Essay on “Nirjala Ekadashi” Festial
In all, 24 Ekadashi fasts are observed in a year, but there are some Ekadashi, which are relatively of greater significance. Nirjala Ekadashi is one of these.
Nirjala Ekadashi’ comes in the Hindu month of Jyestha, the 11th day of ‘Sukla Paksh’ and comes sometime in the month of June. A complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. Both men and women observe a strict fast and offer puja to Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. On the preceding day ‘Sandhya’ is performed and only one meal is taken. In the evening Vishnu is worshipped holding some durva grass in the hand. The night is spent meditating and praying. On Ekadashis rice eating is totally prohibited.
According to the Indian mythology, Bhim, the son of Kunti, was a great gourmet. He did not like to observe fast on each ‘Ekadasi’. So his adviser thought that at least he should absolve of his sin and that it should be in total vrat.
