Nirjala Ekadashi 2024
Nirjala Ekadashi, one of the most significant and austere fasts observed by Hindus, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Ekadashi is unique due to its stringent fasting rules, as devotees abstain from both food and water for 24 hours. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bestow the virtue of all 24 Ekadashis of the year combined.
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Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated with immense devotion and discipline by followers of Hinduism. It falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha, which typically corresponds to May or June in the Gregorian calendar. The term ‘Nirjala’ means ‘without water,’ emphasizing the stringent nature of this fast.
- Main Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Celebration Type: Fasting and prayers
- Alternate Names: Bhimasena Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi
- Observance: Complete abstinence from food and water
Nirjala Ekadashi History
Nirjala Ekadashi has a fascinating origin story linked to the Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers. According to legend, Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers, approached Sage Vyasa to find a way to compensate for his inability to observe the other Ekadashi fasts. Bhima had a voracious appetite and found it challenging to fast. Sage Vyasa suggested observing Nirjala Ekadashi, explaining that it would grant the benefits of observing all 24 Ekadashis of the year.
- Bhima’s Dilemma: Bhima, known for his immense strength and appetite, struggled to observe the Ekadashi fasts.
- Sage Vyasa’s Advice: Sage Vyasa advised Bhima to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, emphasizing its unparalleled significance.
- The Solution: By observing this one-day fast with full devotion, Bhima could attain the virtue of all Ekadashis.
Nirjala Ekadashi Significance
Nirjala Ekadashi is considered one of the most important and powerful Ekadashis due to its stringent fasting rules and the immense spiritual benefits it offers. Observing this fast with utmost devotion and discipline is believed to absolve all past sins and grant the observer a place in Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
- Spiritual Purity: The fast is believed to cleanse the soul and purify the mind.
- Moksha: Observing Nirjala Ekadashi can help attain Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
- Accrued Virtue: The merit of this fast is equivalent to all other Ekadashis combined.
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu: Devotees believe they receive the blessings and protection of Lord Vishnu.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date
In 2024, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 18. The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar, falling on the 11th day of the bright half of the month of Jyeshtha.
- Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date: June 18, 2024
- Lunar Month: Jyeshtha
- Day: Shukla Paksha Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Timings
The exact timings for Nirjala Ekadashi are crucial for those observing the fast. These timings include the period of the Ekadashi Tithi (lunar day) and the Parana time (time to break the fast).
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 17, 2024, at 5:30 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 18, 2024, at 7:15 PM
- Parana Time (Breaking the Fast): June 19, 2024, from 5:15 AM to 8:00 AM
Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi Fast
The Nirjala Ekadashi fast holds immense religious and spiritual significance. It is considered the toughest among all Ekadashi fasts due to the prohibition of both food and water.
- Strict Fasting Rules: Complete abstinence from food and water for 24 hours.
- Spiritual Benefits: Cleansing of sins and achieving spiritual enlightenment.
- Health Benefits: Some believe the fast also offers detoxification benefits.
- Devotional Acts: Devotees engage in prayer, meditation, and reading scriptures.
How is Nirjala Ekadashi Celebrated
Nirjala Ekadashi is marked by various religious activities and rituals. Devotees observe the fast with utmost dedication, engage in devotional practices, and visit temples.
- Fasting: Complete abstinence from food and water for 24 hours.
- Prayers and Bhajans: Devotees spend the day chanting Vishnu Sahasranama and singing devotional songs.
- Temple Visits: Visiting Vishnu temples and offering prayers.
- Charity: Donating food, clothes, and money to the needy.
- Reading Scriptures: Reading holy texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Purana.
Which Temples to Visit on Nirjala Ekadashi
Visiting temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu on Nirjala Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious. Some of the most revered temples include:
- Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: One of the Char Dhams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Jagannath Temple, Puri: A major pilgrimage site and home to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu.
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: Known for its grand architecture and significance in Vaishnavism.
- Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Famous for its Venkateswara Swamy deity.
- Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat: Believed to be the abode of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.
- Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Karnataka: Renowned for its unique idol of Lord Krishna.
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Karnataka: An important pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an aspect of Vishnu.
In conclusion, Nirjala Ekadashi is a deeply revered and spiritually significant day for Hindus. Observing the stringent fast with devotion is believed to offer immense spiritual benefits, cleanse the soul, and bring one closer to Moksha. The history, significance, and the way it is celebrated highlight the profound devotion and discipline of those who observe this auspicious day.
