Nirjala Ekadashi (Pandav Bhim Ekadasi or Bhimsena Ekadashi)Vrat Katha(Story),Introduction,History & Facts(Equal to 24 Ekadashi Fasts),Puja Procedure

Nirjala Ekadashi (Pandav Bhim Ekadasi or Bhimsena Ekadashi)Vrat Katha(Story),Introduction,History & Facts(Equal to 24 Ekadashi Fasts),Puja Procedure

Introduction & Importance:

Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyestha in the Shukla paksha (June), therefore it is also called "Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi" or "Bhimsani Ekadashi" (Bhim sen, the seond Pandav Brother, had observed this difficult fast).

In 2010, Nirjala Ekadasi is observed on June 22.

Amongst the 24 Ekadashi's observed throughout the year, the fast (Vrat) observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi is considered to be the most beneficial, if one properly observes a fast on this day it is said to give the fruits of 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year. Complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. People observe strict fast and offer pooja to Lord Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. On the preceding day that is on the 10th lunar day, Sandhya (evening prayer) is performed and only one meal is taken.

Story:

Once upon a time Bhima (2nd of Pandava Brothers) heard the importance of Ekadashi Vrata from great sage Shri Vyasa and also that one must do Nirjala Vrata on the day. Hearing this he said to the Sage “O Highness, everyone in my family fasts on every Ekadashi according to prescribed rules and rituals and also ask me to do the same. But I cannot observe such an Ekadashi fasts as hunger becomes unbearable for me so I cannot fast on every Ekadashi. Please tell me about a Vrata which has the same effect as of all the Ekadashi fasts.” Sage Vyasa said to him “There is only one Vrata that can absolve the sin of eating on all other Ekadashi. That is the Nirjala Vrata on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month.” Bhimasena fasted on this day and didn’t consume water or food the whole day. That is why Nirjala Ekadashi is also called a Bhimsena Ekadashi.

When to start Ekadasi Fasting?

Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.

Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method

Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.

Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.

Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer

• A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
• Fruits
• Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
• Yellow bananas
• And other normal puja items