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In Hinduism, there are several kinds of fast human beings to comply with. The strength of devotion, adoration, and commitment makes the man or woman accomplish their purposes accordingly. Out of all of the 24 types of fasts; Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most complicated yet notable. In 2023 Nirjala Ekadashi will celebrate on Wednesday, May 31st.
Nirjala indicates ‘without water’ and Nirjala Ekadashi fasting is observed without water or any sort of meal. This is the most difficult custom to follow in Hinduism. Nirjala Ekadashi fasting occurs on Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta month and which observes every year in May or June. Nirjala Ekadashi comes just after Ganga Dussehra but sometimes Ganga Dussehra and Nirjala Ekadashi might fall on the same day. It is considered that those devotees of lord Vishnu who are incapable to keep every twenty fours Ekadashi fasting in a year should follow a single Nirjala Ekadashi. This brings all the welfares of twenty-four Ekadashi fasting in a year.
According to the Mahabharata, Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhīma Ekadashi. Bhīma, one of the Pandavas was well known for his extreme power and eating capacities had originated this custom of Nirjala Ekadashi.
Photo courtesy BR Chopra's 'Mahabharat'
It is stated that Bhīma was a voracious eater and it was difficult for him to control his craving of having food and therefore was not ready to keep Ekadashi fasting. Except for Bhīma, all Pandavas and Draupadi practiced observing each Ekadashi fasting throughout the year. Bhīma was very regretful about not being capable to prove his dedication to Lord Vishnu, so he requested sage Vyasa to find some solution.
Sage Vyasa suggested to Bhīma that if he only follows single Nirjala Ekadashi fasting, it will compensate for not keeping every Ekadashi fastings throughout the year. Bhīma starved for the entire day without having water and food. Since then Nirjala Ekadashi is also recognized as Bhīma Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi. Following this, Bhīma continually fasted on Nirjala Ekadashi.
The Tradition of Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi intends fast without even drinking water. The water-less fast is extremely difficult to comply with since it observes in the hot summer season. And, hence it is considered as enormously religious sincerity. The fast is obeyed 24 hours from the morning of Nirjala Ekadashi to the sunrise of the next day.
During the worship, an idol of Lord Vishnu or a Shaligrama stone is bathed with Panchamrita. It is later washed with water and then clothed in royal clothes. Tulsi leaves, flowers, fragrances, water, fruits, sweets, and prayers also are offered.
Believers meditate on the idol or the picture of Lord Vishnu.
Devotees continue to wakeful the entire night and chant Vishnu-Sahastranama to worship Vishnu or contemplate his picture. It is also taken into consideration that if we donate to poor human beings then prosperity can be achieved.
Hello friends I am DrRashmi Vajpayee,PhD Awardee,Assistant professor and founder of Rashmi Vajpayee's Confessions on Culture.Here I share everything about Indian Culture and Festivals.I hope you guys enjoy my content so keep reading!.
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