Why do we fast on Nirjala Ekadashi?
The Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is called Nirjala Ekadashi. On this date, fasting is done by staying without water, hence the name “nirjala”, meaning waterless. Vyas ji told Bhima to observe fast on Nirjala Ekadashi by abandoning food and water. By doing this one gets the fruits of all Ekadashi fasts.
Can we drink water on Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi Nirjala translates to ‘without water’. The fast on this Ekadashi is observed for 24 hours without drinking water starting from the sunrise of the Ekadashi to the next morning. One evening before this Ekadashi, the people who do the fast offer a prayer and then eat just once in the day.
What if you miss Ekadashi?
If devotees accidentally break the fast on Ekadasi, they should observe fasting on the following day. The scriptures also emphatically declare that one should avoid sleeping on the day and on the night of Ekadasi, as well as on the day of Dvadasi, taking rest only at the night of Dvadasi.
How can we observe Nirjala Ekadashi fast?
Nirjala Ekadashi fasting rules
- Wake up early, preferably at Brahma Muhurat (two hours before sunrise).
- Take a bath and wear fresh/clean clothes.
- Do Dhyana (Meditation), followed by Sankalpa (take a pledge that you would observe the fast sincerely and with utmost devotion).
- Maintain celibacy.
Can we wash our hair on Nirjala ekadashi?
Those who are observing fast on Kamika Ekadashi should not eat grains. You should not get a haircut on Kamika Ekadashi day. Many women do not wash their hair as well on Kamika Ekadashi.
Can we sleep during Nirjala ekadashi?
Devotees stay up all night and pray to Lord Vishnu. This is considered to be extremely beneficial and said to bring about positive changes in one’s life. Sleeping is prohibited because it adversely affects the human system.
What should we not do on Nirjala ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most important Ekadashi dedicated to the worship of Vishnu. As the name suggests, one must refrain from consuming even water while fasting, but some devotees avoid eating food grains. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a fast on the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight twice a month.
What happened on Nirjala ekadashi?
Bhima, a lover of food, wanted to observe all ekadashi fasts, but could not control his hunger. The sage advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, when for one day in the year, he should observe an absolute fast. Bhima attained the virtue of all 24 ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.
Can I brush on Nirjala ekadashi?
In the morning of Ekadasi one should not brush one’s teeth [together with shaving this is to avoid bleeding which is impure], but should rather flush the mouth twelve times with water. Regardless, the tongue should be scraped clean. After completing bath and morning worship, one should declare the vrata.
Can I sleep in ekadashi?
Sleeping is prohibited because it adversely affects the human system. 2. As per popular belief, by observing fast on Ekadashis, one can counteract the negative influence that the influence of the moon generates. Fasting helps the mind to gain better meditation capacity.
What is Nirjala Upvas?
Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyestha (May/June). This ekadashi derives its name from the water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day. It is considered to be the most austere and hence the most sacred of all 24 Ekadashis.
What is Nirjala Ekadashi and how is it observed?
Nir-jala literally means without water and Nirjala Ekadashi fasting is observed by not consuming any water, nor food, throughout the day. It goes without saying that it is also the most rewarding of all Ekadashi fasts. Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day or ekadashi of the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha .
How to observe Ekadashi without water?
The real way to observe Ekadashi is to fast completely without even taking water. This is called nirjala fast. If you cannot observe a nirjala fast, you can take just water. If you cannot do that, you can also take a little fruit and milk.
Can we eat meat on Nirjala Ekadashi without water?
Food and water must not be touched during the fasting hours. However, those who cannot observe Nirjala Ekadashi (Ekadashi without water) can intake fruit and milk. Intake of food grains, meat, and fish is strictly prohibited.
What is the meaning of Nirjala fast?
Nirjala means ‘without water.’ Staunch Vishnu devotees who undertake this fast does not drink water while fasting on the day. No food is also consumed on the day. The fast begins on Ekadasi sunrise and ends on next day (Dwadasi) sunrise.