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Nirjala Ekadashi
by Prof. P. K. Arya
Ekadashi of shukla paksha of Jyestha month of Hindi calendar is known as Nirjala ekadashi. On this day, drinking water is prohibited and this is why it is known as Nirjala (No-water) ekadashi (11th day). Of the 24 ekdashis of the entire year, this ekadashi is considered to be the best one. If one keeps vrata on this day then he will get the benefit of all the 24 ekadashis.
Rule : Both male and female should do this vrata. Water is prohibited but one can take fruits and milk. Worshipping God Vishnu on this day is considered to be especially fruitful. On this day one should recite ‘Ohm Namo Bhagwate Basudevay’ and donate cows, clothes, umbrella and fruits.
Story : Once Saint Vyas visited the place of Pandvas. Bhim told the saint that Yudhisthir, Arjun, Nakul, Sahdev, Draupadi and mother Kunti-all of them keep ekadashi vrata and they also ask me to do the same. But I cannot live without eating. Therefore, tell me the way through which I can avoid the pain of fasting on 24 ekadashis. Saint Vyas knew that in Bhim’s stomach there was a fire known as ‘Brik’. Therefore, his stomach always craves for more food even after eating. Saint Vyas suggested him to keep Jyestha Shukla Ekadashi. This vrata will give him the benefit of all the ekadashis. He suggested him to keep this vrata for the entire life. Bhim performed this vrata with great courage and by the morning he fainted. Then Pandavas brought him to consciousness by offering Ganga-water, tulsi charnamrit prasad. That is why this vrata is also known as Bhimsen-ekadashi.
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