Nirjala Ekadashi: Refining Soul from Materialism to Spirituality

The term ‘Ekadashi’ (Eka-Dashi) means the eleven or eleventh lunar day of the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) cycles of the lunar month. From time immemorial, the tradition of observing the ‘Ekadashi Vrat’ has had a significant place among Hindu devotees. Millions and millions of Hindu devotees follow this tradition and observe fasting or abstain from having cereals, pulses, non-veg food etc. Ekadashi is the worship of Lord Vishnu, and each Ekadashi has its name and significance. Normally, 24 Ekadashis are there in a calendar year. Sometimes, there are two more Ekadashis in case of a leap year. Each Ekadashi has special significance and name as well as benefits that are accomplished by prayer and following restrictions.

Importance of “Nirjala Vrat”:

Nirjala Ekadashi has a special significance among all the Ekadashis. It falls on the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month, which is between May and June as per the English calendar. This year, it’s on the ‘18th June ‘24.’

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Nirjala Ekadashi” in ‘24 is as follows:

Nirjala Ekadashi on Tuesday, 18th June ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 04:43 AM on 17th June ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 06:24 AM on 18th June ‘24

The word Nirjala means without water (Nir-Without, Jala-Water). That is why this Vrat is done by following Nirjala Upvaas or fasting without drinking a drop of water. According to the Hindu philosophy as well as conventions, Nirjala Ekadashi is equal to all the 24 Ekadashis of a year. If someone cannot observe all the Ekadashis, he/she can observe only Nirjala Ekadashi and receive the blessings of Vishnu. This auspicious Ekadashi blesses a person with forgiveness from sins, salvation, prosperity, vitality and happiness. It is also said that one who performs Nirjala Ekadashi attains ‘Moksha’ and is free from the cycles of birth and rebirth. The devotee is taken to the abode of Vishnu, Vaikunthadham, after death.

The Vrat begins at the sunrise of Ekadashi day and ends at the sunrise of the following day, Dwadashi. Nirjala Ekadashi should be observed without taking food and water. However, it is not just about observing fast, it is the self-control and devotion that matters. The preparation for Ekadashi begins the day before, i.e., on Dashami. On that day, devotees perform the evening prayer and take a satvik meal, without rice, meat and abstain from drinking.

One has to do the Parana by Dwadashi Tithi and failing to do this is unacceptable . However, the Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara of Dwadashi, which is the first quarter of the Tithi. Early morning is the best time to do Parana. Devotion and total submission to the Lord is the most important element of this Vrat. Through austerity and dedication, one can get over the mundane factors of daily life and elevate to greater consciousness about life and beyond.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Nirjala Ekadashi” in ‘24 is as follows:

Nirjala Ekadashi on Tuesday, 18th June ‘24

• On 19th June, Parana Time - 05:59 AM to 07:28 AM
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 07:28 AM

Other Rituals & Observances of “Nirjala Ekadashi”:

On the Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees offer Puja to Lord Vishnu. They take a bath early in the morning in a holy river like the Ganga, if possible. An image of Vishnu or Saligrama stone is bathed with Panchamrita, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Then the idol is decorated and flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, sweets and incense sticks are offered in the evening. Many of the devotees meditate before the image or Saligrama stone. Some of them also visit Vishnu Temples to pray, offer Pujas and listen to Bhajans. It is a custom to remain awake the whole night and sing or listen to Bhajans. It is a ritual to donate foodgrains, clothes, money, and valuable things to the needy on this auspicious day. Feeding the Brahmans after the Vrat is also a ritual.

Legend related to “Nirjala Ekadashi”:

Nirjala Ekadashi is also famous as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. These names have their source in the third Pandava, Bhima. There is a story behind these names as narrated in the epic Mahabharata and Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Bhima, the third Pandava being a food lover was unable to observe the fasts related to the Ekadashis. While all his brothers, Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva along with their mother Kunti and wife Draupadi observed all the Ekadashis, Bhima was unable to control his hunger.

Seeing their dedication and knowing about the significance of the rules and regulations related to Ekadashis, Bhima felt guilty and helpless. He then consulted his grandfather the great sage Vyasadeva and sought his guidance. He wanted to have all the benefits of Ekadashis but he was unable to do fasting because spending a full day without eating was beyond his capability. Understanding Bhima’s incapability as well as great urge and devotion, Vyasadeva advised him to observe a full-day fast without water on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Jyeshtha month. By this Vrat, he will be able to gain the benefit of all other Ekadashi fasts. Convinced by his grandfather’s advice, Bhima started following Nirjala Ekadashi.

This story establishes the special significance of Nirjala Ekadashi as well as the rich and old tradition of following the rituals of Ekadashi among the devout Hindus. Ekadashi is an integral part of Sanatan Dharma and a great way to worship Lord Vishnu.

Sanatan Dharma is all about dedication, respect and heartfelt faith in religious traditions and their significance. The Hindu devotees and their devotion have made this religion a unique assimilation of tradition, confidence and utmost dedication to the cause of charity, well-being and philosophical elevation. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is a part of that tradition which allows a man to immerse in deep devotion, forgetting all his physical discomfort.

|| Shubh Nirjala Ekadashi ||