Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat

Nirjala refers to ‘without water’ and Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar month. Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat is, therefore, counted amongst one of the toughest fast of Ekadashi that is observed by the devotees, because the intake of both, food and water is strictly prohibited, while observing this fast. Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyestha in the Shukla paksha (June), therefore it is also called “Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi” or “Bhimsani Ekadashi” (Bhim sen, the seond Pandav Brother, had observed this difficult fast).

Parana Muhurat is the auspicious time to break the Ekadashi Vrat. The fast of Ekadashi is terminated on Dwadashi Tithi (twelfth day) i.e. the succeeding day.

Amongst the 24 Ekadashi’s observed throughout the year, the fast (Vrat) observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi is considered to be the most beneficial, if one properly observes a fast on this day it is said to give the fruits of 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year. Complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. People observe strict fast and offer pooja to Lord Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. Therefore, immense dedication and devotion are shown by devotees for performing this Vrat and in response, high amount of favor is given by Lord Vishnu.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The legend of Nirjala Ekadashi is connected to Bheem, who was the second and the most powerful Pandava, that is why this Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bheema Ekadashi. He wanted to observe all the fasts of 24 Ekadashis, but he could not as he was not able to control his hunger. For finding a solution to this problem, he went to sage Vyasa and his grandfather. They advised him to only observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, because this one fast can provide auspicious results equivalent to the fast of all Ekadashis.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi

As this is the most important and toughest Ekadashi of all, some strict rules have to be followed by devotees, while performing the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.

• Wake up early in the morning and perform the morning rituals like bathing and wearing clean clothes.
• Visit the nearest temple to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• Bathe the image of Vishnu or Shaligram stone with Panchamrit (mixture of water, milk, honey, sugar, and jaggery).
• Fast can be observed for 24 hours, i.e. from sunrise of Nirjala Ekadashi to the sunrise of next day, or only from the sunrise to sunset of the day of Nirjala Ekadashi.
• Perform meditation before the image of Lord Vishnu.
• Offer flowers, incense sticks, and Durva grass (a kind of grass) etc. to Lord Vishnu, as the part of Puja rituals of Nirjala Ekadashi.
• Intake of food and water is strictly prohibited while performing Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
• Nirjala Ekadashi is also considered very auspicious for performing charity. Items like clothes, food grains, hand fans, and umbrellas are given to needy people.

Strict rules are followed by devotees while performing the fast for Nirjala Ekadashi. These rules may be strict for once, which might produce some short term problems for the devotee, while observing the fast. However, long term highly auspicious results are obtained from Lord Vishnu in return of devotion. Lord Vishnu will give one the power and strength to perform the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat in 2016, as always. So, one should get ready to be a part of his immense grace, by observing the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi.

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

• Like other Ekadashis, Nirjala Ekadashi is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi fast, without having food or water for 24 hours helps in reaching the divine feet of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu blesses his devotees with money, prosperity, and wealth. He also fulfills all the wishes of his devotees and remove all the sins of their lives.
• Observing fast and worshiping Lord Vishnu on Nirjala Ekadashi is equivalent to observing fasts on all the Ekadashis of the year. That’s why, it is also considered as Lord Vishnu’s most favorite one.
• It is also believed that by performing the fast for Nirjala Ekadashi, one can set himself/herself free from the cycle of birth and death. The devotee who observes the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi attains Moksha and goes straight to the Vaikunth, after death. His/her deeds are not analysed by Lord of death (Yama), for sending him/her to Swarga (heaven) or Naraka (hell). Thus, Nirjala Ekadasi is considered so immensely important.

Therefore, one should observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast with full dedication and devotion.