As Nirjala Vrat means “without water”, Nirjala Ekadashi fast is observed without consuming any food or liquid. Thus, it is considered to be the most difficult of all Ekadashi fasts. It is the most important of the twenty-four Ekadashis in a year.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Date
According to Panchang Ekadashi, Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month will start on June 17 at 4:43 am and will last till 6:24 am on June 18. Nirjala Ekadashi fast is on Tuesday, June 18.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Significance
The first and second of every month have Ekadashi Tithi dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is celebrated with rituals on Ekadashi. According to Vedic literature, every Ekadashi is an important auspicious day honoring the eternal glory and grandeur of the Supreme, who is the sustaining power of the universe.
Nirjala Ekadashi: Method of Worship
On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi you need to wake up before sunrise. Take a bath, wear clean clothes and use a mat or towel to clean the place for worship. Light a lamp and some incense sticks, then seek blessings from Lord Vishnu to begin the puja.
After this, offer flowers, water, Tulsi leaves, fruits, sweets and other things liked by Lord Vishnu to the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or any holy name with devotion, such as Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevay.
After the puja, the Tulsi plant is worshipped, which is worshipped on Ekadashi. You should recite Vishnu Sahasranama and offer flowers.
You must abstain from eating and drinking during the day and night as it is a complete fast without water. Perform aarti to end the evening puja. Eat a little food the next day in the evening to break your fast.
If for some reason one is unable to break the fast the next day, the person observing the fast should drink water to indicate that his fast has been broken and then eat whenever it is convenient. It is customary to offer food as prasad to Lord Vishnu before eating.
