Legend of Aja Ekadashi
Aja Ekadashi Vrat reflects the spirit of Aja Ekadashi in an enterprising manner. People are seen observing this day with a lot of respect. Parana is given maximum importance by Hindus.
Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is completed post sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is essential to do Parana confining to the Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. If you are unable to do Parana within Dwadashi, then it is equal to that of an offence.
It is said that parana should not be performed during Hari Vasara. A person should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is the initial one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The best time to break the fast is Pratahkal. People should refrain from breaking the fast during Madhyana. If due to some causes one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one can do it only after Madhyana but not before.
During certain times, Ekadashi fasting is kept for two consecutive days. It is suggested that Smartha with family should keep fasting on first day only. Another type of Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is meant for Sanyasis, widows and for those who seek Moksha. If alternate Ekadashi fasting is advised for Smartha, then it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.
Ekadashi fasting on both days is advised in the case of ardent devotees who expect love and affection from Lord Vishnu.
