Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Legends of Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Once, Shaunaka and eighty-eight thousand other sages enjoyed the uplifting and sin-destroying tales of Ekadashis with great devotion. Now, everyone requested to hear the story of the Ekadashi on the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. Then, Suta Ji said - Once, Bhimsena asked Maharishi Vyasa - "O Pitamaha! My brother Yudhishthira, Mata Kunti, Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva observe fast on Ekadashi. They also urged me not to eat food on Ekadashi. I told them that I can worship God with devotion and give donations, but I can't stay hungry."

Listening to this, Maharishi Vyasa said, "O Bhimsen! They are correct. It is stated in the scriptures that one should not consume food on Ekadashi. If you consider hell as the worst and heaven as the best, then avoid eating food on both Ekadashis of each month."

On listening to Maharishi Vyasa's words, Bhimsen said, "O Grandfather, I have already told you that I cannot stay without food for even one meal, let alone the whole day. My stomach contains a fire that is only quenched by consuming a lot of food. If I try, I can observe the fast on one Ekadashi in a year, so please suggest one such fast that will lead me to heaven."

Hearing Bhimsen's plea, Vyasa Ji said, "O son! Great sages and seers have created many scriptures. If humans follow them in the Kali Yuga, they will surely attain liberation. These require very little expenditure. The essence of these Puranas is that one should observe fast on both the Ekadashis of each month to attain heaven."

Maharishi Vyasa further explained, "O son of Vayu! The Ekadashi that falls between Vrishabha Sankranti and Mithuna Sankranti in the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month should be observed as a Nirjala fast i.e. fasting without water. During this fast, if water enters the mouth while bathing or performing Achamana, it is not considered a fault, but more than 6 Masha (a small quantity) of water should not be consumed in Achamana. This little amount of water purifies the body. Consuming more than 6 Masha of water in Achamana is akin to consuming alcohol. One should not eat food on this day, as it nullifies the fast. If a person abstains from water from sunrise to sunset, they attain the merit of twelve Ekadashis. On Dwadashi, one should wake up before sunrise and offer food to hungry Brahmins before having food.

O Bhimsen! The Lord Himself told me that the merit of this Ekadashi is equivalent to that of all pilgrimages and donations. Fasting without water for one day frees a person from sins. Those who observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast do not see the fearsome Yamadutas i.e. messengers of Yama, the god of death at the time of death, but instead, the messengers of Lord Hari come from heaven to take them on a Pushpaka Vimana to heaven. The Nirjala Ekadashi fast is the best in the world. Therefore, one should diligently observe this fast. On this day, one should chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.' One should also donate a cow on this day. This Ekadashi is also known as Bhimaseni or Pandava Ekadashi. Before observing the Nirjala fast, one should worship the Lord and pray, "O Lord! Today, I observe the Nirjala fast and will eat food the next day. I will observe this fast with devotion. May all my sins be destroyed." On this day, one should donate a pot filled with water, covered with a cloth and accompanied by gold to a worthy person. Those who bathe and perform penance during this fast receive the merit of donating crores of gold coins. The merit of performing Yajnas and Homas on this day is beyond description. The merit of observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast leads one to the abode of Lord Vishnu. Those who eat food on this day are considered Chandals and end up in hell. Even those guilty of killing a Brahmin, consuming alcohol, stealing, envying their teacher or lying attain heaven by observing this fast.

O Arjuna! Those men and women who observe this fast with devotion should first worship Lord Vishnu and then donate a cow. On this day, one should give alms to Brahmins. On Nirjala day, one should donate food, clothes, umbrellas, etc. Those who lovingly listen to and read this story also become eligible for heaven."

Synopsis (Katha-Saar)

One should never hide their weaknesses from their mentors and family elders. Devotees should trust them and share their troubles so that they can provide suitable solutions. One should follow the solutions with faith and trust.