Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi occurs on Jeth Sud 11. Its vrat is described in detail in the Mahabharat and the Padma Puran. This Ekadashi is considered the most powerful and spiritually rewarding among all Ekadashi vrats.
Bhim once approached Vyasji with deep concern. He said, “O Muniraj, my mother Kunti, my brothers, Draupadi, and everyone in our family observe Ekadashi by fasting completely, without food or water. But I cannot bear hunger even for a moment. Please show me a way where I can follow Ekadashi yet still be able to eat.”
Acharya Vyasji replied, “O Bhim, the only way for you is to observe Nirjala Ekadashi. On this day, one must abstain from food and water completely—no fruits, no nuts, no vegetation. The vrat begins at sunrise and continues until sunrise the next day.
“One must spend the entire day in devotion, meditation, kirtan, and remembrance of God. After remaining awake in the night for jaagran, the vrat must be concluded the next morning with a bath and by donating gold, food, and water to brahmins.”
Vyasji continued, “O Bhim, observing this vrat gives immense spiritual merit. It equals the fruit of visiting all holy pilgrimage places. It removes fear of Yamdutts and grants liberation. Although hunger will be painful, the vrat purifies the senses and directs them toward devotion to God.”
After hearing this divine explanation, Bhim and the other Pandavas observed the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat with full devotion and sincerity toward Almighty God.