Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date, Tithi Time, Rituals, Significance
Posted on June 9, 2024
Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhimasena Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu fasting day observed by devotees seeking spiritual benefits and purification of the soul. Falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June), Nirjala Ekadashi is considered one of the most austere and revered Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024 Date: June 18, Tuesday.
Tithi Time: June 17 4:44 AM to June 18 6:25 AM.
The word “Nirjala” means “without water,” and as the name suggests, devotees fast without consuming food or water for a full 24 hours. This rigorous fast is believed to provide the combined spiritual benefits of all 24 Ekadashis observed throughout the year, making it especially significant for those who might have missed fasting on other Ekadashi days.
The legend associated with Nirjala Ekadashi centers around Bhima, the second Pandava brother in the Mahabharata. Known for his immense appetite, Bhima found it challenging to observe the regular Ekadashi fasts. Seeking a solution, he approached the sage Vyasa, who advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi with complete devotion, promising that it would bestow the virtues of observing all other Ekadashis.
On this day, devotees engage in various spiritual practices, including reading scriptures, chanting prayers, and visiting temples. The primary deity worshipped on this occasion is Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector in Hinduism. Many people also donate to charity, distribute food, and perform acts of kindness, believing that these deeds amplify the spiritual merits of the fast.
Nirjala Ekadashi is not just a test of physical endurance but also a practice of self-discipline and spiritual awakening. By abstaining from worldly pleasures and focusing on devotion, devotees aim to cleanse their minds and bodies, strengthen their faith, and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity and well-being.