Nirjala Ekadashi : The Most Sacred Ekadashi Of All

Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on 5th June 2017, as per the Gregorian Calendar. This event is known to be the most strict and powerful Ekadashi among all. According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. It is marked on an Ekadashi day. To know more, read on this exclusive article..

Nirjala Ekadashi : The Mythological Story Of Mahabharata

Origin of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat is found in the mythological legend of Mahabharata. As per the story mentioned therein, out of the five Pandavas, Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva used to observe Ekadashi Vrat along with Kunti (their mother) and Draupadi (their wife). But Bhima, their second brother, was not able to do so, as he was fond of eating and controlling hunger was impossible for him. Once, he expressed his wish to observe the fast, but wanted to eat as well. However, as eating was against the ritual of Ekadashi fast; therefore, he went to his grandfather (Ved Vyasa) to seek help. On this, Vyasa suggested him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, as it is equivalent to observing all the 24 Ekadashi Vrats. He also told him that observing this fast will compensate him for not being able to observe all the other Ekadashi Vrats of the year. Bhima followed his grandfather’s advice and observed the fast with faith and dedication. As a result of observing Nirjala Ekadasi fast and not consuming anything, he became unconscious on the very next morning. To get back to his senses, he offered Ganga Jal to Tulsi plant and ended his fast. After this, Nirjala Ekadashi came to be known as Bhima Ekadashi, Bhimseni Ekadashi, and Pandava Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi : How to Observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat

The literal meaning of Nirjala is “without water”. This reason makes Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat the most difficult as well as the most sacred. Devotees find this fast more difficult and strict than others, as it falls in the summer season when surviving without water is not an easy task. Being a 24-hour long fast, Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat starts from sunrise of the day and ends on the sunrise of the next day i.e. Dwadashi (the twelfth day). This holy day is spent in the dedication of Lord Vishnu and chanting Mantras. However, if someone is unable to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat due to any reason, they can make donations to the needy people for seeking blessings of this meritorious day.

Nirjala Ekadashi : Rituals Of Nirjala Ekadashi

1. Bathe Vishnu’s idol with Panchamrit {mixture of milk, Ghee (purified butter), sugar, curd, and honey}.
2. Worship deity of the day, Lord Vishnu, by lighting Diyas (earthen lamps), offering Tulsi leaves and fruits.
3. Visit Vishnu’s temple and participate in the rituals of Nirjala Ekadashi Puja.
4. Observe Nirjala Ekadasi Vrat.
5. Donate clothes, food, gold, and other useful things to the needy people.
6. Break Nirjala Ekadasi fast next morning, after worshiping the lord.

Nirjala Ekadashi : Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi

Among all the Ekadashi Vrats, Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat is the most difficult one. For this reason, certain benefits are associated with the observance of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat. Observing this extremely difficult Ekadasi Vrat is considered equal to:

• Going on a pilgrimage
• Burning all the sins and mistakes
• Gaining the virtues of all the 24 Ekadashis of the year
• Cleaning all the impurities and negativity from the body and soul

On this Nirjala Ekadashi, worship Lord Vishnu and observe Nirjala Ekadasi fast to achieve longevity, happiness, salvation, wealth, and prosperity.

Though Nirjala Ekadashi is not easy to observe, still performing it with the right rituals can open doors of success for you. Observe Nirjala Ekadasi and get the blessings of Lord Vishnu along with the washing off all your evils. If you are not able to observe the other Ekadasi Vrats of this year, then Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat can help you in compensating for each one of them.

MyKundali wishes you a blessed Nirjala Ekadashi..!