Ekadashi holds a significant place in Hindu culture. It is considered as one of the most auspicious days to worship Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu lunar Calendar, ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the lunar cycle. The two lunar cycles are namely Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. The bright fortnight or the waxing period of the moon is called the Shukla paksha, while the dark fortnight or the waning period of the moon is called Krishna Paksha. The timings of Krishna and Shukla paksha can be known through the panchang. There are 24 Ekadashi in all in a calendar year, but it increases to 2 more when it occurs in a leap year. One of the toughest ekadashi to follow is Nirjala Ekadashi. Each Ekadashi has its own significance and meaning.
During ekadashi, devotees perform vrat and puja and worship Lord Vishnu. The fast is a full day fast and sometimes very tough to follow. Ekadashis are celebrated all throughout India. According to the Hindu calendar, the Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha of Jyestha month. According to the Western calendar, it falls between May and June depending on the position of the moon. It is also known as the Bhimsen Ekadashi. The term “Nirjala” is self-explanatory. “Nir” means no, and “Jala” means without water. The fast has to be performed without eating anything and drinking water. It is one of the most tough ekadashi vrat.
The ekadashi falls in the summer season. So it is tougher for elderly people to follow the vrat. However, the gains and boons encourage the people to observe this ekadashi fast. Let us know the tithi, date and timings of this ekadashi.
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Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Tithi, Date & Timings
This Ekadashi generally falls in the Jyestha month of the Hindu calendar. According to the western calendar, this falls in the month of may and june. The Nirjala Ekadashi date for 2024 is mentioned below.
- Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: Monday, June 17, 2024
- Parana Time: 05:25 AM to 08:26 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 07:13 PM on Jun 16, 2024
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 08:54 PM on Jun 17, 2024
For more detailed ekadashi timings – Check Panchang!
Just a piece of advice. For the general public, the fast should be observed for only one day. However, two-day fasting is done by sadhus and sanyasi to achieve salvation. Two days is a very tough one and can be detrimental to health. If there is a health problem, then one may avoid this fast for better. Let us know the Nirjala Ekadashi katha and its significance.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha And Significance
The Nirjala Ekadashi story originates from Mahabharat. As per the story in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one of the Pandavas named Bhima decided to observe fast on all ekadashi. But we know the characteristics of Bhima and his food cravings. He soon felt very hungry and could not bear it. He didn’t know what to do. He sought help from sage Vyasa. He advised him to observe on tough fast for ekadashi that will suffice the virtues of all 24 ekadashis. This is how Nirjala Ekadashi came into existence.
Nirjala Ekadashi, thus, is also called Bhimsen Ekadashi. Bhim, according to the advice, performed the fast without eating or drinking anything, But he became unconscious by the time the fast was over. The next morning, he was offered water from the river Ganga with Holy Tusli leaves to break the fast and revive him. Thus he got the virtues of all 24 ekadashis by performing this tough nirjala fast. In some other literature, it is also called Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. Why is Nirjala Ekadashi celebrated? What is the significance of this ekadashi?
The Nirjala Ekadashi is considered as one of the most rewarding but the toughest ekadashi of all. It holds great significance in Hindu culture. The ekadashi is highly auspicious, and it grants salvation, prosperity, bliss and vitality. If you wish to perform all the 24 ekadashis, but cannot perform due to some or other reason, then he can perform this Nirjala Ekadashi to get the virtues of all the ekadashis. The Nirjala Ekadashi benefits are also explained by sage Vyasa. It is also considered more sacred than visiting any Hindu holy place of pilgrimage. According to experts, as this ekadashi comes just before monsoon, it helps in purifying the soul and the body. It is also a popular belief that performing this vrat and puja will give direct entry to salvation, and it will take straight to Vaikunthcham, the residence of Lord Vishnu. To perform this Ekadashi, one should follow the vrat and ritual strictly.
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How To Perform Puja Vidhi And Fast For Nirjala Ekadashi ?
As the name suggests, the Nirjala Ekadashi should be done by not eating or drinking anything. Even water is not allowed. That’s why it is called sacred and strict ekadashi vrat of all. Also, the timing of the ekadashi falls in the tough summer month, so abstaining from food is not easy. The fast lasts for 24 hours. The vrat starts from the sunrise of the ekadashi tithi to the sunrise of the dwadashi tithi. If you are suffering from any kind of medical ailments, then it is advised not to observe this complete fasting. Instead, the devotees with pure heart and intention can perform partial fasting. Worshipping Lord Vishnu holds importance.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: Once you take a bath, the ritual starts with an evening aarti called Sandhyavandanam. This is done on the 10th day of the tithi, that is, one day prior to the ekadashi. The person will finish his prayers and offerings and will eat a sattvic diet before sunset. The diet should be devoid of rice. The fast then continues from that time till the full ekadashi day. Fasting is concluded on the next day, i.e. the 12th day after the sunrise and offering prayer and worshipping to Lord Vishnu. Brahman bhoj is considered to be auspicious to get the blessings of the brahmans.
Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi : The Puja starts with lord Ganesha invocation mantra followed by the invocation of Lord Vishnu. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits and sweets. The idol of Lord Vishnu is adorned and decorated, then worshipped in the evening with dhoop and incense sticks. The observers of this ekadashis need to stay awake the whole night. Many of the followers will visit the Lord Vishnu temples, and there will be bhajan and kirtans all night, along with nirjala vrat katha. Reading of Vishnu Sahastranaam and other Vedic mantras related to Lord Vishnu is highly advised. Also, donating clothes, food, water and other essentials to the poor and needy is considered a good act.
The Nirjala Ekadashi is often considered the gateway to Vaikunthdham. But performing this ekadashi task is quite difficult. One should remember that performing the task with dedication is much more important than just performing it. The ekadashi is all about worshipping Lord Vishnu, and hence pleasing lord Vishnu can give you desired results. Just remember, following this fast may not be in the capacity of all, so take caution before you proceed with this. Ekadashi is all about worshipping Lord Vishnu. If you want to bring home prosperity, harmony and good luck, then one can surely go for Vishnu Yantra. Order your Vishnu Yantra now.
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With Ganesha’s Grace,
The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team
Astrologers trained by Shri Bejan Daruwalla.