days, strictly following the rules and regulations. Thus Krsna conscious devoteses are enjoined to fast twice a month, on the eleventh day of both the waxing and the waning moon. As described in this book, one who fasts on this day, called Ekadasi, attains not only physical benefit but tremendous spiritual benefit as well.