Among the many Ekadashi fasts that Hindu tradition holds dear, the one that falls in the bright fortnight of the Jyeshtha month, Nirjala Ekadashi, is placed above all the rest. Religious belief says this single observance is so rewarding that keeping it earns merit equal to all the Ekadashis observed across an entire year. This year, the occasion is being marked today. It is also counted among the hardest fasts of the year, because the devotee neither eats grain nor drinks a single drop of water from sunrise until the next day's parana. It is this complete abstention from water that gives the day its name, Nirjala. The day is dedicated to the worship of Bhagwan Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi.
According to astrologer Pandit Deepak Sharma, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast should be kept with full ritual and a firm resolve. After a morning bath, one should meditate on Bhagwan Vishnu and take the vow of the fast. Spending the rest of the day remembering the lord's name, performing puja and singing bhajans and kirtans is considered auspicious. He explained that the scriptures say this fast frees a person from sins, brings peace of mind and spiritual progress, and increases happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life.
Why Yellow Offerings Please Bhagwan Vishnu
Belief holds that yellow is the colour dearest to Bhagwan Vishnu. That is why offering yellow flowers, bananas, mangoes, besan ladoos, saffron kheer or other yellow dishes is considered auspicious on this day. Devotees keeping the fast are advised to chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" as often as possible.
The Special Merit of Serving Water
One of the central messages of Nirjala Ekadashi is tied to water conservation and the service of offering water. Devotees who themselves give up water spend this day handing out cool water, sherbet and sweetened drinks to passersby. Religious belief holds that giving water to thirsty people in the searing heat brings merit equal to a great act of charity.
Charity Multiplies the Fast's Reward
The scriptures attach special importance to giving grain, clothes, water vessels, umbrellas, hand fans and dakshina to the needy on this day. Charity offered with devotion and a spirit of service is said to be deeply pleasing to Bhagwan Vishnu, multiplying the reward of the fast many times over. Religious scholars say Nirjala Ekadashi is not merely a festival of fasting, but a spiritual celebration that teaches the value of restraint, service, charity and water.
