Nirjala Ekadashi 2022

Out of all the 24 Ekadashis in a year, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered to be the most sacred.This holiest Hindu fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th lunar day (or Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight in the month of Jyeshtha, as per traditional Hindu calendar.

Let’s look at the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi and the legend behind it.

When is Nirjala Ekadashi in 2022 ?

Nirjala Ekadashi in 2022 is on Saturday, June 11, 2022

Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 07:25 AM on Jun 10, 2022

Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 05:45 AM on Jun 11, 2022

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi – Prernamurti Bharti Shriji

Nirjala means water-less or without water and the fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi is observed without water or fruits. Due to its strict fasting rules, Nirjala Ekadashi fast is the toughest amongst all Ekadashi fasts. However, if observed religiously, it is one of the most rewarding occasions. Staunch Vishnu devotees observe Nirjala Ekadashi fast, and they do not drink water or consume any food while fasting on this day.

The fast begins on the sunrise of Ekadashi day and ends on the next day’s (Dwadashi) sunrise. It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi is also equal to going on pilgrimage. People believe that observers of this fast, after death, are received by messengers from Vaikunta, abode of Vishnu and not by Yama, the God of death.

Those who are not able to observe other Ekadashi fasts in a year must observe fast on Nirjala Ekadashi. It is believed that observing fast on Nirjala Ekadashi bestows the blessings and benefits of all twenty four Ekadashi fasts in a year.

Listen to the story of Nirjala Ekadashi here - 

The Legend of Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Bhimseni or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi, based on the legend of Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers. Based on the story from Brahmavaivarta Purana, it is said that Bhima wanted to observe all ekadashi fasts, but being a lover of food, he could not control his hunger. His entire family of four brothers, Yudhishthir, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahadeva, along with their wife Draupadi and mother Kunti, used to observe the Ekadashi fasts without fail. He was scared of dishonoring Lord Vishnu, for whom the fast is observed, hence, he approached sage Vyasa for a solution. Sage Vyasa advised Bhima to observe Nirjala Ekadashi vrat once a year and this way he can attain the virtue of all 24 Ekadashis. 

Devotees who are unable to observe all twenty fours Ekadashi fasts in a year should observe at least Nirjala Ekadashi fast as fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi gives fruits  of observing twenty four Ekadashi fasts in a year.

Benefits of fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi- Body Servicing Day

The way you service your car in a month or two and get it repaired and maintained similarly when you fast once in 15 days your body gets serviced , new cells are developed preventing accumulation of cells causing dangerous disease like cancer. Thus, Ekadashi vrat is also known as Body Servicing Day by Satprerna.  In Japan this method of natural regeneration of new cells by fasting is known as Autophagy.

Benefits-

● When the seasons change, Ayurveda recommends cleaning the stomach, intestines, and kidneys, as well as resting the entire digestive system. This is due to the body's fluctuating tridoshas (kapha, pitta, and vaata) throughout each season. During the summer, kapha relaxes and our digestion slows. It's time to tidy this up. So, fasting helps to a great extent in this.

● Nirjala ekadashi is a significant strategy for preventing premature aging, sickness, and promoting life extension.

● Stem cells direct the body's ability to self-regenerate and self-rejuvenate. As we age, the number of stem cells in our bodies decreases. Nirjala vrat causes an increase in stem cell release into the blood, which has been scientifically proven. The body begins a cleansing process during Nirjala vrat, ridding itself of old and sick cells.

● Fasting in this way on a regular basis can help you live longer, look younger, and feel better

● So, Nirjala Ekadashi fast helps to attain physical as well as spiritual benefits.

Wish you a very happy Nirjala Ekadashi 2022!

How will you spend your Nirjala Ekadashi day? Do share with us!