NIRJALA EKADASHI

 

SAMVATSARASYA YA MADHYE EKADASYO BHAVANTI HI

TASAM PHALAM AVAPNOTI PUTRA ME NA ATRA SAMSAYAH

ITI MAM KESAVAH PRAHA SANKHA CAKRA GADADHARAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/25 from PADMA PURANA)

           Vyasadeva speaks to Bhimasena: Oh son, Lord Keshava, Who holds the club, disk, conch and lotus flower in His hand, personally told me that all of the merit achieved by fasting on whatever Ekadasis fall in one year can be attained by fasting on this one Ekadasi (nirjala Ekadasi). Of this, there is no doubt.

           Ekadashi is a Sanskrit word, which literally means 'the eleventh'. Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the moon cycle, both from the Purnima (full moon) and from the Amavasya (new moon). Well-known as the day of Lord Vishnu, this is celebrated as one of the highly auspicious days suitable for fasting. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadashi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. Padma Purana states that one should follow Ekadashi, all of his sins are absolved and he very easily attains the supreme goal, the abode of Vaikuntha.  

            Nirjala Ekadashi, eleventh day of shukla paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) during Jyestha (therefore, also called Jyestha shukla ekadashi). The word ‘nir-jala’ means ‘without water’ and therefore the fasting on this ekadashi is observed without drinking water and eating food. Nirjala Ekadashi is the toughest and most sacred of all ekadashis and completion of this vrat with utmost devotion and austerity is equivalent to observing all other ekadashi vrats during the year and also the most rewarding.

           According to the Hindu Scriptures, Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi.  Bhimsen, the second Pandava brother and voracious eater, was not able to control his desire of having food and was not able observe Ekadashi fasting. Except Bhima, all Pandava brothers and Draupadi used to observe all Ekadashi fasting. Bhima, being upset due to his weak determination and doing a dishonor to Lord Vishnu, met Maharishi Vyasa to find some solution.

        Sage Vyasa advised Bhima to observe single Nirjala Ekadasi fasting to compensate for not observing all 24 Ekadashi fasting in a year. “Furthermore, Oh best of beings (Jivottama), any man or woman who observes this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord Jalshayi (He who sleeps on the water), and who on the next day satisfies a qualified brahmana with nice sweets and a donation of cows and money - such a person certainly pleases the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord's abode, even though they may have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide, etc.Indeed, one who observes this amazing Ekadasi rides on a glorious celestial vimana to the Lord's abode.”

             The Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most rewarding ekadashi observances of the Hindus. This ekadashi is highly pious and grants prosperity, bliss, longevity and salvation. Nirjala Ekadashi occurs before monsoons and therefore assists in purifying the body. It is also a popular belief that the observer of the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat, after death, is straight away taken to ‘Vaikunta’, which is the abode of Lord Vishnu. Nirjala Ekadashi vrat observed by devotees on this day is noted for its ascetic fasting and rigorous austerities.

            .On the Nirjala Ekadashi day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with full dedication. Devotees offer Tulsi leaves, flower, fruits and mouth-watering sweets to their lord. The idol of Lord Vishnu is beautifully adorned and worshipped in the evening with dhoop and incense sticks. The observer of the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat should stay awake all night and therefore they visit Lord Vishnu temples to participate in the bhajans and kirtans, organized for this occasion. Reading ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam’ and other Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu is considered auspicious on this day.

(Compiled by Chaman Lal Gadoo)