ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NIRJALA EKADASHI

Date and time of Nirjala Ekadashi 2022

The Nirjala Ekadashi falls during the Shukla Paksha of Jayeshtha month usually around May or June. This
year the Nirjala Ekadashi fasting will be observed on Friday, June 10 2022.

Ekadashi is one of the spiritual practices followed by sages since time immemorial. As per the Hindu
scripture, the day is devoted to lord Vishnu. Devotees who choose to fast on Ekadashi are considered to
get rid of negative influences and are blessed with happiness and peace of mind. Nirjala Ekadashi is the
toughest among all other Ekadashi fasting owing to the strict rules that one needs to follow to complete
the fast.

Nirjala Ekadashi is famously known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi. It is believed that one who
is unable to fast on any other Ekadashi can make it up for all 21 Ekadashi by fasting on the Nirjala
Ekadashi day.

The story behind Nirjala Ekadashi

As we all know Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhima Ekadashi and it is because of the famous legend
Bhimsen. Bhimsen was the second Pandava brother and a voracious eater. He couldn’t control his strong
appetite for food that we missed fasting on the Ekadashi. Except him, all other Pandavas and Drapadi
used to observe all Ekadashi fasts. Bhima was disturbed as he dishonored Lord Vishnu. He met
Maharishi Vyasa to find a solution. Sage Vyasa asked Bhima to observe the only Nirjala Fasting to
compensate for not observing all Ekadashi fasting in a year.
Since then it is believed that one who mistakenly or unintentionally missed Ekadashi fasting during the
year can make it up for it by fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi.

Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is the most significant Ekadashi out of all twenty four Ekadashis that occur in a year. A
person who observes fast on this day is considered to have bathed thousands of time in the holy River
Ganga. It is also considered equal to feeding cows thousands of time. The purpose of Ekadashi fasting is
to please God and get rid of any negative energies which is similar to that of feeding cows or bathing in
Holy River Ganga.

All about Ekadashi fasting

Ekadashi is all about spiritual cleansing. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ekdashi fasting is known for purifying
soul of a human being and preparing him/her towards attaining salvation. Since the most important
purpose of human life is to attain Moksha, this fast is believed to prepare you for it.

There are 3 ways of Following Ekadashi

1. Falahari Ekadashi: In this type of Fasting, devotees are allowed to eat only fruits and milk.
2. Sajala Ekadashi: The devotees are expected to pass the entire day on water and juice
3. Nirjala Ekadashi: This is the toughest form of Ekadashi fasting where devotees are expected to
pass the entire day without eating or drinking anything at all.

Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting

Fasting is the phenomenon of purifying one’s mind, body and soul. This act also finds relevance in the
scientific world of metabolism and detoxifying.
Here are a few benefits of Ekadashi Fasting:
1. It imparts mental peace and stability.
2. It cleanses your mind, body and soul.
3. Keeps you away from any negative energy.
4. Besides cleansing your soul, it detoxifies toxins out of your body.
5. Your body can feel energetic and light due to fasting.
6. It helps building your stamina.