Monday, July 13, 2026

HRVS

 Haridas sampradaya and

The Radha Vallabh Sampradaya is distinctive among Vaishnava traditions in that many of its followers, especially in the traditional Vrindavan lineage, do not observe the Ekādaśī fast in the customary Vaishnava way. 

The reasoning given within the tradition is theological rather than a rejection of Ekādaśī itself. Their emphasis is on prema-bhakti (the path of divine love for Śrī Rādhā and Śrī Rādhāvallabha). They hold that loving service (sevā) to the Divine Couple takes precedence over ritual austerities such as fasting. Thus, if fasting were to interfere with offering food to the Lord or with devotional service, they give priority to loving service. 

This is quite different from traditions such as:

Śrī Vaiṣṇavism, where Ekādaśī is widely observed, though the level of fasting varies.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism (including ISKCON), where avoiding grains on Ekādaśī is strongly emphasized.

Pushtimarg, which also has its own distinctive Ekādaśī practices. 

One of the beautiful aspects of Sanātana Dharma is that different sampradāyas may emphasize different disciplines while sharing devotion to the same Supreme Lord. One tradition may stress vrata, another sevā, another nāma-saṅkīrtana, yet all seek union with the Divine through their respective paths.

So, haridasas and  Radha Vallabh Sampradaya does not generally observe the Ekādaśī vrata in the usual Vaishnava manner, that is a recognized feature of that tradition, rooted in its own understanding of loving devotion rather than in disregard for Ekādaśī. 




No comments: