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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Significance ,Legend and History of Sheetala Ashtami Vrat

Significance of Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Mata is known to cure ailments such as chicken-pox and small pox and measles. The Goddess seated on a donkey is seen holding neem leaves, broom, soup and a pot. Her magnificence has been mentioned in several religious scriptures. In the Skanda Purana, the benefit of worshipping Goddess Sheetala has been explained in details including Sheetala Mata Stotra or Sheetalashtak which was written by Lord Shiva. The day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Sheetala. By worshipping the Goddess, devotees can prevent the outbreak of epidemic diseases, especially among children.

Legend of Sheetala Ashtami

A king named Indralumna was ruling Hasthinapur. His daughter Shubhakari was married to prince Gunvan. Once, the king invited them to observe Sheetal Ashtami. The couple left for a lake and performed the vrat with devotion. Pleased with their dedication, Goddess Sheetala appeared before them and granted a boon to Shuhbakari. On their way back, Shubhakari saw a family of priest grieving over the death of the priest due to snakebite. Shubhakari used the boon to revive the priest from death. Locals realised the power of the Sheetal Ashtami vrat, and they too observe the vrat with great faith.

History of Sheetala Ashtami

One story says Goddess Durga has incarnated as little Katyayani, the daughter of sage Katyayan to destroy all arrogant evil demonic forces of the world, in her real form as Durga, she killed many demons that were sent by Kaalkeya.

A demon named Jwarasur, the demon of fever, started spreading incurable diseases to Katyayani's childhood friends, such as cholera, dysentery, measles, smallpox etc. Katyayani cured the diseases of some of her friends. To relieve the world from all fevers and diseases, Katyayani assumed the form of Shitala Devi. Each of her four hands held a short broom, winnowing fan, jar of cooling water and a drinking cup. With her power, she cured all the children's diseases. Katyayani then requests her friend, Batuk to go out and confront the demon Jwarasur. A battle ensued between the young Batuk and demon Jwarasur. Jwarasur succeeds in defeating Batuk. Then, Batuk, lying dead, magically faded into dust. Jwarasur was shocked that Batuk disappeared and wondered where he went. Then, what he doesn't know that Batuk has assumed the form of an awful male figure. This person was three-eyed and had four arms. He held a battle-axe, sword, trident and demon head. He was pitch-black in color. His hair was flowing. Eyes blazed with fury. This figure wore a tiger-skin and a garland of skulls. Batuk assumed the form of Lord Shiva's ferocious form, the terrible Bhairav. Bhairav reprimands Jwarasur and tells him that he is the servant of Goddess Durga (Katyayani). A long discussion ensued but then converted into battle. Jwarasur created many demons from his powers but Bhairav managed to destroy all of them. Finally, Bhairav wrestled with Jwarasur and killed him with his trident.

Amalaki Ekadashi | About Amalaki Ekadashi | Legend | Rituals | Significance

About Amalaki Ekadashi

Amalaki Ekadashi is primarily observed in India, specifically in the state of Maharashtra. The day also marks the beginning of the main celebrations of the festival of Holi.Amalakhi Ekadashi celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing phase of te moon, in the Hindu mnth Phalgun that falls in the month of February march.Amalaki Ekadashi falls between Maha Shivaratri and Holi.Amalaki Ekadashi also known as ‘Amalaka Ekadashi’.

The main attraction or the ritual of the festival is worshiping Amala Tree and Lord Vishnu. The day starts with ritual bath followed by prayers. Some devote observe a day-long fast and pray for prosperity, wealth, and health. The dates of Amalaki Ekadashi vary every year because of the fact that it is based on Hindu calendar and Hindu calendars are based on the solar cycle.

Legend of Amalaki Ekadashi

According to one of the mythological inscriptions, King Chitrasena along with his followers too had observed this fast . During one of his hunting experiences, the mighty king got captured by a group of asuras (demons) who never relented to release him. However, they were successfully destroyed after a divine power emerged right from the body of King Chitrasena to which everyone remained aghast and speechless. After getting back to his conscious self, the king learned from Akashvani that it was because of the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat that he got protected.

Rituals Of Amalaki Ekadashi

Person who is observing Ekadashi fast, after refreshing himself should offer water to Amla tree. The Amla tree should be worshiped with incense, sandalwood, roli, flowers etc. followed by an offering of meal to Brahmins underneath the Amla tree.

Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi

The importance of Vaishnava Amalaki Ekadashi is described in the religious scriptures like ‘Brahmanda Purana’ as a form of conversation between King Yudhishthira and Lord Sri Krishna. This day is of great significance for Lord Vishnu followers as it is believed that be observing Vaishnava Amalaki Ekadashi, devotees attain ‘moksha’ and go straight to ‘Vaikunth’ the eternal heaven. The Vaishnava Amalaki Ekadashi vrat is also undertaken for increasing spiritual development.

Related Links

Amalaki Ekadashi Date,Pooja timing,Parna and Shubh Muhurt of Year 2017 to 2022

Amalakhi ekadashi Special Whats app, Facebook Sms,Quotes,Wishes,Greetings,Gif Animated Pictures,scraps

Paush Purnima or Shakambari Jayanti | About Paush Purnima | Significance | Legend and Rituals | Paush Purnima Puja

About Paush Purnima

Paush Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Paush.The day is considered an auspicious day in Hindu calendar and marks the beginning of one month long austerity period observed by Hindu devotees.On the auspicious day of Paush Purnima, having a bath or dip in holy River of Yamuna and Ganga has great importance. Devotees spend time in Sadhna and pour water on Shivalinga. On Paush Purnima day thousands of devotees congregate at Allahabad or Prayag and take holy dips at the Sangam, the confluence of Yamuna, Ganga and the mythical Saraswati river. Devotees believe that they would attain moksha by bathing in the Sangam on Paush Purnima day. Large numbers of devotees also congregate in Ujjain and Nasik and take holy dips in rivers. After bathing in the holy rivers, devotees proceed to Shiva temples and worship the benevolent Lord Shiva.Pushyabhishek Yatra is celebrated in Sri Krishna temples all over India on this day. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshiped on this day.

Shakambari Jayanti

Shakambari Jayanti is celebrated during Paush Purnima. So Paush Purnima is also known as Shakambari Purnima.On Paush Purnima, Hindu devotees also celebrate festivals like Satyanarayan Vratham, Charta and Shakambari Jayanti. It is believed that the heavenly incarnation of Goddess Shakti emerged on earth on this day. Goddess Shakti is believed to be the Goddess of green leaves, fruits and vegetables.

As per the mythological saga, once there was a severe drought. The drought converted earth into a parched land. As a result, all the animals and plants on earth started losing their lives without water. Therefore, Goddess Bhagvati appeared on earth in the form of Shakambari Devi and blessed all living beings with a new life.

Paush Purnima Significance

Paush Purnima reminds man that he is a part of this cosmos, creation and nature. Every human is connected to the universe in an inseparable way. Therefore it is always important that men conduct themselves in a way achieving this sync with the universe at large. Over a period, man is burdened with the bundles of sins he carries with him. Paush Purnima is an occasion to absolve oneself of his sins and make a fresh start. In this way, this day helps refresh and recharge humans. Notably, this is the last full moon day occurring during the winter season and therefore, symbolically it signifies the end of darkness outside and also inside us.

Paush Purnima Legend and Rituals

Paush Purnima is also celebrated as Shakambari Jayanti. On the day of Paush Purnima, Goddess Shakambari came down on Earth as the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Shakambari is believed to be the Goddess of fruits, vegetables and leaves. As per the legends, long back there was a severe drought and it did not rain for over a hundred years. All the animals, humans and plants started to die. Seeing this, the Goddess Shakti incarnated as Shakambari Devi and showered ample rain to let the Earth regain its life. In a few temples a nine day Shakambari Navratri ends on Paush Purnima.

Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped on the day of Paush Purnima. Banana leaves, bananas, panchamrit, supari, pan, sesame seeds, red thread, sindoor, kumkum, durva etc. are used to worship Lord Satyanarayana. Panchamrit is prepared using milk, honey, bananas, ganges water and tulsi leaves. A prasad made of wheat and sugar is also used. Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped once Satyanarayana katha is over. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshipped. Prasad is distributed among devotees.

Paush Purnima Puja

Paush Purnima is a day considered auspicious for a variety of pujas. Especially, Satyanarayan Vrat is performed on this day in order to propitiate Lord Maha Vishnu. There is a special procedure for this puja at the end of which the story is narrated and Prasad is distributed to all the participants.Women of the household do special pujas at homes, holy river banks and temples on this day praying for the welfare of their husbands and family members.

Related Links

Paush Purnima(Full moon day) or Shakambari Purnima Date ,timing and shubh Muhurt of Year 2017 to 2025

Govardhan Puja-Annakut Mahotsav-New Year Day-Govandhan Puja Celebration and Rituals-Legends

Govardhan Puja-Annakut Mahtsav

Govardhan Puja or Annakut Mahotsav is held a day after the Diwali in the month of Kartik on Gujarati New year day.According to the Hindu calendar it falls on the first lunar day called as 'Ekam' of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of moon) in the month of Kartik. It forms an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Govardhan Puja commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over Indra.On this day in many houses and temples , Annakoot puja is performed by preparing Chappan Bhog which contains fifty six varieties of food items which are offered to God.

Govardhan Puja is performed with great zeal and enthusiasm and in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In this pooja, there is a tradition of building cow dung hillocks, which symbolize the Mount Govardhan, the mountain which was once lifted by Lord Krishna. After making such hillocks people decorate them with flowers and then worship them. They move in a circle all round the cow dung hillocks and offer prayers to Lord Govardhan.

The preparation of 'Annakoot' is an integral part of the Govardhan Puja. The word 'Annakoot' means ‘mountain of food’.

Govardhan Puja-Annakut Mahtsav Celebration

Govardhan Puja

In some Indian states, Govardhan Puja is celebrated by making the hillocks of cow-dung which represents the Mount Govardhan. Then people decorate the hillocks by flowers and worship them. Devotees make rounds around the hillocks and pray to Lord Govardhan to save their life as always. At some places, it is celebrated as a part of the Diwali such as the Padva or Bali Pratipada to commemorate the King Bali. And at some places, it is enjoyed as a Gujarati New Year because the Vikram Samvat begins at this day.

Annakut

The fourth day of diwali celebrations is also observed as Annakut, which literally means 'mountain of food'. On this auspicious day the people prepare fifty-six or one hundred and eight different varieties of delicious dishes to offer Lord Krishna as 'Bhog'. In the temples, specifically in Mathura and Nathdwara, the deities are given milk bath, dressed in new shining attires and decorated with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones and metals. Then they are worshipped, offered prayers and bhajans and also offered delicious sweets, fruits and eatables that are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the idols.

Govardhan Puja Legends

The festival symbolises the importance and worship of nature in our lives. Govardhan Parbat is said to have saved its inhabitants from incessant rains.According to Vishnu Puran, the people of Gokul used to worship Lord Indra and celebrated a festival in his honour as he was considered to be the provider of rains. Once, Lord Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Indra and worship mountains and cattle as they were the actual source of rains and cultivators of field, respectively. Lord Indra, in a rage, sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.
It is then, that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parbat on his little finger, to provide shelter for the people of Gokul.Govardhan Puja is known as ‘Padva’ or ‘Bali Pratipada’ in Maharashtra, as it commemorates King Bali who is believed to come out of Pataal Lok to rule over his kingdom in Bhu Lok every year on this day.

Annakut Mahotsav Pictures

Dhanteras(Dhanvantari Triodasi) Festival History, Legends and Story

Dhanteras is a first day festival of the great and famous Hindu festival, Diwali which is the five-days long festival and celebrated in Varanasi and traditionally all over the India. Dhanteras festival is celebrated on triodasi of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight).Here is information about Dhanteras festival History , Legends and story.

