Nirjala Ekadshi 2024: Significance and benefits of fasting on this auspicious day

New Delhi: ‘Ekadshi’ is one of the most important day in the Hindu religion. It is said that whoever fasts on this particular day gets rid of all the sins from this life and their past life as well. The day is dedicated to lord Vishnu and if you fast on this day, you get the blessings of Lord Vishnu. All devotees who fast on this day properly and chant Lord Vishnu Mantra gets peace, prosperity and harmony.

What is ‘Nirjala Ekadshi’ and what is its significance? 

The significance of the ‘Ekadshi’ fast is described by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthir in Mahabharta. Lord Krishna said anyone who keeps this fast gets salvation and Moksha after passing on from this life. ‘Nirjala’ means no water so who ever observes the fast on ‘Nirjala Ekadshi’ has to observe the fast without water. So this fast is without food and water. You can have water the next day after the sunrise.

Observing ‘Nirjala Ekadshi’ fast is the toughest one as it falls on the most hottest month of the season.

How to fast on ‘Ekadshi’ ? 

You must get up early in the morning. Take a shower and take sankalp in front of Lord Vishnu that you will be observing the fast. You can eat fruits, milk, juices during fasting. Eating rice, non-veg, onion, garlic and alcohol is strictly prohibited on this day. You must also chant Lord Vishnu Mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya’. The day falls twice a month, so whoever decides to observe the fast, should observe on 2 days checking the Hindu calendar.

Devotees who are women and are having periods cannot observe this fast. If you are planning to keep the fast, must keep this thing in mind, the one who is fasting is not allowed to eat anything after sunrise. If you feel hungry you can eat fruits, milk curd etc but not food. The next day you have to check the time of ‘Paran’ and is only allowed to eat twice a day if you eat for the 3rd time you will not get the result of your fast.