Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat 2024: Date, Significance And How To Observe Fast – News18
Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 17.
On Nirjala Ekadashi, a person who wishes to observe the fasting must wake up in the early morning also known as Brahma Muhurat and take a bath.
In the Hindu religion, the Ekadashi fast holds a special significance. According to the Hindu Calendar, usually, 2 Ekadashi fasts are observed each month. In the Adhik Maas month, three Ekadashi fasts are observed. In total, 25 Ekadashi fasts are observed in a year.
Among these, the Ekadashi that is observed on Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha holds a special importance. It is known as Nirjala Ekadashi. According to some religious stories of Hinduism, the five Pandava brothers, sons of Kunti, also observed this fast. Following the fast, they regained their kingdom and since then this Ekadashi is believed to be auspicious.
Famous astrologer Pandit Sanjay Upadhyay from Kashi explained that Bhima, the second son of Kunti observed this fast which was advised by Vyas ji. Bhima usually felt hungry easily so he observed only one fast in a year. On that day he stayed without water or food, which is why this fast holds a special significance. As a result, the Pandavas regained the holy book of their own Kingdom.
It is often said that people who are unable to observe all the Ekadashi fasts throughout the year can observe this Nirjala Ekadashi without consuming food or water and receive the blessings of the other 24 Ekadashi days. This Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most auspicious Ekadashi of all.
Know the date of the Nirjala Ekadashi
According to the Hindu Calendar, the auspicious Ekadashi tithi will start at 2:54 AM on Sunday, June 16 and will stay for the whole day on Monday. Hence, this year’s Nirjala Ekadashi fast is set to be observed on Monday, June 17.
How to Observe the Fast?
On this auspicious day, a person who wishes to observe the fasting must wake up in the early morning also known as Brahma Muhurat and take a bath. After that, start the day with meditation in the name of Lord Vishnu. Then take a vow and start the fast. This fast is considered the most difficult one as it is observed during the Jyeshtha Month when the temperature remains high.
