There comes in total twenty four Ekadashi in a whole year. Among them, Nirjala Ekadashi is consider the most excellent. It is also called as Bhimseni Ekadashi because according to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, Bhimsena fast it. It is believed that by fasting on this Ekadashi, the one gets the result of fast 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 Nirjala Ekadashi day, one must remain anhydrous and worship Lord Vishnu. This fast results in longevity and salvation.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Pooja Vidhi
The worshiper who is not able to fast for all Ekadashi in the year must fast for Nirjala Ekadashi. By fasting this day, one attains virtue equal to all Ekadashi.
The procedure (Vidhi) of this fast is as follows:
- From the sunrise of Ekadashi till sunrise of Dwadashi of this fast, food and water is not eaten.
- On the day of Ekadashi, firstly worship Lord Vishnu after bath in the early morning. After that, while worshipping God; chant the mantra (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya).
- This day one should faithfully listen to stories and sing devotional songs (Kirtans).
- The person who is fast 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 donating, charity, virtue, etc. As per spiritual importance, this fast results into long life, good health and the decimation of all sins.
Significance of Charity on Nirjala Ekadashi
By fasting for this Ekadashi, one must contribute food, Asana, water, clothes, shoes, blanket umbrella and fruits, etc. The devotees who donate water pitcher (Jal kalash) on this day, gets good result in 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 gains the benefits of virtue for all Ekadashi. The person who devoted fast on Nirjala Ekadashi is freed from all the sins and attains salvation.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
During the Mahabharata time, son of Pandu, Bheema asked Maharishi Ved Vyasa - Oh highly respected hermit! All the members of my family fast for Ekadashi and ask me to do so. But I cannot stay hungry, so kindly tell me how one get the profit of Ekadashi without fasting.
At his request, Ved Vyasa ji said - putra! Fast for Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat. On this day one has to refuse both water and food. Any person, who remains without drinking water from sunrise of Ekadashi till sunrise of Dwadashi and fasts this day with true faith, gets the fruit for all Ekadashi in the year by fasting for this Nirjala Ekadashi. Listening the words of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, Bhimsena fast for Nirjala Ekadashi and became free from all sins.