Nirjala Ekadashi: Date, Vrat Katha, Rituals, and Significance

Nirjala Ekadashi is an ekadashi observance dedicated to the worship of Lord Trivikrama, the giant form of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. It falls on the ekadashi tithi (11th day) of shukla paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) during the hindu lunar month of Jyestha (therefore, also called Jyestha shukla ekadashi).

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 is on June 18, Tuesday

1 month and 18 days to go for the event

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 17, 4:44 am
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 18, 6:25 am
Parana Time: June 01, 5:44 AM - 8:24 AM
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 timings.
(The mentioned timings are in IST, for Ujjain. To change the location, visit the Panchang page.)

Nirjala Ekadashi vrat observed by devotees on this day is noted for its ascetic fasting and rigorous austerities. In the year 2024, Nirjala ekadashi vrat is on June 18, Tuesday.

The word ‘nir-jala’ means ‘without water’ and therefore the fasting on this ekadashi is observed without drinking water and eating food. Nirjala Ekadashi is the toughest and most sacred of all ekadashis and completion of this vrat with utmost devotion and austerity is equivalent to observing all other ekadashi vrats during the year and also the most rewarding.

Apara Ekadashi is followed by Nirjala Ekadashi, subsequent to which comes Yogini Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The story from the Padma Puran goes like this:

When Ved Vyas instructed the Pandavas to undertake the sacred Ekadashi fast, which encompasses the fulfillment of all four Purusharthas - Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha - Yudhishthira addressed Lord Krishna, saying, "Janardan! Kindly elucidate upon the Ekadashi falling in the Shukla paksha of the month of Jyestha." Lord Krishna responded, "O king! The eminent philosopher and erudite scholar of Vedas and Vedangas, Param Dharmatma Vyasji, shall expound on this topic." Ved Vyasji began, "On both the Ekadashis of Krishna and Shukla Paksha, it is forbidden to partake of food. After bathing on Dwadashi, one must purify oneself and offer worship to Lord Keshava with flowers. Only then must they consume any food.

Bhimsen interjected, saying, "Wise and esteemed grandfather, King Yudhishthira, Mother Kunti, Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahdev never eat on Ekadashi and always advise me to observe the Ekadashi fast. I tell them that I cannot control my hunger, so I cannot observe the fasting." Upon hearing Bhimsen's words, Vyasji replied, "If you wish to cleanse yourself of impurities and attain heavenly rewards, refraining from food on both Shukla paksha and Krishna Paksha Ekadashis is essential." Bhimsen then expressed, "O venerable sage, I speak the truth. I cannot fast even without consuming a single meal. The voracious fire in my stomach, known as vrik, can only be pacified when I eat abundantly. Hence, Mahamuni, I can only observe one fast throughout the year. Please enlighten me about a fast that will facilitate my attainment of heaven and contribute to the welfare of all beings. I shall adhere to it steadfastly."

Vyasji answered, "Bhim! In the month of Jyeshtha, regardless of whether the Sun is in Taurus or Gemini, the Ekadashi occurring in the Shukla paksha should be observed without consuming water. You may use water only for gargling or Achaman (The act of sipping a little water from the palm of the hand as a way of purification before religious ceremonies), but apart from that, a learned individual should refrain from ingesting any water, as doing so would break the fast. One completes the fast by abstaining from intaking water from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise the next day. Once all the necessary tasks have been completed, those who have conquered their senses may partake of a meal. Through this Nirjala Ekadashi, one obtains the merits of all the Ekadashis observed throughout the year. Lord Keshava, adorned with the conch, discus, and mace, has revealed to me that a person who forsakes all others and solely surrenders to him while observing the Ekadashi fast shall be absolved of all sins."

Vyasji continued, "Kuntinandan! On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, let me enlighten you about the special acts of charity and duties prescribed for both men and women. On this day, worship Lord Vishnu, who reposes in water, and he, Sri Hari, bestows liberation." "Those who observe the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi while worshipping Sri Hari and remaining awake throughout the night take along with them the previous hundred generations and the next hundred generations to the supreme abode of Lord Vasudev.

On the auspicious day of Nirjala Ekadashi, donate food, clothing, water, beds, beautiful seats, kamandalus, and umbrellas. Those who listen to or narrate the glorious tale of this Ekadashi with devotion are destined for heaven. The merits attained by performing Shradh during the Chaturdashi-yukt Amavasya solar eclipse are equal to those obtained by hearing this story." "Bhimsen! Observe a waterless fast on the auspicious Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyestha. By doing so, one draws closer to Lord Vishnu and experiences immense joy. Afterward, do the parana on Dwadashi. Whoever observes the fast of Papanashini Ekadashi in its entirety becomes free from all sins and attains a blissful state." Hearing this, Bhimsen began fasting on this propitious Ekadashi. And hence this Ekadashi is also known as Bhimaseni Ekadashi.

Who is Lord Trivikrama?

In the annals of mythological history, the epic saga of Vamana and King Mahabali is eternally etched. This tale unfolds within the sacred texts of Bhagavat Puran and Padma Puran. King Mahabali, a devout disciple of Lord Vishnu, ruled with virtuous might, surpassing even the divine realm. His power grew so immense that vanquishing Lord Indra became a mere triviality for him. This plight impelled the gods to beseech Lord Vishnu to manifest and test the sovereign's mettle.

