Nirjala Ekadasi 14 June 2008

[Guest guest]

namo narayana

 

Respected Devotees,

Please read the following message from another

(krishnabhagawan) regading the upcoming ekadasi on saturday, let us

all use this important day to uplift ourselves in His service

 

Nirjala Ekadasi, also known as Pandava or Bhim Ekadasi, occurs during

the waxing phase of moon in the month of Jyestha (May – June). The

greatness of this Ekadasi was explained to Bhima, the second Pandava

brother, by sage Vyasa. Hence the Ekadasi is also referred as Pandav

or Bhim Ekadasi. In 2008, the date of Nirjala Ekadashi is June 14.

 

The significance of Nirjala Ekadasi is mentioned in the Mahabharata

and Padma Purana. Draupadi and the Pandavas, except for Bhima, used

to observe all the Ekadasis. Bhima, who was a voracious eater, could

not bear hunger and used to skip the fasting.

 

Now, Bhima wanted to observe fast and also eat!! So he enquired to

Sage Vyasa to find a way out. But since eating and fasting was

impossible, sage Vyasa told about Nirjala Ekadasi, which has all the

benefits of observing twenty four ekadasis.

 

Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the strictest fast in Hindu religion and

among all Ekadasis. 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 sunrise.

 

It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi provides the benefit

of all the other Ekadashis observed in a year. Observing it is also

equal to going on pilgrimage. Above all upon death, people who have

observed Nirjala Ekadashi are received by messengers from Vaikunta

and not by Yama, the god of death.

 

It is strictly advised by elders and doctors that those people having

poor health condition (diseases), those undertaking medicines,

pregnant women and those who have just delivered baby should not

attempt to observe Nirjala Ekadasi. One should never torture the body

in the name of customs and religious traditions.

 

For those who cannot observe this Nirjala Ekadasi,there are several

other ways of observing it like donating food and clothes to the

needy. Please do consult your own spiritual masters also, before

observing this Ekadasi, if you have some doubts.