Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Date, Significance, and Rituals Revealed

Nirjala Ekadashi, a significant event in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi, is about to grace the devotees in the upcoming months. This fasting day, known for its unique no-food-no-water fasting vow, holds immense spiritual importance.

The Jyeshtha month’s Shukla Paksha Ekadashi date marks the auspicious Nirjala Ekadashi observance. Unlike other Ekadashi days where devotees abstain from specific foods, on Nirjala Ekadashi, fasting from both food and water is advised. This is one of the most rigorous yet rewarding fasts one can undertake.

According to traditional beliefs, observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast yields the benefits of all 24 Ekadashis in a year, thus amplifying its virtue. Legend has it that Bhimseni Ekadashi, as it’s also known, was observed by Bhima from the Mahabharata, who visited Vaikuntha during this period.

If one accidentally breaks the Nirjala Ekadashi fast, the devotee can seek forgiveness by performing a special ritual. The ritual includes anointing the idol of Lord Vishnu with a mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, and sugar, followed by reciting specific mantras for atonement.

Devotees can additionally chant dedicated hymns and the powerful twelve-syllable Vishnu mantra, “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” using a Tulsi mala. Generosity towards priests in Vishnu temples and offering donations of yellow clothing, fruits, sweets, grains, and turmeric to them is also encouraged on this day.