Nirjala Ekadashi, observed on June 18, 2024, is a strict fast observed by Hindus. In this excerpt, we look at five simple measures you can adopt during this fast to enhance your spiritual experience and receive more blessings.
The powerful rituals of Nirjala Ekadasi | Photo by Julian Kumar/Stone/Getty Images
Mumbai: In Hinduism, Nirjala Ekadasi is a day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. There are two Ekadasi days in each month, totalling 24 days in a year. Nirjala Ekadasi falls on Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha and is considered one of the most powerful and important Ekadasis of the year. “Nirjala” means “without water” and devotees observe fasting on this day. Without ingesting food Or water.
According to religious beliefs, Nirjala Ekadasi fasting confers the merit of observing all 24 Ekadasis in a year.This fast is considered to be the strictest of the Ekadasi fasts and is considered to be very auspicious.
On Nirjala Ekadasi, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. To get free from sins, one has to follow the prescribed rituals of Nirjala Ekadasi. By fasting only on Nirjala Ekadasi, one gains the merit that can be obtained by observing all the Ekadasis in a year.
Nirjala Ekadashi will be celebrated on June 18, 2024. Here are some practices that can be performed on this day to please Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Things to do on Nirjala Ekadashi
- After worshipping Lord Vishnu as per the prescribed rituals on Nirjala Ekadashi, sandalwood paste is applied on the forehead. The mantra “Om Aniruddhaya Namah” is repeated 108 times. This practice is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.
- Nirjala Ekadashi is a golden opportunity to overcome all the difficulties in life. Panjiri Offering (sweet dishes) to Lord Vishnu is considered very auspicious. Panjiri When offered to God, it helps in overcoming difficulties in life. It is not recommended to pluck Tulsi leaves on the day of Ekadasi.
- On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, light 11 lamps using pure cow ghee near the Tulsi plant in your home. Make 11 pilgrimages around the Tulsi plant. This practice is considered very auspicious.
- If there are doshas (malefic influences) in one’s horoscope, it is very auspicious and meritorious to donate items like water, juice, yellow fruits, clothes, mangoes, watermelon, sugar etc. to Brahmins or to those in need on Nirjala Ekadashi.
- On the day of Nirjala Ekadasi or the entire day of fasting, one worships Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi while chanting the mantra “Om Namo Vasudevaya Namah”, which is believed to fulfil wishes.
Besides fasting, Nirjala Ekadasi is also a day of great spiritual importance and practices that are believed to bring blessings and prosperity in one’s life.
