Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, is an important Hindu religious observance that falls on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. This Ekadashi holds great significance among devout Hindus due to its strict fasting rules and the unique aspect of not consuming even a drop of water throughout the day. Let us delve into the significance and observance of Nirjala Ekadashi in 2024.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
In the Hindu calendar, Nirjala Ekadashi holds a position as one of the most significant Ekadashis. Its rigorous fasting rules and immense spiritual benefits contribute to this status. Let’s explore the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi in detail:
- Complete Fasting: The most distinctive aspect of Nirjala Ekadashi is the requirement to observe a waterless fast. Nirjala Ekadashi demands complete abstinence from both food and water throughout the day and night. Other Ekadashis, in contrast, allow consumption of fruits, nuts, or dairy products. This makes it the most challenging Ekadashi fast to observe.
- Equivalent to All Ekadashis: Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to provide the same spiritual benefits as observing all the other Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. This makes it especially significant for devotees who may find it challenging to observe fasting on multiple Ekadashis for various reasons.
- Purification of Body and Mind: Fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi is considered a powerful means of purifying the body and mind. It is believed to cleanse the system, remove toxins, and promote overall well-being. The rigorous fasting helps in developing self-control, discipline, and focus.
- Washing Away Sins: Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to wash away sins and bestow spiritual merit upon devotees. It is seen as an opportunity to seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings, both knowingly and unknowingly, and to start afresh on a path of righteousness.
- Blessings from Lord Vishnu: Nirjala Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector in Hindu mythology. Devotees believe that by observing this fast with utmost sincerity and devotion, they can seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu rewards those who observe this fast with strength, longevity, and spiritual merit.
- Health Benefits: Fasting has been known to have several health benefits. The waterless fast on Nirjala Ekadashi provides an opportunity for the digestive system to rest and rejuvenate. Believers hold that it improves digestion, detoxifies the body, and promotes overall physical and mental well-being.
Legends of Nirjala Ekadashi
Legends associated with Nirjala Ekadashi highlight its significance and divine blessings. Some of the prominent legends associated with Nirjala Ekadashi are as follows:
Legend of Bhima:
The most well-known legend associated with Nirjala Ekadashi revolves around Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Bhima possessed immense strength and a voracious appetite. However, he found it challenging to observe the regular Ekadashi fasts throughout the year due to his love for food.
Sage Vyasa, understanding Bhima’s predicament, advised him to observe a single fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, assuring him that it would bring him the same merits as observing all the Ekadashi fasts combined. Impressed by the sage’s wisdom, Bhima decided to undertake this rigorous fast, abstaining from both food and water throughout the day and night. His sincere devotion and unwavering commitment to the fast earned him the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Legend of King Kuber and Maharishi Sankracharya
Another legend associated with Nirjala Ekadashi involves King Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, and Maharishi Sankracharya, a renowned saint and philosopher. Legend has it that once King Kuber observed all the Ekadashi fasts except Nirjala Ekadashi. Feeling remorseful, he approached Maharishi Sankracharya seeking a remedy for his omission.
Maharishi Sankracharya instructed King Kuber to observe a fast on the next Nirjala Ekadashi with complete devotion and sincerity. The king followed the sage’s advice and undertook the Nirjala Ekadashi fast, avoiding food and water. As a result, Lord Vishnu bestowed immense blessings upon him, relieving him of his guilt.
Legend of the Chaturmas Vow:
According to another legend, a pious king named Mandhata embarked on a Chaturmas Vow, which involved observing rigorous fasting and penance for four months during the monsoon season. However, due to the challenging nature of the vow, he could not complete it successfully.
Feeling disheartened, King Mandhata sought guidance from Sage Angira, who advised him to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast as a way to fulfill the incomplete Chaturmas Vow. The king followed the sage’s advice and undertook the waterless fast on this day, obtaining the blessings of Lord Vishnu and completing his vow successfully.
These legends highlight the importance and divine significance of observing this Ekadashi. They emphasize the power of sincere devotion, commitment, and the blessings one can receive by undertaking this rigorous fast. The legends inspire devotees to observe the fast with unwavering faith and dedication, seeking spiritual growth, purification, and the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Muhurat of Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi, a significant Hindu fasting day, is set to be observed on Monday, June 18, 2024. This auspicious day holds immense spiritual significance for devotees who undertake a rigorous waterless fast to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Here are the key timings for this occasion on June 18, 2024:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 18 | 3:13 PM in (India)
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 18 | 5:57 PM in (India)
Parana Time starts: June 19 | 7:00 AM in (India)
Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment: June 19 | 7:28 AM in (India)
Devotees undertaking this Ekadashi fast should adhere to the designated timings for starting and ending the fast. They should perform the Parana after the designated time to ensure the complete observance of the Ekadashi fast.
It provides an opportunity for spiritual growth, purification, and seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that observing this rigorous fast with dedication and devotion brings forth immense merits and divine grace. May this auspicious day of Nirjala Ekadashi on June 18, 2024, bring spiritual enlightenment and blessings to all who observe it with utmost sincerity.
Observance of Nirjala Ekadashi
Hindus around the world observe this day with great fervor and devotion. Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. They visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and engage in bhajans (devotional songs) and prayers throughout the day.
On this day, devotees observe a strict waterless fast, abstaining from both food and water. The fast begins on the Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day) and continues until the next day, known as Dwadashi. During this period, devotees spend their time in meditation, reading religious texts, and participating in spiritual activities.
In some regions, people perform special rituals and ceremonies to commemorate this Ekadashi. Devotees may engage in charitable acts, such as donating food, clothes, or money to the needy. Some also organize community meals and distribute prasad (consecrated food) to fellow devotees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hindus highly regard Nirjala Ekadashi, and they are expected to observe it on Monday, June 18, 2024. This Ekadashi stands out from the rest due to its rigorous fasting rules, which include abstaining from both food and water throughout the day and night. Legends like the story of Bhima and sage Vyasa’s advice emphasize the immense spiritual benefits and blessings attained through this Ekadashi fast.
The observance of this day involves waking up early, taking a holy bath, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Devotees engage in devotional practices, such as bhajans and kirtans, and spend their time in meditation and reading religious texts. Devotees see the fast as a means to purify their body and mind, seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings, and start afresh on a path of righteousness.
