Nirjala Ekadashi

Among the twenty-four Ekadashi dates that occur throughout the year, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most significant. It is believed that observing a fast on this Ekadashi yields the same merits as fasting on all the Ekadashi dates of the year combined.

In the year 2023, Nirjala Ekadashi falls on Wednesday, 31st May.

The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 1:07 PM on Tuesday, 30th May, and concludes at 1:45 PM on Wednesday, 31st May.

Auspicious Timings:

• Brahma Muhurta (auspicious time before dawn): From 3:45 AM to 4:26 AM.
• Pratah Sandhya Muhurta (morning twilight): From 4:05 AM to 5:08 AM.
• Vijay Muhurta (victorious time): From 2:12 PM to 3:06 PM.
• Godhuli Muhurta (twilight): From 6:42 PM to 7:03 PM.
• Sayahna Sandhya Kaal (evening twilight): From 6:44 PM to 7:46 PM.
• Amrit Kaal (auspicious time): From 1st June, 12:11 AM to 1:51 AM.

Special Yogas:

Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: From 5:08 AM to 6:00 AM. Ravi Yoga: From 5:08 AM to 6:00 AM.

Every year, on the Ekadashi date of the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month, the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is observed. It is believed that fasting on this day without consuming water grants liberation from all sins and ensures the attainment of salvation after death. So let's understand what Nirjala Ekadashi is, why it is observed, and its significance.

What is Nirjala Ekadashi?

According to the Hindu calendar, the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi date of the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. Devotees initiate this fast by observing a complete fast without consuming water from the sunrise of Ekadashi and conclude it after sunrise on the Dwadashi date. This fast is called Nirjala Ekadashi because it is observed without consuming water.

Devotees observe this fast to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. According to the mythology associated with this fast, Bhima, the son of Pandu, also observed this fast during the time of Mahabharata. Hence, it is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi.

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi Fast

Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most significant among all Ekadashi dates, and therefore, this fast holds special importance. According to mythological beliefs, observing this fast yields the merits of fasting on all the Ekadashi dates of the year combined and ensures the attainment of salvation.

As per the Puranic legend, during the Mahabharata era, Bhima, the son of Pandu, asked Maharishi Ved Vyasa, "All members of my family observe the fast of Ekadashi. I also wish to observe this fast but I cannot bear hunger. Please suggest a solution."

In response, Maharishi Ved Vyasa advised, "Bhima, you should observe the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. In this fast, you have to abstain from both food and water. By observing this fast, you will attain the merits of fasting on all the Ekadashi dates throughout the year and be liberated from all sins." Thus, Bhima observed this fast and attained liberation from all sins.

Devotees, this was the information related to the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi. Our wish is that the blessings of Lord Vishnu always remain upon you.

The complete story of Nirjala Ekadashi is also available on the Shri Mandir platform. To attain the complete fruit of this day, make sure to listen to it. Stay connected to 'Shri Mandir' for more information on fasting, festivals, and the great personalities of India. Now I take your leave, farewell.

Among all the Ekadashi dates, the Nirjala Ekadashi of the Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha is considered the most superior. Those who observe a fast without water on this day, donate food, clothes, cows, etc., and listen to the related story with devotion, attain heaven after a blissful life.

So, let's relish this sacred story.

This story dates back to the Mahabharata era. Once, Maharishi Vyasa told Bhima, "O son of Pandu! If you wish to avoid the sufferings of hell and attain salvation afterlife, you should worship Lord Vishnu, donate, and fast on both Ekadashi dates of every month."

Hearing this, Bhimasena, terrified by the mention of hell, said to Vyasa, "O revered grandfather! My brothers Yudhishthira, mother Kunti, Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva all observe the Ekadashi fast. I can also do worship and donate, but the problem is that I cannot stay without food for long because of the Vrika fire in my stomach, making it difficult to fast even for one meal."

"So, O grandfather! If there is a fast that needs to be observed only once a year and still grants the merits of heaven, I will try to observe such a fast." Hearing this, Vyasa said, "O Bhima! The Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month between the transition of Taurus and Gemini is known as Nirjala Ekadashi."

