നിർജ്ജല ഏകാദശി വ്രതം 2104

There comes in total 24 Ekadashi in a year. Among them, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most transcendent. It is also called as Bhimseni Ekadashi because according to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, Bhimsena fasted it. It is believed that by fasting on this Ekadashi, the one gets the result of fasting for all Ekadashi in the year. It is also called as Nirjala Ekadashi as it is customary to not drink water from the sunrise of this day to the sunrise of Dwadashi. On this day, one must remain anhydrous and worship Lord Vishnu. This fast results in longevity and salvation.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi

The devotees who are not able to fast for all Ekadashi in the year must fast for Nirjala Ekadashi. By fasting this day, one attains virtue equivalent to all Ekadashi. The procedure (Vidhi) of this fast is as follows:

1.From the sunrise of Ekadashi till sunrise of Dwadashi of this fast, water and food is not eaten.
2.  On the day of Ekadashi, firstly worship Lord Vishnu after bathing in the early morning. After that, while worshipping God, chant the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
3.  This day one should devotedly listen to stories and sing devotional songs (Kirtans).
4.  The person who is fasting on this day, must filled the pitcher (kalash) with water, cover it with a white cloth, keep some sugar on it and donate it to a Brahmin with some money (dakshina).

The ritual of this fast is completed by doing charity, virtue, etc. As per religious significance, this fast results into long life, good health and the decimation of all sins.

Importance of Charity on Nirjala Ekadashi

By fasting for this Ekadashi, one must donate food, water, clothes, Asana, shoes, umbrella, blanket and fruits, etc. The devotees who donate water pitcher (jal kalash) on this day, gets fruit for all Ekadashi of the year. By fasting for this Ekadashi, one is free from the sin of having food on all other Ekadashi as well as gain the benefits of virtue for all Ekadashi. The person who devotedly fasts on Nirjala Ekadashi is freed from all the sins and attains salvation.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

During the Mahabharata period, son of Pandu, Bheema asked Maharishi Ved Vyasa - Oh highly respected hermit! All the members of my family fasts for Ekadashi and asks me to do so. But I can not stay hungry, so kindly tell me how one get the fruit of Ekadashi without fasting.

At his request, Ved Vyasa ji said - Son! Fast for Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat. On this day one have to refuse both food & water. Any person who remains without drinking water from sunrise of Ekadashi till sunrise of Dwadashi and fasts this day with true devotion, gets the fruit for all Ekadashi in the year by fasting for this Nirjala Ekadashi. Listening the words of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, Bhimsena fasted for Nirjala Ekadashi and became free from all sins.