Nirjala Ekadashi Fast 2024 | Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat

Ekadashi is of two types, i.e, Vidya Ekadashi and Shudh Ekadashi. When Ekadashi conjucts Dashmi during sunrise, it is called Vidya Ekadashi. On the other hand, Ekadashi which do not conjucts Dashmi Shudh Ekadashi.

According to the Hindu scriptures, observing fast on Ekadashi conjucting Dashmi is prohibited. On the other hand, Shuddh Ekadashi fast can be observed, if it is conjucting Dwadashi even for  few minutes.

Nirjala Ekadashi will be celebrated on 18th june 2024. After that Ekadashi will commence, but the fasting will be prohibited as Vidya Ekadashi will conjuct dashmi

Nirjala Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi as according to Rishi Vedvyas, this Ekadashi was held by Bhimsen. By observing this fast, a person gets longevity and salvation. It is considered to be one of the toughest fast as no water is drunk while observing this fast. Hence it is given the name of Nirjala Ekadashi i.e Ekadashi fast without water.

Observing fast on this Ekadashi give the results equivalent to observing 24 Ekadashi of a year. After observing this fast, a person should wake up early in the morning on Dwadashi (a day after Ekadasi), take bath, make donation, and offer food to Brahmans. The devotee must chant  “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay" and donate cow, clothes, fruits etc. on this day.

Nirjala Ekadashi Puja

A person observing this fast must begin to follow the rules of fasting from Dashmi Tithi (a day before Ekadashi). He should chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay" throughout the day. There is a tradition of donating cow on this day which is considered to have a special significance. Having bath, doing meditation etc. are also considered auspicious on this day.

Person observing this fast should worship Lord Vishnu and listen to the story. After performing puja with proper rituals the observer should offer food, sweets and dakshina to the priests as per his potency. If possible, Jagran should be done during the night.

Nirjala Ekadashi Fast Story

As per the legend,  Bhimsen went to Saint Vyas and said,  “ O God! Yudhishthir, Arjun, Nakul, Sahdev, Kunti and Draupadi everyone observe the fast of Ekadashi and I am not able to tolerate hunger. Though, i can worship and donate to please Lord Vasudev. I need the benefits of the fast in this without any fasting, please help me”

On this the saint  replied “If you wish to go to the heaven after death, you need to observe the fast on both the Ekadashi without food. Observing the fast of Ekadashi of Jyeshtha month without drinking water is considered very auspicious. Having food in fast, breaks the Vrat.” As explained by the saint, Bhimsen observed the fast and got rid of all his sins.

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi fast

Nirjala Ekadashi fast is observed on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha, Jyeshtha month  in between of Mithun Sankranti. Fasting begins from the sunrise of Ekadashi and the observer must wake up before the sunrise on the day of Dwadashi. Observing Ekadashi fast is considered to be equivalent to taking bath in all pilgrimage places. The person who observes Nirjala fast gets relief from all his sins and does not suffer from any kind of mental and physical problems during his death. It is also known as Pandava Ekadashi.  Those who perform homas, holy bath and charity after observing the fast gets benefit of donating crore number of cows.