"This Ekadashi occurs only once a year, so you should observe this fast. During this fast, it is forbidden to use water except for bathing and Achaman (sipping water for purification). Even during Achaman, make sure that the water does not exceed six drops; otherwise, it is considered equivalent to consuming alcohol. This fast requires complete abstinence from food and water."

"If someone does not drink water from sunrise on the Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi until sunrise on the Dwadashi, they receive the merits of fasting on all 24 Ekadashis of the year. On the Dwadashi date, one should wake up in the Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and donate to Brahmins. On this day, one should chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

"After this, one should feed Brahmins and any hungry person before eating themselves. The merit gained from observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast equals the merit of all the Ekadashis of the entire year."

Vyasa continued, "O son! The greatness of this Ekadashi was explained to me by Lord Vishnu himself. The merit gained from true devotion to Lord Vishnu on this day surpasses all pilgrimages and donations. A person who remains without water for one day is freed from sins accumulated over lifetimes. Those who observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast do not suffer the tortures of Yama's messengers at the time of death, instead, the messengers of the Lord take them to heaven in a celestial vehicle."

Following Vyasa's instructions, Bhima observed the Nirjala Ekadashi fast. Hence, this Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.

So, devotees, this was the special story related to the Nirjala Ekadashi fast. We hope your fast is successful and that the grace of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, always remains with you. Stay connected to Shri Mandir for such information on fasts, festivals, and other religious details.

Additionally, on this Nirjala Ekadashi, we bring you the story of Lord Satyanarayan! Make sure to take advantage of this.

As per the Hindu calendar, worshiping Lord Vishnu on the day of Ekadashi is customary. In this article, you'll learn about the preparation and procedure for Ekadashi worship.

Preparation for Puja:

• On the evening of Dashami, those observing the fast for Ekadashi should make the resolve for fasting and worship.
• Avoid consuming any food or restricted items for the Ekadashi fast after the evening meal on Dashami.
• Wake up early on the day of Ekadashi, and brush your teeth with a twig from a tree.
• After completing daily rituals, take a bath with Ganga water mixed in the bathing water.
• Wear clean clothes after bathing and apply sandalwood paste on your forehead.
• Offer water and salutations to Lord Surya Narayana, praying for the success of your fast and worship.
• Gather all the necessary items for the puja and begin the worship.

Puja Procedure for Ekadashi

• Firstly, clean the puja area and place a pedestal, sanctifying it with Ganga water.
• Then, spread a yellow cloth on the pedestal and light a lamp on it. (The lamp is lit first so that Agnidev becomes a witness to your worship).
• Sit on a clean mat in front of the pedestal. With water in your left hand, purify both hands and apply tilak on your forehead.
• Place some rice grains as offerings on the pedestal as a seat for Lord Ganesha.
• Then, install the idol or image of Lord Vishnu on the pedestal.
• Use a water vessel to sprinkle water on Lord Ganesha and Vishnu with the help of flowers.
• Apply turmeric, vermilion, and sandalwood paste on the idol of Lord Ganesha.
• Offer a sacred thread as clothing to them. Then, offer flowers and bow down to Lord Ganesha.
• Apply tilak of roli and sandalwood on Lord Vishnu. Offer vermilion, turmeric, and rice grains.
• While chanting the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya," offer flowers, sacred thread, and a garland to Lord Vishnu.
• Offer Tulsi leaves in the panchamrit. Since Tulsi is dear to Lord Vishnu, include it in the offerings.
• Then, offer sweet rice and seasonal fruits as offerings.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Sri Hari Stotram. You can also listen to it through the Shri Mandir.
• Finally, perform the aarti of Lord Vishnu. Distribute the prasad offered to Lord Vishnu among all present.

This way, your Ekadashi puja will be completed. By performing this puja, you will surely receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Furthermore, this day holds special significance for attaining the grace of Lord Vishnu. By sincerely offering prayers to Lord Hari, one receives his special blessings. Keeping this in mind, we at Shri Mandir have brought a service of offerings for you, through which you can offer prayers to Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, at the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the Govardhan Shree Giriraj Mukharavind Temple. Stay connected to Shri Mandir for more such information.

Devotees, the glory of Lord Vishnu's Ekadashi fast is so divine that it liberates one from the sins of many lifetimes. There is also special significance to the Ekadashi falling in the Shukla Paksha of the Falgun month. Our scriptures also say that observing the Ekadashi fast yields incredible merits.