Kashyapa, Aditi's spouse, commanded her, the mother of Lord Indra, to observe a sacred penance known as 'payovrata' to safeguard her son. Honoring her devotion and the gods' plea, Lord Vishnu took birth as Vamana, a dwarf, born to Aditi.

During King Mahabali's grand yajna in his kingdom, Vamana, in his dwarf guise, approached him and demanded a mere three strides of land. Sensing that it was indeed Lord Vishnu requesting this boon, King Mahabali, with unyielding conviction, consented to Vamana's plea. Astonishingly, the dwarf Vamana transformed into a colossal giant just before taking the three strides. With his first step, he covered the entire expanse of the Earth, and with the second, he enshrouded the heavens, leaving no land for his final step. In a display of humility, King Mahabali offered his own head as a pedestal for Vamana's third stride. Thus, Vamana stepped upon King Mahabali, plunging him into the depths of the netherworld, thereby conquering the realm of 'pathala.' This magnificent manifestation of Lord Vishnu came to be known as Trivikrama, one of the many glorious titles bestowed upon the deity.

Amidst the sacrificial rites of King Mahabali, he earnestly implored Lord Trivikrama for a boon: to be granted an annual return to his realm to oversee his subjects and ensure their welfare. Granting his request, Lord Trivikrama bestowed the boon upon King Mahabali. And thus, his homecoming is celebrated with great reverence as the joyous festival of Onam in the enchanting state of Kerala. According to the Malayalam Calendar, this historic event transpired under the divine Thiruvonam Nakshatram (Shravan Nakshatra) in the month of Chingam (Shravan month of the Hindu Calendar).

Rituals of Nirjala Ekadashi:

As the name suggests, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast should be observed without drinking even a drop of water. Hence this vrat is most strict and sacred. Also as this fast falls during the summer season, abstaining from food completely is not an easy task. The Nirjala Ekadashi fast lasts for 24 hours, starting from sunrise of the ekadashi tithi to the sunrise of the dwadashi tithi. People with any form of ailments or those under medication are advised not to observe Nirjala Ekadashi fasting. For such devotees, partial fasting is approved, as devotion to the Lord is more essential than the strict fasting rules.

The Nirjala Ekadashi vrat starts with ‘Sandhyavandanam’, a ritual that is practiced on the 10th day. Later after finishing this prayer, the observer eats one meal (without rice) before sunset. The fast then continues all throughout the Nirjala Ekadashi day. Fasting is concluded on the 12th day after worshiping Lord Vishnu and offering food to Brahmins.

On the Nirjala Ekadashi day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped with full dedication. Devotees offer Tulsi leaves, flower, fruits and mouth-watering sweets to their lord. The idol of Lord Vishnu is beautifully adorned and worshipped in the evening with dhoop and incense sticks. The observer of the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat should stay awake all night and therefore they visit Lord Vishnu temples to participate in the bhajans and kirtans, organized for this occasion.

Reading ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam’ and other Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu is considered auspicious on this day. On Nirjala Ekadashi it is a good act to donate clothes, food, water and other essentials to the poor and needy.

Important Timings On Nirjala Ekadashi 2024

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi:

The Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most rewarding ekadashi observances of the Hindus. This ekadashi is highly pious and grants prosperity, bliss, longevity and salvation. The importance of Nirjala Ekadashi was explained by the great saint ‘Vyas’. It is believed that Nirjala Ekadashi vrat offer the combined virtues of the other ekadashis to its observer. For this reason devotees who cannot observe all the remaining 23 ekadashis of the Hindu year, should keep the Nirjala Ekadashi fast to get all the benefits together. It is more sacred than visiting Hindu pilgrimage places. Nirjala Ekadashi occurs before monsoons and therefore assists in purifying the body. It is also a popular belief that the observer of the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat, after death, is straight away taken to ‘Vaikunta’, which is the abode of Lord Vishnu.

FAQs

What to donate on Nirjala Ekadashi?

According to Padma Puran, Maharishi Vedvyaas told Bheem that donating food, clothing, water, beds, beautiful seat, kamandalu (A vessal used by ascetics to carry holy water), and umbrellas is highly auspicious. He also states that donating shoes to the needy on this day ensures that the donor attains Swarga Loka (Heaven).

Which Ekadashi is the most important?

Although all Ekadashis are important, Nirjala Ekadashi is of paramount importance. Also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi, and Papanashini Ekadashi, as mentioned in the holy scriptures like the Padma Puran, Bhagavata Puran, and Narada Puran, Maharishi Vedvyaas states that observing Nirjala Ekadashi grants the boons of observing all other Ekadashis combined.

When is the Parana time for Nirjala Ekadashi 2023?

Parana is the ritual of breaking the fast. The Parana time for Nirjala Ekadashi 2023 is June 01, 5:44 AM to 8:24 AM. Click here for important timings of Nirjala Ekadashi 2023.
The Ekadashi fast's Parana time is decided by certain conditions. Some of the primary ones from the scripture, Dharma Sindhu, are: The Parana time must be after the Hari Vasara time ends. It must be observed before the Dwadashi tithi ends, although it is not necessary. The Parana must not be done during Madhyahna.

Nirjala Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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