Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Date, Tithi, Significance, History, and Methods to Observe It

Nirjala Ekadashi is a holy day which is observed on the eleventh day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Jyestha (May–June) every year. Nirjala, which means "without water," derives from the fact that this holy day is observed by keeping a strict fast without drinking any drop of water. Other names for this day include Bhimseni Ekadashi and Pandav Ekadashi.

One of the most important and highly regarded days in the Hindu calendar is Nirjala Ekadashi. Of all the Ekadashis, it is thought to be the most powerful and meritorious, providing great spiritual benefits and freedom from the cycle of birth and death. It is said that observing Nirjala Ekadashi purifies the body, mind, and soul and offers pardon for previous wrongdoings.

In addition, it is thought to promote health, wealth, and happiness as well as aid in spiritual development and self-realization. On this day, devotees show their devotion, self-control, and discipline by keeping a complete fast without water. By doing this, they win the blessings of Lord Vishnu and the gods. Thus, Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as a unique chance to gain salvation and spiritual wealth.

The Story Behind Nirjala Ekadashi

Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi are other names for Nirjala Ekadashi because of its history. The following is the story behind Nirjala Ekadashi:

·       Bhima cherished food. He was the second and most powerful of the five Pandava brothers and a hero in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He was too hungry to resist keeping the entire Ekadashi fast.

·       He asked the wise Vyasa, the Pandava grandfather and the author of the Mahabharata, for advice.

·       The wise man told him to keep in mind Nirjala Ekadashi, when he would fast completely for one day every year without even drinking water.

·       Through Bhima's observation of Nirjala Ekadashi, he achieved the virtue of all 24 Ekadasis.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Date and Timings

This year, on Tuesday, June 18, the sacred Hindu celebration of Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed. Drik Pachang states that the following are lucky times to commemorate the occasion:

Parana Time: 06:05 AM to 07:28 AM

Dwadashi end time on Parana day is 07:28 AM.

Ekadashi tithi starts on June 17, 2024, at 04:43 AM.

Ekadashi tithi ends on June 18, 2024, at 06:24 AM.

Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is significant for the following reasons:

·       Nirjala Ekadashi is significant because it is marked as a strict fast without food or liquids to atone for sins.

·       It is said to carry the blessings of Lord Vishnu, and this holy day is dedicated to him.

·       This holy day is said to offer blessings and spiritual advancement equal to that of observing all 24 Ekadashis in a year.

·       It is linked to the tale of Bhima, who, at the counsel of the wise Vyasa, observed Nirjala Ekadashi.

·       Said to bring wealth, joy, and pardon for previous wrongdoings.

·       This holy day is believed to bring salvation (moksha) and spare the observer from Yama's wrath after death.

·       It gives the observer longevity and moksha, or salvation.

How to observe Nirjala Ekadashi?

The steps to observe Nirjala Ekadashi are as follows:

·       Get up before the sun and take a bath to start the day.

·       Wear clean clothes and offer Lord Surya (sun god), some water.

·       Prepare a sanctified area for prayer, and light some incense sticks and lamps.

·       Present Lord Vishnu with flowers, water, fruits, sweets, and tulsi leaves.

·       Chant mantras like "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or recite holy songs like the Vishnu Sahasranama.

·       At the end of the evening worship, perform aarti. Nirjala Ekadashi is observed as a strict fast, involving no food or liquids during the day or night.

·       Before the Dwadashi tithi, which falls on the twelfth day of the lunar fortnight, the fast needs to be broken.

·       Break the fast, worship Lord Vishnu, and offer water to the sun.

·       Eat some rice and other foods after that.

·       Give those in need money and rice.

Mantras to Recite on Nirjala Ekadashi

On Nirjala Ekadashi, you can recite the following mantras:

1. "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय)

2. "Om Sri Vishnuaya Namaha" (ॐ श्री विष्णवे नमः)

3. "Om Namo Narayanaya" (ॐ नमो नारायणाय)

4. "Vishnu Sahasranama" (विष्णु सहस्रनाम) - a sacred hymn containing 1000 names of Lord Vishnu

5. "Om Shri Krishnaya Namaha" (ॐ श्री कृष्णाय नमः)

6. "Om Shri Hariaya Namaha" (ॐ श्री हरये नमः)

On Nirjala Ekadashi, it is said that reciting these mantras with devotion and concentration will grant forgiveness, spiritual benefits, and Lord Vishnu's blessings.

Final Words

Ekadashi is an important day in the Hindu calendar, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is said to be a day of liberation, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. In addition to abstaining from food and liquids, you must practice spiritual disciplines like yoga, meditation, and chanting. You must also worship Lord Vishnu by making offerings and offering prayers. You should recite the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" on this auspicious day because it is said to purify the mind and soul. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama, a holy hymn that lists all 1000 names of Lord Vishnu, is also advised. Through diligent and devoted observation of Ekadashi, one can achieve spiritual advancement, absolution for previous wrong doings, and the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It's a day to renew oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually, as well as to submit to the divine.