Nirjala Ekadashi
| Nirjala Ekadashi | |
|---|---|
Hindus | |
| Type | Hindu |
| Observances | Prayers and religious rituals, including puja to Vishnu |
| Date | Decided by the lunar calendar |
Nirjala Ekadashi (
Legend
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Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.
Practices
While on other ekadashis abstinence of food is observed,[5] on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is observed, without partaking even water.[5] 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.[1] The fast is observed 24 hours from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day.[2] Some observe it from sunrise to sunset.[5] 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.[2][6] 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.[4]
Like other ekadashis,
Another characteristic of ekadashis is charity to
Significance
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.[6] One who completes the vrata of Nirjala Ekadashi is mentioned to gain the favour of Vishnu, who grants him happiness, prosperity and forgiveness for sins.[1] The devotee is described to receive the merit gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year. It is most popular and strictly observed by the Vaishnavas, in particular[2]
The observer gains longevity and moksha (salvation).[5] 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 Svarga (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.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e Annual Holidays. (2004). CHAPTER 12: Hinduism In Religious Holidays & Calendars. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/entry/ogirholidays/annual_holidays, Publisher:Omnigraphics, Inc.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-59884-205-0.
- ^ "Nirjala Ekadashi Katha 2018 - The Glories of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat". Ekadashi Svarupa Darsana. 2018-05-28. Archived from the original on 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ a b c Glories of Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi Archived 2013-06-24 at the Wayback Machine by ISKCON.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8239-3180-4.
- ^ ISBN 9788176250641. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
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| Harvest festivals | |
| New year's days | |
| Other festivals |
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| Holy days |
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| Balinese festivals | |
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