Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most important and revered Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus. The term "Nirjala" means "without water," indicating the strict nature of this fast. It falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June). Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bestow the same benefits as observing all the other 24 Ekadashis of the year combined. Devotees believe that by observing this fast, they can attain Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), forgiveness for sins, and divine blessings for prosperity and well-being.

History:

The history of Nirjala Ekadashi is closely associated with Bhima, the second of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. Known for his immense strength and appetite, Bhima found it difficult to observe the regular Ekadashi fasts. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe just one fast on Nirjala Ekadashi with complete abstinence from food and water, to gain the spiritual benefits of all the other Ekadashis. Bhima successfully observed this strict fast, and thus Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as "Bhimaseni Ekadashi" or "Pandava Ekadashi."

Rituals:

1. Fasting: The primary ritual is observing a strict fast without consuming any food or water for 24 hours. This fast begins at sunrise on the day of Ekadashi and ends at sunrise on the next day, Dwadashi.

2. Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean or new clothes. A special prayer and puja to Lord Vishnu are performed.

3. Prayer and Worship: Devotees offer flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Sahasranama and other Vishnu mantras are chanted.

4. Reading Scriptures: Reading or listening to the significance and stories of Nirjala Ekadashi from sacred texts like the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana is a common practice.

5. Charity: Acts of charity are highly encouraged on this day. Devotees donate food, clothes, and money to the needy and feed Brahmins and animals.

6. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake the entire night, engaging in continuous prayers, chanting, and singing bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

7. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken the next day, Dwadashi, after performing morning rituals and offering food to a Brahmin or the needy. Devotees typically break the fast with light and sattvic (pure) food.

Bhog (Offerings):

The offerings (bhog) made to Lord Vishnu on Nirjala Ekadashi are prepared with utmost devotion, keeping in mind the strict fasting guidelines. Typical offerings include:

1. Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates.

2. Almonds, raisins, cashews, and dates.

3. Milk, curd, paneer, and sweets made from milk like kheer and pedas.

4. Ladoo, barfi, and halwa made from fasting-compliant ingredients.

5. Offering Tulsi (holy basil) leaves is considered very auspicious.

Temples:

Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated with special fervor in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. Some prominent temples include:

1. Tirupati Balaji Temple: Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the most visited and revered temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.

2. Badrinath Temple: In Uttarakhand, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, this temple witnesses grand celebrations.

3. Ranganathaswamy Temple: Located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, this temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture and elaborate rituals.

4. Jagannath Temple: In Puri, Odisha, famous for its Rath Yatra, observes Ekadashi with great devotion.

5. Venkateswara Temple: In Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, it is known for its rich traditions and large gatherings of devotees.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Nirjala Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Nirjala Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

ॐ वामन देवाय नमः Specific to Varuthini Ekadashi, this mantra praises Lord Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

                                      Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! ..

Summary

Nirjala Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance, observed with strict fasting, prayer, and various rituals. Devotees prepare special offerings (bhog), visit temples, perform Arti, and chant mantras to honor Lord Vishnu. These practices help devotees purify their minds and souls, seek divine blessings, and strive for spiritual liberation. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi with devotion is believed to bestow the same benefits as observing all other Ekadashis combined, making it one of the most powerful and revered fasts in the Hindu tradition.