Vrata means resolution to serve Bhagavan, it does not mean only fasting. Purushottam vrata means to pay full attention to hari bhajana for the complete satisfaction of the Supreme Lord. There should not be any contamination of desire inside the heart. If we think, that fasting on Ekādaś īs good for health, then surely this is not bhakti, because we are trying to seek some material benefit. Vrata means to sing the glories of Bhagavan all the time, so that our mind is not distracted, like a lamp which is covered with a glass protection. That light will shine without any disturbance, because no external force like wind blow can disturb the light of the lamp, but as soon as we open that glass covering some air will come and the lamp can start to fickle. That same example we can apply to our mind. When our mind is continuously in touch with Guru-Vaiṣṇava-Bhagavan then we are in a safe position, but as soon we are disconnected from Guru-Vaiṣṇava-Bhagavan our mind will start to wander here and there, which will be very dangerous for us, and it will be impossible for us to keep the vrata. To observe Purushottam Vrata means to develop such a pure mind, which 24 hours continuously can get in touch with Guru-Vaiṣṇava-Bhagavan. Then and only then we can realise that our vrata is successful.
Gaura Hari Hari Bol