Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 04:43 AM on 17th June 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 06:24 AM on 18th June 2024
Parana Time: 05:24 AM to 07:28 AM on 19th June
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
Hindus believe that observing the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat is equivalent to a pilgrimage. It is also believed that individuals who observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat are greeted by messengers from Vaikunta Loka (the Abode of Lord Vishnu) after death, rather than by Yama, the god of death.
The Nirjala or Bhimseni Ekadashi Vrat is considered the most rewarding of all Ekadashi fasts. Not only does it absolve all sins, but it also bestows happiness, prosperity, and well-being upon the devotees who observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi:
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhima Ekadashi or Bhimaseni Ekadashi, is associated with Bhima, the strongest Pandava brother.
According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Bhima was committed to observing all Ekadashi fasts. However, being a lover of food, he found it challenging to control his hunger and failed to adhere to the Ekadashi Vrat.
While Bhima’s entire family, including Yudhishthira, Arjun, Nakula, Sahadeva, Draupadi, and mother Kunti, faithfully observed the Ekadashi fast without exception, Bhima felt remorseful for his inability to honor Lord Vishnu through fasting. Seeking a solution, he approached Sage Vyasa.
Sage Vyasa advised Bhima to observe the Bhimseni Ekadashi Vrat, which occurs once a year. He explained that this Vrat is so potent that it encompasses the virtues of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Encouraged by this guidance, Bhima observed the Ekadashi Vrat and thereby attained the merit equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis.
How to Observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat?
While on other Ekadashis, devotees abstain from eating food, on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is observed without consuming even a single drop of water.
Thus, Nirjala Ekadashi is a waterless fast and is particularly challenging to adhere to, especially as it falls during the scorching Indian summer.
Typically, the fast is observed for a full 24 hours, from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise on the following day of Dwadashi. However, some devotees opt to observe the fast from sunrise to sunset.
On the day preceding Ekadashi, devotees perform an evening prayer known as Sandhya Vandana. They partake in only one meal, abstaining from rice consumption as it is prohibited on Ekadashi day. Additionally, they conduct the Achamana purification ritual, consuming only a single tiny drop of water.
On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu to seek his blessings.
They bathe Lord Vishnu’s image or a Shaligram stone, a form of Lord Vishnu, with Panchamrita—a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Subsequently, it is washed with water and adorned with royal finery.
Devotees also offer flowers, incense, lamps, and even a hand fan. They engage in devotional songs and meditation upon the image of Lord Vishnu. In the evening, they present durva grass and worship Lord Vishnu, remaining awake throughout the night to sing praises to him.
Charitable acts are also an integral part of observing Pandava Ekadashi. Devotees donate food grains, clothes, umbrellas, shoes, hand fans, and pitchers filled with water to the poor.
Fasting Rules
The Benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat
According to the Vishnu Purana and the Markandeya Purana, Nirjala Ekadashi is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observing this fast is believed to cleanse one of all sins and garner the favor of Lord Vishnu, who grants happiness, prosperity, and forgiveness of sins.
Completing the fast of Bhima Ekadashi is said to yield the merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis in a year. The fast is believed to bestow longevity and even moksha (liberation).
It is also believed that those who observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat are not judged by Yama, the god of death. Instead, they are escorted by messengers of Lord Vishnu to Vaikunta Loka, the abode of Lord Vishnu, after death.