“There are five boats for people who are drowning in the ocean of worldly existence: Lord Visnu, the Bhagavad-gita, Srimati Tulasi-devi, the cow, and Ekadasi.” (Lord Krsna to Garuda in the Garuda Purana)

“Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Me, of all months, Kartika is most dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My beloved Dvaraka is most dear, and of all days, Ekadasi is most dear.” (Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda 112.3)

“When one fasts, imbalanced dosas are brought into equilibrium, the gastric fire is increased, and one’s body and mind are normalized. In addition, one gains physical lightness, a hearty appetite, a healthy thirst, a pleasant disposition, and good digestion, as well as strength, energy, and vigor.” (Ayurveda: Astangahrdayam 1.3)

“These are the benefits of fasting: clearness of the sensory and motor organs, proper excretion of waste, lightness of the body, hearty appetite, timely appearance of hunger and thirst, purity of the pericardia! regions, clearness of eructations and the throat, relaxation of acute tension in the body, cheerfulness, and freedom from sluggishness.” (Ayurveda: Sutrasthanam 14.17)

[Ekadasi, The Day of Lord Hari, by Sri Krsna Balaram Swamiji, KBS0049]