This sacred fast of Ekadashi will further enrich your life with meaning. With this belief, we bring you information about the 5 benefits of this fast and worship. Let's begin:

• Achievement of Difficult Goals and Tasks: This Ekadashi fast and worship will fulfill all your auspicious endeavors and goals. The impact of this fast will bring positivity to your life, influencing both your thoughts and actions.
• Economic Progress and Freedom from Debt: This Ekadashi fast and worship also aid in financial prosperity. It will stabilize your sources of income and enhance them. Therefore, on this day, make sure to worship Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi.
• Attainment of Mental Peace: Devotion to Narayana on this Ekadashi will grant you mental peace and relieve you from family disputes and conflicts.
• Liberation from Sinful Actions: The presiding deity of Ekadashi is Lord Vishnu. Worshiping and praying to Him on this day will bless you with His grace and free you from the sins committed unintentionally.
• Attainment of Liberation after Death: Fasting for Lord Hari means you get to go to Vaikuntha Dham when you pass away. This fast possesses a certain amount of power, making sure your good deeds pay off and you find freedom. Plus, you can make Lord Vishnu happy by offering Him things like flowers, incense, and special food, which strengthens your bond with Him and brings His blessings.

So, these were the benefits of observing the Ekadashi fast. We hope your Ekadashi fast will be successful, and you will attain the complete fruit of this fast.

Stay connected with Shri Mandir to learn about the worship procedure and other important aspects of this Ekadashi.

Introduction

Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most significant and spiritually powerful Ekadashis observed by Hindus, particularly those following the Vaishnava tradition. Falling during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May–June), this Ekadashi is unique because it requires complete abstinence from both food and water for 24 hours — a fast observed with utmost devotion and discipline.

Meaning and Significance

The word "Nirjala" means "without water," and "Ekadashi" refers to the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. While all 24 Ekadashis in a year are devoted to Lord Vishnu and involve fasting, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the toughest, as it involves a complete fast without food or water, also known as nirjal vrat. This Ekadashi is especially revered because observing this single fast is believed to yield the spiritual benefits of observing all 24 Ekadashis in the year. Hence, it is often chosen by devotees who, for some reason, cannot observe every Ekadashi.

The Vaishnava Connection

When Nirjala Ekadashi falls on a day specifically marked for Vaishnava observance — when it is associated with the Dwadashi tithi as per Vaishnava calculation — it is called Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi. On this day, Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu) fast with deeper scriptural adherence, offer prayers, and chant the names of Vishnu, especially "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."

Legend Behind Nirjala Ekadashi

The origins of this Ekadashi are associated with Bhima, the second Pandava brother in the Mahabharata. Known for his great appetite, Bhima found it hard to observe fasts on Ekadashi days. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe just one Ekadashi — Nirjala Ekadashi — with full devotion and without food or water. By doing so, he could receive the benefits of all other Ekadashis. Hence, it is also called Bhimasena Ekadashi.

Rituals and Observance

• Fasting: Devotees begin their fast at sunrise and do not consume even a drop of water until the next day. Some begin preparations a day before by consuming a light satvik meal before sunset.

• Worship of Lord Vishnu: Devotees offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, and prasad to Lord Vishnu’s idol or picture. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita is considered highly auspicious.

• Charity and Seva: Donating clothes, food, water, and essentials to the poor and needy is encouraged. Many devotees also offer water or jal seva to travelers, as it falls during the peak summer season in India.

• Jagaran and Bhajans: Many devotees stay awake throughout the night singing bhajans and kirtans in praise of Lord Vishnu.

Benefits of Observing Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi

• It cleanses one’s sins and grants moksha (liberation).

• It brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.

• Fasting on this day is believed to purify the body, mind, and soul.

• It improves self-control, discipline, and devotion.

Conclusion

Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi is not just a ritualistic fast but a path to spiritual awakening, self-discipline, and devotion. Even though the fast is intense, it is said that with true bhakti (devotion), the day becomes spiritually enriching and fulfilling. For those who seek to grow closer to Lord Vishnu and purify their karmic debts, observing this sacred day with faith and sincerity can be a transformative experience.