Nirjala Ekadashi

It Holds A Special Place in Hindu Religion

In Hinduism, Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadasi, is a festival falling on the 11th day of the bright half of Jyestha month of the Hindu calendar. Nirjala Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Vaishnav community observes Nirjala Ekadashi fasting without consuming even water, while some people can drink water.

The Ekadashi falling during Jyeshtha month holds special importance in Hindu religion. It is a spiritual practice to seek salvation and peace which gives Moksha – Liberates from the circle of birth and death.

There is a legend behind the observance of Nirjala Ekadashi that states that observing this vrata would help attain Moksha and become free from the cycle of birth and death. The name Nirjala literally means "waterless" because devotees fast without even taking water on this day. Others are permitted to take fruits, milk etc. on this day as fasting food items.

What is Nirjala Ekadashi?

Nirjala Ekadashi occurs every year in the month of Jyeshtha according to Hindu calendar. The Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is called Nirjala Ekadashi. In north India, this day is called Bhimseni Ekadashi. Nirjala means waterless while Bhima means the mighty Pandava, Bhima. This Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Ekadashi and Jaya Ekadashi.

While it comes in the summer, hence it is also known as Guruvaar Vrat and also Raja Parva Ekadashi or Parasurama Ekadashi or Achala Ekadashi. This Ekadashi day is considered auspicious in the entire year and has special importance in Vedic scriptures. Therefore, by keeping fast on this day, one gets the benefit of fasting for 24 Ekadashis a year.

Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi

• If a person observes the fast of one day from the Chaturmas, then due to the virtue of this fast, he becomes free from sins and gets rid of diseases.
• If a person is a sinner for sure, if he keeps fast on this day, then all his sins become ashes.
• By observing Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, one attains salvation after death.
• Keeping fast on Nirjala Ekadashi gives a person the equivalent benefit of keeping 24 Ekadashis in one day.
• According to scriptures, the rituals of this fast are considered supreme among all the Ekadashis.
• The reward of this fast equalises all good deeds done in one year.
• If a man dies after keeping a fast in Nirjala Ekadashi, then he gets salvation from hell. That is why devotees worship Lord Vishnu on this day to attain merit and love.
• This fast holds special significance in boosting the person and protecting him from bad influences.

Know About Nirjala Ekadashi

The best way to celebrate Nirjala Ekadashi is to remain fasting for the whole day.

• The Nirjala vrat needs a lot of discipline and hard work so it is suggested that individuals get up early in the morning.
• Take a bath and wear new clothes to start the fast.
• Invoke Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings by chanting mantras.
• Pray to Lord Vishnu and say the following mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
• Some people performing Nirjala Ekadashi puja give donations as per their convenience to Brahmins, saints, and poor people in order to get blessings from them.
• Offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu is also advisable.
• Devotees should take sankalpa during sunrise to observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
• Make sure to avoid all prohibited foods like cereals, pulses, vegetables, spices, salt and fermented or alcoholic beverages.
• Lighting lamps is an important ritual on Nirjala Ekadashi.
• Devotees should spend the day in religious rites, meditation and service to the poor and needy people.