“If one eats fruit or roots or drinks water on Sayana, Utthana, or Parsva-parivartana Ekadasis, it is considered by Me to be like piercing My heart with an arrow.” (HBV 12th Vilasa Text 103)
Lord Sri Krishna says "He who swallows food on Utthana, Sayana, or Parivarthana Ekadasi sends Salya into my throat.” (Kalapraksika Ch XLV)
So you see Lord Sri Krishna does not like it at all - in fact He says He feels pain in His heart - if we take even water on the above three Ekadasis.
It is further stated that on Sayana Ekadasi the Lord enters His divine sleep in the causal ocean. On Parsva-parivartana Ekadasi the Lord rolls over in His divine sleep and this is a cause for celebration by fasting and chanting which very much pleases the Lord. And on Utthana Ekadasi the Lord wakes up from His divine sleep and that also is another great occasion that calls for a celebration by fasting and chanting.
We can understand from the above that if Krishna sees an initiated devotee drinking water on either of the above three Ekadasis then He is very much displeased.
One devotee asked me, "Why didn't Srila Prabhupada sayanthing about this?"
Firstly this extent of observance would have been too much for new devotees struggling even with lesser principles. To further that point he said in the beginning I have introduced the basics and later we will tighten the screws.
I have posted this confidential knowledge knowing that many devotees will appreciate it and some will find it difficult to apply. It must be pointed out that the highest principle is preaching and if one is engaged in emergency preaching, is sick, or is mothering children then the Lord would overlook that kind of shortfall. These exceptions are also stated by Sanatana Goswami.
Here are some quotes by Srila Prabhupada on the importance of observing Ekadasi properly:
“Prabhupada: ‘Oh yes, Ekadasi, simply you should chant. No other business. Nirjala.’” Morning walk, July 5, 1975)
“Why just 25 rounds? You should chant as many as possible. Real Ekadasi means fasting and chanting and no other business. When one observes fasting the chanting becomes easier. So on Ekadasi other business can be suspended as far as possible unless there is some urgent business.” SP Letter to Jadurani 9th July 1971
“And one must carry out by the order of a spiritual master and the order of the sästra. That is called tapasya. Just like in our line ekädasi is compulsory. One may feel some inconvenience fasting or simply eating fruits. No. It must be done. There are so many rules and regulations which is essential. It must be done. That is called tapasya. Without consideration whether it is convenient or inconvenient for you, which is, must be done, that is called tapasya.” (SP conversation 1976)
“I am glad to learn also that you sometimes fast the whole day, and chant. It is a very good idea and you can follow this principle rigidly two days in a month, namely the Ekadasis.” (SP Letter to Christopher 13th July 1968)
Bhaktivinoda Thakur on Ekadasi:
Çuddha-bhakata, (from Çaraëägati) Text One
çuddha-bhakata-caraëa-reëu, bhajana-anuküla, bhakata-sevä, parama-siddhi, prema-latikära müla
The dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees gives rise to devotional service, and service to the devotees is itself the supreme perfection and the root of the tender creeper of divine love.
Text Two, mädhava-tithi, bhakti-janané, jetane pälana kori, kåñëa-basati, basati boli', parama ädare bori
With great care I observe holy days like Ekädaçé and Janmäñöamé, for they are the mother of devotion. And with the greatest reverence and love I choose as my dwelling place the transcendental abode of Çré Kåñëa.
Hoping this meets you well. Hare Krishna!--
ys
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Hare Krsna mataji
AGTSP