Brahma Vaivarta Puranam describes the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyeshta. Maharishi Veda Vyasa narrates the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi to the King Bhima.
King Bhima requests Maharishi Veda Vyasa to illustrate the method of observance Nirjala Ekadashi. Bhima who sincerely wanted to lead a righteous life reveals his inability to fast on this auspicious day. He continued to disclose his helplessness on this circumstances, while His Brother and righteous King Yudhishtira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, His mother – Kunti Devi and Draupadi all were strict followers of Ekadashi and observe fast on the auspicious day of Ekadashi. And they also advise Bhima to follow the same.
He requests Maharishi Veda Vyasa to explain whether the charity and the worship of Lord Hari alone could bring any piousness on this day. Bhima wholeheartedly declared his willingness to do any kind of charity according to his capacity and worship Lord Keshava as prescribed rules. Maharishi explained that refrain from consuming grains on this auspicious day only could save from hellish torture. Bhima continued to expose his failure in observing fast. After hearing this Maharishi Veda Vyasa continued, during the era of Kali it is difficult to strictly follow any of the Vedic principles and Sacred Scriptures. Therefore, one can pursue only the essence of sacred scriptures without much difficulty. Maharishi Veda Vyasa advised Bhima the sublime facts which bring abundance of piety, as observing fasting on the day of Ekadashi on the wanning and the waxing period of the moon.
After listening to the strict instructions of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, it added the distress of Bhima. Maharishi Veda Vyasa explained the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi which falls on the month of Jyeshta, observance of Nirjala Ekadashi is equivalent to the observance of all the Ekadashis in a year. On this day of Nirjala Ekadashi, one should refrain from the consumption of food as well as water. Consumption of water on this day is equal to consumption of intoxicated drinks. Strict fast and abstain from drinking water on this day brings abundance of merits which includes all the piousness obtains by observance of all the Ekadashis in a year. On the day of Dwadashi, the worshiper should serve food to a Brahmin and give gold and water as alms.
Maharishi Veda Vyasa concluded whoever observe Nirjala Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion, abstaining from all pleasures, fasting and engaged in worship of Lord Vishnu by listening and chanting the glories of Lord Sriman Narayana would certainly attain the highest of the piousness, get relieved out of the sins and attains the piousness of observance of all the Ekadashis in a year.
Even though, Kali era had all the negative effects on the life of human being such as lack of moral values, disbelief in Vedic and spiritual principles etc.. By observing Nirjala Ekadashi one could attain the Abode of Lord Vishnu.
Even though, Kali era had all the negative effects on the life of human being such as lack of moral values, disbelief in Vedic and spiritual principles etc.. By observing Nirjala Ekadashi one could attain the Abode of Lord Vishnu.
All the Ekadashis are equally important and fasting on this day is imperative. On this day of Nirjala Ekadashi, intake of water should be strictly avoided. The piousness out of observing Nirjala Ekadashi includes visiting to all the holy places and taking holy dip in the sacred rivers. The observer of this Ekadashi need not face the servants of Lord Yama at the time of their death, they would definitely attain salvation. Whoever gives away cow and water to the needy and thirsty on this day would be liberated from all the sins.
After listening to the continuous sermonize of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, King Bhima determined to observe Nirjala Ekadashi and it came to known as Pandava Ekadashi /Bhima Ekadashi. All the sins accumulated like the size of Mount Meru would be trampled by observing this Ekadashi.
Lord Krishna declared that whoever listens and reads the glories of Nirjala Ekadashi would attain the Abode of Lord Vishnu. Whoever continued to observe Amavasya and offer oblations to forefathers during the time of Solar Eclipse, just listening to the glories would provide them with all the piousness of observance of this Ekadashi.
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