When Is Nirjala Ekadashi 2024? Date, Time, History, Rituals, Significance And Wishes To Celebrate This Day

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Monday, June 17, 2024, 12:32 [IST]

Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi, Bhima Ekadashi, or Bhimaseni Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu festival. This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Sun God. Devotees observe a rigorous fast without even partaking water.

Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most significant and revered Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus. Known for its stringent fasting rules, it is often considered the most challenging of all Ekadashi fasts, as devotees abstain from both food and water.

The term "Nirjala" translates to "without water," underscoring the severe nature of this fast. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits, including the blessings of Lord Vishnu and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Let us know the date, history, rituals, significance, and ways to celebrate Nirjala Ekadashi, along with wishes to share on this auspicious day.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Date And Time

Nirjala Ekadashi on Tuesday, 18 June 2024. On 19 June, Parana Ttme is from 05:24 am to 07:28 am. On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment is at 07:28 am. Ekadashi Tithi begins at 04:43 am on 16 June 2024 and Ekadashi Tithi ends 06:24 on 18 June 2024.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Puja Rituals

The main ritual of Nirjala Ekadashi involves a strict fast without water. The fast begins at sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi and continues until the next day's sunrise.

Devotees perform an evening prayer a day before Nirjala Ekadashi. On Nirjala Ekadashi, they wear yellow clothes. The food consumed is a single meal without rice. This simple diet aligns with the fasting rules of the day.

Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu. Observing the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrata grants health, happiness, prosperity, and forgiveness for sins. It is said that devotees gain longevity and salvation, reaching Vaikuntha after death.

Devotees take a holy bath early in the morning on the day of Ekadashi to purify themselves. The primary ritual of Nirjala Ekadashi is to observe a strict fast without consuming food or water from sunrise on Ekadashi until the sunrise of the following day.

They perform special prayers and pujas dedicated to Lord Vishnu. They chant mantras, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, and read sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita.Visiting Vishnu temples and offering prayers is a common practice. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other symbolic items to the deity.Giving alms to the poor and needy, including food, clothes, and money, is considered highly meritorious on Nirjala Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: History And Significance

The origins of Nirjala Ekadashi are rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Mahabharata. According to legend, Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers, found it difficult to observe the numerous Ekadashi fasts that his brothers followed due to his immense appetite. Bhima sought advice from the sage Vyasa, who advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi.

By observing this single fast with full devotion and abstaining from food and water, Bhima could gain the spiritual benefits equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashi fasts in a year. This story highlights the significance and spiritual potency of Nirjala Ekadashi.

The observance of Nirjala Ekadashi vrata helps devotees escape the cycle of birth and death, attaining salvation. According to the Markandeya Purana and Vishnu Purana, this Ekadashi itself is a form of Lord Vishnu. Observing this vrata brings health, happiness, prosperity, and forgiveness for sins.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Legend

Bhima sought advice from the sage Vyasa, who advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi. By observing this single fast with full devotion and abstaining from food and water, Bhima could gain the spiritual benefits equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashi fasts in a year. This story highlights the significance and spiritual potency of Nirjala Ekadashi.