Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: A Day To Seek Lord Vishnu’s Blessings

According to ancient Hindu mythology, there are 24 Ekadashi that fall twice a month in a year. However, the Nirjala Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi is among the most auspicious and purest. This Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of the Jyestha month. So, read along to explore what’s more special and interesting about Nirjala Ekadashi. 

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time 

• Nirjala Ekadashi Date:  June 18, 2024 (Tuesday) 
• nirjala ekadashi timing (Parana Time): 05:24 AM to 07:28 AM on 19th June 
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment: 07:28 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 04:43 AM on Jun 17, 2024
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 06:24 AM on Jun 18, 2024

What is Nirjala Ekadashi? 

Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashis celebrated every year. It is one of the most sacred Ekadashis, as people refrain from eating and drinking water on this day. The word “Nirjala” itself suggests that Nir means no and Jala means without water. 

Moreover, this day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the story is associated with the Pandava brothers. On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, fasting and offering prayers are believed to be equivalent to observing all the other 24 Ekadashis.

Also Read: Somvati Amavasya 2024: Significance, Vrat Katha and Rituals

Significance Behind Celebrating Nirajala Ekadashai 

The Nirjala Ekadashi holds great significance as it’s considered one of the purest forms of Hindu culture. On this day, devotees devote the entire day to Lord Vishnu, seeking blessings for liberation from worldly affairs. Also, during the Nirjala Ekadashi, it is suggested that people observe a fast even without drinking water. So, devotees consider this Ekadashi the most important and challenging one. 

Moreover, this Ekadashi revolves around the conversation between Bhim, the second Pandava brothers, and Sage Vyasa. Bhim was advised to fast on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, which is why this Ekadashi is also known as the Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. 

Vrat Katha or Mythological Story behind Nirjala Ekadashi 

The story and importance of Nirjala ekadashi originate from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. The vrat katha dates back to the conversation between Bhima (one of the five Pandava brothers in the Hindu epic Mahabharata) and Sage Vyasa, where the sage explains the significance of observing fast on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi. But Bhima was known for his love for food and had a huge appetite. In contrast, sage Vyasa advised him to keep Nirjala Ekadashi and told him to refrain from eating and drinking even water for 24 hours. Bhima was lost in thought when he heard that he could not eat or drink anything for 24 hours. 

During that situation, Sage Vyasa explained to him the benefits of Nirjala Vrat being equivalent to all the 24 Ekadashi Vrat. Observing this Vrat while chanting Lord Vishnu’s name will be blessed with success, abundance, and prosperity. On hearing this, Bhima agreed to observe fasting with his other brothers, mother, Kunti, and wife, Draupadi. He decided to fast at least on the Nirjala Ekadashi, and that’s how Lord Vishnu blessed Bhima. This is how the Nirjala Ekadashi was named after Bhimasena. 

Rituals or Puja Vidhi of Nirjala Ekadashi 

Here are complete instructions on performing the rituals and Puja Vidhi on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi. 

• On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, wake up early before sunrise and take a bath. 
• Adorn the idol of Lord Vishnu and keep the necessary puja samagri. 
• Then, start chanting the Vishnu mantra and stotram while performing the ritual. 
• On Nirjala Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with Tulsi leaves and flowers. You can also visit the Vishnu temple and perform the rituals.
• You can prepare a special bhog for Lord Vishnu and keep it as a special offering. 
• While performing the ritual, remember to chant Vishnu Lakshmi Abhishek’s mantra and Vishnu Sahasranamam continuously. 
• It is auspicious to stay awake on the night of Nirjala Ekadashi and devote yourself to chanting mantras and bhajans. 
• On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, you must also wear 10 Mukhi Rudraksha, which will protect you from evil energies and surround you with purity and positivity. 

How to observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat? 

Nirjala Ekadashi is very different and scared compared to other Ekadashi. So, there are some strict rules that need to be followed. So, here’s what you need to know about Nirjala Ekadashi vrat. 

• The preparation of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, known as Dashami, starts one day prior. 
• One day before the Nirjala Ekadshi, the fast observers take a bath in the evening and perform the evening aarti (Sandhyavandanam). 
• After the puja rituals and aarti, one can eat satvik food in the evening before sunset. On that day, one should not eat rice. 
• The next morning, on the 11th day of the tithi, which is on yeh Nirjala Ekadshi, one must wake up before sunrise and offer water and prayer to Lord Surya and Lord Vishnu. 
• The fast begins early in the morning on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha and ends on the next day, Dwadashi Tithi. 
• Devotees may end their fast on the next day, Dwadashi Tithi. They must drink water and then have a mixture of milk, curd, honey, and ghee. 

Also Read: Chaitra Purnima 2024: The First Purnima of the Year!

Nirjala Ekadashi Benefits

As mentioned above, Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most significant Ekadashi. So, devoting yourself to bhajan and kirtan, observing fast, and seeking the blessing of Lord Vishnu on this day is considered auspicious. So, let’s take a look at the benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi. 

• Observing fast on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi will shower you with the blessings of all 24 Ekadashi. 
• It is believed that devoting yourself to Lord Vishnu will lead you to Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu after death. It is a place of is a place of eternal bliss and happiness, 
• You will be bestowed with good wealth, health, success and goodwill. 
• Nirjala Ekadashi purifies the mind, body, and soul by removing impurities and toxins from the body. 
• It gives you lifelong growth and abundance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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