Get ready for the strictest of Ekadasi fasts, Nirjala Ekadasi 2024. In this article, we will discuss the date (18th June), the Vrat Vidhi (ritual) for observing the fast, and the spiritual significance of Nirjala Ekadasi. Discover its benefits and celebrate this sacred occasion for peace of mind and spiritual growth.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2024: Everything you need to know – Dates, Fasting and more (Photo Credit: Pinterest)
Mumbai: In Hinduism, the observance of Ekadasi has a special significance. While Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ekadasi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day will grant all your wishes. A total of 24 Ekadasis are observed in a year, the most important of which is Nirjala Ekadasi. As per tradition, observing Nirjala Ekadasi will give you the benefits of all the 24 Ekadasis combined.
Nirjala Ekadashi Fast
Fasting on Nirjala Ekadasi involves abstaining completely from water. This makes the fast quite difficult. Nirjala Ekadasi has strict rules in addition to fasting. If you are planning to do this fast, it is important to know the exact procedure and timing of breaking the fast. Also, there are some things you should keep in mind before ending your fast.
Nirjala Ekadashi Date and Time 2024
As per the Hindu calendar, Ekadasi tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of Jyeshtha month will begin at 4:43 am on June 17 and end at 6:24 am on June 18. Hence, Nirjala Ekadasi will be celebrated on Monday, June 18, 2024.
When breaking the fast on Ekadasi, the end of Dwadasi tithi should be taken into consideration.
It is customary to break the fast before Dwadasi Tithi. Hence, breaking the fast during Hari Vasara is prohibited. Hari Vasara occurs between Ekadasi and Dwadasi and is considered inauspicious for fasting.
Nirjala Ekadasi gives the combined benefits of 24 fasts to those who have not observed all the 24 fasts throughout the year. It is believed that observing the fast of Nirjala Ekadasi gives the benefits of all the other fasts and also forgives one of the sins.
Timing of breaking the fast on Nirjala Ekadashi
The Nirjala Ekadashi fast for 2024 can be broken on Wednesday, June 19, between 5:24 am and 7:28 am.
How to Break the Nirjala Ekadashi Fast
The fast or parana on Nirjala Ekadasi should be broken as per prescribed rituals.
- On Parana day, people wake up before sunrise, take a bath, put on clean clothes and offer water to the sun god Surya.
- Before breaking the fast, worship Lord Vishnu by chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
- If you make any mistake while fasting, apologize to Lord Vishnu.
- Before breaking their fast, they offer water to the sun and worship Lord Vishnu.
- After breaking the fast, rice is eaten as the first meal, as rice is considered auspicious on this day.
- In addition to rice, you can also eat other foods afterwards.
- After breaking their fast, they can also donate rice or money to those in need.
Rules for Observing Nirjala Ekadashi
During the Nirjara Ekadasi fast, neither food nor water is consumed, hence the name “Nirjara” (without water). The fast is broken after sunrise the next morning. It is essential to break the fast before the end of Dwadasi Tithi (the 12th day of the lunar fortnight). If Dwadasi ends before sunrise, the fast should be broken after sunrise. In the Hindu tradition, not breaking the fast within the Dwadasi period is considered sinful.
As devotees prepare to celebrate Nirjala Ekadashi this year, they seek the blessings and grace of Lord Vishnu for a fulfilling spiritual year.
