Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most significant and difficult of all 24 Ekadashis, occurring during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month.
Meaning and Significance
'Nirjala' means "without water." Unlike other Ekadashis where water and fruits are permitted, this fast is observed without even a drop of water. It is said that observing this single Ekadashi provides the merit of all other 23 Ekadashis combined.
The Legend (Bhima Ekadashi)
Bhima, the second Pandava, was a great eater and could not control his hunger to observe the 24 fasts of the year. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe just this one Nirjala Ekadashi with total discipline. Bhima succeeded, and thus it is also known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi.
Spiritual Benefits
- Total purification of the mind and body.
- Attainment of happiness, prosperity, and Moksha.
- Extreme discipline and willpower development.
Rituals
- Total fast from sunrise until the next day's sunrise.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu and offering of water jars (Kalash) to the needy.
- Chanting of 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.
Technical Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Month | Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha |
| Deity | Lord Vishnu (Trivikrama) |
| Main Benefit | Merit of all 24 Ekadashis |