Ekadashi Prasad: When the ordinary became Divine

November 04, 2023

Hare Krishna 🙏

Sometimes, it’s not the big events…

but the smallest moments that leave the deepest spiritual impact.

This was one such experience—with Ekadashi Prasad.

Ekadashi is often described as special—a day of purification, discipline, and devotion.

I had observed it before. I knew its significance.

But like many practices, it had largely remained at the level of understanding.

That day felt different. There was a subtle intention within—not just to observe, but to experience.

We benefitted from this experience occurred during our road yatra from Mumbai to Vrindavan on 17^th Feb 2022. The goal of the trip was to welcome Sri Radha Kirshna deities (from casting to complete finish polishing work) and ride back with them to Iskon Vella (Rajgarh) temple( near Pune). For Ekadashi on 18^th Feb 2022, we packed fasting phalahar items.

As it was getting late, we decided to skip having darshan of Sri Radha Govindji at Jaipur while passing on the way. During our fueling halt, just got down to locate bag carrying Ekadashi items. To our dismay we realized we had missed to carry the bag after diligently packing all items. Reminds us of the proverb: Man proposes and God disposes, but for a right reason.

At Dausa town we stopped to buy Rajgir atta - flour. To our surprise it was easily available which is generally not the case. We stopped at a restaurant and enquired possibility if they could cook Ekadashi prasad. using our ingredients. Just then Sri Yogesh Sharma owner of the place stepped in. He suggested we visit Sri Radha Govind temple nearby across the road and enquire. Delighted we walked across and reached the temple. Sri Sharmaji temple priest welcomed us warmly. We exchanged greetings and explained we are yatris on the way to Vrindavan.

Being winter time, he explained it was shayan aarti time for the Lord. He wished we must attend the aarti, honour Ekadasi prasad and then leave for Vrindavan. Just imagine our delight!!!!

After the fast, when I received the prasad, it seemed like a simple act.

But internally, something shifted. There was:

•⁠ ⁠A sense of calm

•⁠ ⁠A quiet satisfaction

•⁠ ⁠And an unexpected depth of connection

Nothing external had dramatically changed… but something within had.

Lord’s plans are beyond our comprehension. His invisible hands guide us constantly. So, what we missed at Jaipur he very much fulfilled by giving his darshan in the form of Sri Radha Govindji at Dausa which is nothing short of a miracle. The temple where Lord had rested 400 years ago. All our effort of trying to manage Ekadasi vrat were solved. Most important to remember is desire our sankalpa. Lord fulfills them. We were served Bhoga of Lord for Prasad – Prabhu ka sakshaat darshan. Most auspicious ever for a Vaishnava devotee.

Realisation

That moment revealed a powerful truth:

👉 Spiritual practices are not mechanical—they are relational.

Ekadashi was no longer just:

•⁠ ⁠A rule

•⁠ ⁠A routine

•⁠ ⁠A calendar event

It became:

•⁠ ⁠A connection

•⁠ ⁠A reminder

•⁠ ⁠A living experience

What I had known intellectually…

I began to feel.

Historical significance of Sri Radha Govind temple Dausa:

Legend: Around 400 years ago, to escape attack from Mughals original Sri Radha Govind deities were shifted from Vrindavan to Jaipur under kings protection. During the journey deities rested at Dausa for a day where the present temple was built. Then deities moved to Jaipur. Badrinath Shankaracharya and Nimbarkcharya visit this temple. One of the Lila’s performed by the Lord.

Priest family stays within the temple premises. One-night Sharmaji was fast asleep and he heard knocking sound on the door. He woke up and opened the window to see no one there. He decided to investigate. As he approached the front of the temple thieves who were planning to rob the temple were startled and ran away in fear.