Bhima Nirjala Ekadasi Date - Bhim Agiyaras in Gujarat India - Fast Details

Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day. The ekadashi derives its name from the water - less means Nir-jala fast observed on this day. It is considered as the most sober and hence, most sacred of ekadashis. If observed religiously, it is said the most rewarding and granting the good value gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year.

Bhim Agiyaras 2018 Date: 23rd June, 2018

Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. This name is derived from Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

While on other ekadashis moderation of food is observed, on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is observed, without taking even water. The water-less fast is considered extremely difficult to follow as the day falls in the hot Indian summer and thus, it is deemed as very pious austerity.The fast is observed 24 hours from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. Some observes it from sunrise to sunset.

On the day before Nirjala Ekadashi, the devotee do the evening prayer (Sandhyavandanam) and takes only one meal, without rice - as rice eating is prohibited. The devotee is however permitted to have a single tiny drop of water as part of the Achamana purification ritual. Bhim Agiyaras 2016 will be observe on 16 June…

Nirjala Ekadashi’s Significance:

As per Hindu mythology, Nirjala Ekadashi is a form of God Vishnu and helps in washing away all sins. Also, the devotees are blessed by Lord Vishnu and granted all the happiness, prosperity and a peaceful life.

It is also believed that by observing Nirjala Ekadashi fast one gains salvation (moksha) as the person at the time of death is not judged by Yama (God of Death). The one who observes fast is taken by the messengers of Vishnu to Vaikuntha, an abode of Vishnu after death.