Falling in the peak of summer heat, Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as the hardest and the grandest of all the Ekadashis through the year. On this day devotees neither eat grain nor drink a single drop of water. The rule runs from sunrise on one day to sunrise on the next, and through this entire stretch not even water is consumed. It is believed that keeping this one fast with full discipline brings the combined merit of every Ekadashi fast of the year at once. What stands out is that giving is held to be just as important as fasting on this day, and the merit earned from a donation made on Nirjala Ekadashi is said to be inexhaustible. That naturally raises the question of what one should give and at what time the giving is most fruitful.
What to Donate on Nirjala Ekadashi
At the top of the list sit things linked to water, because when you yourself are fasting while parched, quenching another person's thirst is considered the greatest act of merit.
- An earthen pot filled with water: The giving of water carries the most weight on Nirjala Ekadashi. Offering a new clay pot to a Brahmin or a needy person is considered auspicious. You may also set up a water stall for passersby or serve them sweet sharbat.
- Seasonal fruit: Donating fruit is also held to be highly meritorious on this day. Seasonal fruits such as watermelon, muskmelon and mango can be given. It is believed this brings happiness and prosperity to the home.
- An umbrella and a hand fan: Since the fast falls during fierce heat, giving the needy an umbrella and a hand fan is seen as deeply auspicious. It is said to draw the boundless grace of Lord Vishnu.
- Sattu, jaggery and gram: On this Ekadashi, donating sattu, gram and jaggery is believed to free one from ancestral afflictions and to increase prosperity at home.
- Clothes and footwear: Giving cotton clothes and slippers to travellers is also counted as a great act of merit, and is believed to bring divine grace.
The Right Time to Give
While donations may be made any time from sunrise on Ekadashi until the breaking of the fast on the Dwadashi tithi, those who wish to give during the most auspicious windows should keep these slots in mind.
- June 25, from 05:25 AM to 10:30 AM
- June 25, from 05:30 PM until sunset
- June 26, between 05:25 and 08:13 AM
The information given here is based on religious belief and popular tradition. It has no scientific proof.
