Udaipur : Narayan Seva Sansthan president Prashant Agrawal explained the deeper meaning of fasting, devotion and service through various stories related to the spiritual significance of Ekadashi during the second day of the ‘Apno Se Apni Baat’ programme.
He said Ekadashi is not merely a festival of giving up food, but an opportunity to connect the mind with God and use one’s hands to serve those in need. He said fasting becomes meaningful only when its spirit goes beyond oneself and brings relief and happiness into someone else’s life.
Focus on Concentration in Devotion
Through the story of Lalit and Lalita, Agrawal explained that concentration of the mind is an important foundation of devotion. Lalit’s mind became distracted between worship and singing, while his wife Lalita set an example of love and dedication.
Under the guidance of a sage, she observed the Indira Ekadashi fast and dedicated its merit to her husband, leading to his salvation.
Agrawal said spiritual merit can also be dedicated to the welfare of others. “A fast undertaken only for oneself is an act of fasting, but one undertaken for someone else becomes a prayer,” he said.
‘Devotion Means Changing the Direction of the Senses’
Referring to the story of King Ambarish and Sage Durvasa, he conveyed the message of humility, hospitality and devotion.
Ambarish directed every sense of his life towards God and did not lose his composure even during difficult circumstances. Agrawal said devotion does not mean giving up the senses, but changing their direction.
“The hands should remain the same, but instead of being used to hurt someone, they should be used for service,” he said.
Time Given to Service Is Also Worship
Referring to the story of King Khatvanga, Agrawal highlighted the importance of time. He said what matters is not how long life is, but for what purpose the available time is being used.
When Khatvanga came to know that he had only one muhurta of life remaining, he dedicated that time to God. Agrawal said time devoted to service is also a form of worship.
Call to Take a Pledge of Service
On the occasion of Ekadashi, Prashant Agrawal urged the devotees present to take a pledge of service along with observing the fast.
“God does not need our fasting, God needs our hands,” he said. He added that helping a Divyang person, helpless individual, elderly person or anyone in need is a way of putting devotion into practice.
During the programme, Agrawal also interacted with Divyang beneficiaries of the Sansthan.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.