Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu holy
day falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight of the
Hindu month of Jyesta (May/June). This Ekadashi derives its name from the
water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day. It is considered to be the
most austere and hence the most sacred of all 24 Ekadashis. If observed
religiously, it is said to be the most rewarding and granting the virtue gained
by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year.
Story
Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as
Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. This name is derived from
Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the
Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Brahma Vaivarta
Purana narrates the story behind the Nirjala Ekadashi vrata vow. Bhima, a
lover of food, wanted to observe all Ekadashi fasts, but could not control his
hunger. He approached the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and grandfather
of the Pandavas for a solution. The sage advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi,
when for one day in the year, he should observe an absolute fast. Bhima
attained the virtue of all 24 Ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.
Practices
While on other Ekadashis
abstinence of food is observed, on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is
observed, without partaking even water. The water-less fast is considered
extremely difficult to follow as the day falls in the hot Indian summer and
thus, it is deemed as very pious austerity. The fast is observed 24 hours from
sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. Some observe it from
sunrise to sunset. On the day before Nirjala Ekadashi, the devotee performs the
evening prayer (Sandhyavandanam) and
takes only one meal, without rice - as rice eating is prohibited. The devotee
is however permitted to have a single tiny drop of water as part of the
Achamana purification ritual. Water more than that equals breaking the vow.
Like other Ekadashis, puja is
offered to Vishnu, for whom Ekadashis are sacred, to seek his grace. An image
of Vishnu or a Saligrama stone (an iconic fossil stone in the form of Vishnu)
is bathed (abhisheka) with Panchamrita, a mixture of five foods: milk, curd,
ghee (clarified butter), honey and sugar. It is then washed with water and then
dressed in royal finery. A hand-fan is also offered. Flowers, incense, water
and arati (lamps) are also offered. Devotees meditate on the image of God. In
the evening, they worship Vishnu with durva
grass in their hands. Devotees remain awake the whole night and sing praises of
Vishnu or meditate on his image.
Another characteristic of Ekadashis
is charity to Brahmins (the priest class). Clothes, food grains, umbrellas,
hand-fans, pitchers filled with water, gold etc. are prescribed to be donated
on Nirjala Ekadashi.
Merits
According to the Markandeya Purana and the Vishnu Purana,
the day of Ekadashi is itself a form of Vishnu. The vrata observed on this day
is said to wash away all sin. It is most popular and strictly observed by the
Vaishnavas, in particular.
The observer gains longevity and moksha (salvation). Usually, the messengers of the god of death Yama are described to fetch the person's soul after death. Yama then judges the person's deeds and sends him to Swarga (heaven) or Naraka (Hell). However, one who observes the Nirjala Ekadashi rituals is believed to be excused Yama's judgement and taken by messengers of Vishnu to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, after death.