Vrischika Ekadashi is known as Guruvayur Ekadashi in Kerala that falls during the Mandala season. Also on this day, Lord Krishna rendered Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Guruvayur ekadashi finds its significance at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. On this particular day, the temple does not close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum and is only closed on Dwadashi day.
One of the highlights of the Ekadashi is that on this day elephant Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan who left for the heavenly abode on ekadashi day is honoured at the temple. The Karanavar or head of the elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Kesavan in front of Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around and pay obeisance. After the morning seeveli, a grand elephant procession is conducted to the Parthasarathi temple as part of Geethopadesam Day.
On Ekadashi day, people refrain eating grains and spices and fast, meditate and recite prayers of Lord Krishna. People purify the mind and body by indulging in spiritual activities. The fast is broken on Dwadashi day within a particular time frame (parana).
