Among the total of 24 Ekadashi dates that occur every year, Nirjala Ekadashi holds special significance. This Ekadashi is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi because according to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, Bhima also observed this fast. Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi date of the bright fortnight of the Jyeshtha month. In this fast, abstaining from drinking water is strictly prohibited, hence it is called Nirjala Ekadashi. Observing this fast on the Ekadashi date holds special significance for worshipping Lord Vishnu in his reclining form.
Nirjala Ekadashi by Astrologer K.M. Sinha (निर्जला एकादशी)-
Importance of Charity in Nirjala Ekadashi Fasting
Nirjala Ekadashi fasting holds special significance in Hinduism. In Kali Yuga, it is considered equivalent to Kamadhenu (the divine cow). Just as the main element in the rivers is considered to be the essence of the Ganges, similarly, among all the Ekadashi fasts occurring in a year, Nirjala Ekadashi holds special importance. On this Ekadashi date, it is highly auspicious to donate food, water, clothing, shoes, seating, umbrellas, blankets, and fruits. It is said that by observing the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi, one attains freedom from sins committed on other Ekadashi dates, and also receives the merit of all Ekadashi dates. Those who observe Nirjala Ekadashi fast with devotion attain freedom from all sins, along with longevity and liberation.
Let us know the story of Nirjala Ekadashi fast by Astrologer K.M.Sinha.
According to the story of Nirjala Ekadashi, once Maharishi Vyasa visited the Pandavas. At that time, Bhima said to Maharishi Vyasa that Bhagwan Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, Mother Kunti, and Draupadi all observe Ekadashi fasting and also ask me to observe it. However, I cannot live without eating, so please tell me of a fast that I can observe without any inconvenience and still receive everyone’s merit. Maharishi Vyasa knew well that there is a fire named Vrik in Bhima’s stomach, so even if he eats a large amount of food, his hunger will not be satisfied. Then Maharishi Vyasa advised Bhima to observe the fast of Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, saying that in this fast, there is no fault in bathing and drinking water, and besides, by observing this fast, the merit of other thirty Ekadashis will also be obtained. You should observe this fast throughout your life.
Upon hearing Maharishi Vyasa’s words, Bhima observed this fast with great courage. As a result, when morning came, he fainted. Then the Pandavas revived him by giving him the water of the Ganga, Tulsi, and Charanamrit. Therefore, this Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
☸ On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, one should not consume water or food from sunrise to sunrise on Dwadashi tithi.
☸ After bathing in the morning and wearing clean clothes, one should worship Lord Vishnu by chanting the mantra “Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
☸ On this day, listen to the story with devotion and sing the devotional songs of Lord Vishnu.
☸ Those observing Ekadashi fast should donate to a Brahmin in a pot filled with water with a little sugar and some money.
☸ Finally, after completing the observance of this fast and giving donations, conclude the worship.
Auspicious Timing of Nirjala Ekadashi
Start of Ekadashi date: From 04:43 am on 17th June 2024
End of Ekadashi date: Until 06:24 am on 18th June 2024
Time for breaking the fast: From 05:24 am to 07:28 am on 19th June 2024