Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: This year, Nirjala Ekadashi falls on June 18th. It’s a significant day for devotees who fast with utmost dedication. Unlike other Ekadashis, Nirjala Ekadashi makes up for any missed opportunities throughout the year, adding to its importance.
Nirjala Ekadashi goes by various names like Pandava Ekadashi, Bhimseni Ekadashi, and Bhima Ekadashi. The latter stems from a story about Bhimsen, the second Pandava brother, known for his immense appetite. Legend has it that Bhima struggled to observe any Ekadashi fasts due to his hunger. This day falls during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Jyeshta.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most important and challenging fasting days for Hindus. It takes place on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha in the Hindu calendar, usually in May or June. “Nirjala” means “without water,” signifying that devotees undertake a strict fast, abstaining from both food and water for 24 hours.
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to provide the benefits of all 24 Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, devotees fast to seek blessings for health, wealth, and spiritual growth.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time
This year, Nirjala Ekadashi falls on May 19. According to the Hindu calendar, Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Ekadashi begins on May 18 at 11:22 am and ends on May 19 at 1:50 pm. Based on Udaya Tithi, the fast will be observed on May 19. The auspicious time for worship is from 7:10 am to 12:18 pm. The rituals for Nirjala Ekadashi will be performed on May 20 between 5:28 am and 8:12 am.
| Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event | Date | Time |
| Start of Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Ekadashi | May 18, 2024 | 11:22 am |
| End of Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Ekadashi | May 19, 2024 | 1:50 pm |
| Nirjala Ekadashi Fast | May 19, 2024 | All day |
| Auspicious Time for Worship | May 19, 2024 | 7:10 am – 12:18 pm |
| Nirjala Ekadashi Rituals | May 20, 2024 | 5:28 am – 8:12 am |
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 History
Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi, Bhimseni Ekadashi, or Bhima Ekadashi, has a special story behind it. Bhima, the second of the five Pandava brothers, loved eating and couldn’t resist food. This made it hard for him to fast on Ekadashi, a holy day observed by his brothers and Draupadi, who fasted on all Ekadashi days to honor Lord Vishnu.
Bhima felt bad for not being able to fast and dishonoring Lord Vishnu. He was upset with himself for not having enough willpower. Seeking a solution, Bhima went to Maharishi Vyasa, a wise sage. Maharishi Vyasa advised Bhima to observe just one fast on Nirjala Ekadashi. By doing this, Bhima could make up for not fasting on all the other Ekadashi days throughout the year.
Because of this story, Nirjala Ekadashi is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Significance
Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhimaseni Ekadashi, Bhimaseni Nirjala Ekadashi, and Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi, is considered the most important of all 24 Ekadashis. Even if someone misses the other 23 Ekadashi fasts, observing Nirjala Ekadashi alone is believed to bring the same benefits as fasting on all the others. Devotees and seekers gain all the spiritual rewards just by keeping this one fast.
It is said that simply hearing the names of the 24 Ekadashis can help remove many sins and troubles. Ancient texts praise the numerous benefits of observing Ekadashi fasts, especially Nirjala Ekadashi. This fast is not only significant in Hinduism but also holds spiritual importance in Jainism.
Nirjala Ekadashi is a challenging fast, as it involves not drinking water for the entire day. According to scriptures, Bhima observed this fast by worshipping Lord Vishnu without drinking water. It is believed that keeping the Nirjala Ekadashi fast can lead to a long life and ultimately salvation.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Rituals
Parana, the act of breaking the fast, is an important ritual that typically occurs after sunrise on the day following Ekadashi. It’s essential to perform Parana during the Dwadashi Tithi, which is the twelfth lunar day, unless this period ends before sunrise.
During Hari Vasara, an inauspicious time, Parana should not be performed. It’s best to wait until Hari Vasara concludes to ensure the timing is auspicious.
The ideal time for Parana is during Pratahkal, which is early in the morning. It’s advisable to avoid breaking the fast during Madhyana, the midday period. If one cannot break the fast during Pratahkal, it can be done after Madhyana, in the afternoon.
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Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is Nirjala Ekadashi and why is it significant?
Ans. Nirjala Ekadashi is a highly important fasting day for Hindus, observed without food or water, believed to provide the benefits of all 24 Ekadashis.
Q.2. When is Nirjala Ekadashi 2024?
Ans. Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 falls on June 18th, with the fast observed throughout the day.
Q.3. What are the rituals for breaking the Nirjala Ekadashi fast?
Ans. The fast is broken with Parana, typically done after sunrise on the Dwadashi Tithi, ensuring it’s performed at an auspicious time.
Q.4. Why is Nirjala Ekadashi also called Bhimseni Ekadashi?
Ans. It’s named after Bhima, the second Pandava brother, who observed this fast to make up for missing other Ekadashi fasts due to his immense appetite.
Q.5. What benefits do devotees gain by observing Nirjala Ekadashi?
Ans. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to offer spiritual rewards, long life, and salvation, equivalent to fasting on all other Ekadashis throughout the year.