There is an interesting story behind celebrating the Dhanteras festival. It is considered that, once upon a time, King Hima’s sixteen year old son was destined to pass away just by the snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His wife was very clever and she did not allow her husband to sleep on 4th day of the marriage. She arranges some gold ornaments as well as a lot of silver coins and made a large heap at the doorway of her husband. She also made light with the help of numerous lamps all around the place of his husband.

When the God of death, (Yama), came to his husband in the appearance of a snake, his eyes got sightless by the dazzling light of the lamps, silver coins and gold ornaments. So the lord Yama could not get entered into his chamber. Then he tried to ascend on top of the heap and started to listen the harmonious songs of his wife. Early in the morning, he had to gone away without taking her husband. Therefore the very young and newly married wife had saved her husband life from the death. That’s why, the Dhanteras is also known as the Yamadeepdaan. Diyas or candles are kept blazing during the whole night in respect to the God Yama.

Another myth is, a long ago Gods and demons stirred the ocean to get Amrita or nectar, after many days the Lord Vishnu had came out on the day of Dhanteras having a jar of the elixir.

Dhanteras Story

According to ancient legends, the celebration of Dhanteras is attributed to the story of the sixteen year old son of king Hima. Predictions were made that he would die of a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage.

Four days hence his marriage, his newly wedded wife, being aware of this prediction laid out all her ornaments along with coins made of precious metals of gold and silver in a heap at the entrance of her husband's sleeping chamber and furbished the whole place with lamps.

Then, all night long she narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep. It is believed, that when Yama, the God of death, arrived under the guise of a snake, he found himself unable to enter the prince's chamber as he was dazzled and blinded by the light of the lamps and jewellery, and so he climbed the heap of ornaments and coins and listened to the melodious songs of the wife.

In the morning, he quietly went away sparing the life of the prince. In this manner, the young wife saved her husband from the clasp of death itself. Hence, this day also came to be known as 'Yamadeepdaan'.

Another popular legend also associates itself with this festival. It believes in the appearance of Dhanvantari (physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu), with a jar of elixir on the day of Dhanteras during the cosmic battle fought between the gods and demons, who had churned the ocean for Amrita or nectar.

Sharad Purnima (Kojagari Purnima) Legends and Significance

Sharad Purnima is also known as 'Kojagari Punam'. It is believed Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth moves around in the night sky, asking `Ko jaagarti' searching for people below who are awake. In Sanskrit, `Ko jaagarti' means, ' Who is awake,' And to those who are awake she gifts wealth.Sharad Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on full moon day of the Ashvin month, the seventh month in the Hindu calendar.

According to Shrimad Bhagwat on Sharad Purnima night Lord Krishna invited his faithful devotees, the Gopis of Vrindavan, to play the Maha Ras (traditional folk-dance) with Him. Describing the Maha Raas Leela' in the Bhagwat, Sukhdev narrates to king Parikshit: 'O Parikshit! Of all nights, that night of Sharad Purnima became the most resplendent.With the Gopis, Shri Krishna roamed the banks of the Yamuna, as if imprisoning everyone in His leela!'

Since moon is closest to the earth on Sharad Purnima day, according to Ayurveda the Sharad Purnima moon rays have several curative properties, hence Poha, puffed rice, and kheer, sweet, is prepared and left in the moonlight of Sharad Purnima and is consumed later.

People who keep a fast on Sharad Purnima are supposed to break their fast at night by eating rice flakes and cold milk. The practice of drinking cold milk during this fast has its origins in science. Sharad Ritu (Autumn Season) brings in very hot days and cool nights. During this weather, ‘pitta' or acidity becomes predominant in our body. Consumption of milk & rice flakes is a good remedy for ‘pitta'. Thus, it is customary to consume cold milk and rice flakes on Sharad Purnima.

Thus, Sharad Purnima or Kojagari Purnima is an important Hindu festival. It marks the end of monsoon and ushers in the season of autumn. It is the celebration of the day when the moon gets closest to the Earth. Along with that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi signifies the importance of good harvests and prosperity in the lives of the farmers. They seek blessings of the divine power to achieve good results for the hard work they have put in.

Sharad Purnima in Orissa: In Orissha, Sharad Purnima is also known as Kumar Purnima and Lord Kartikeya is worshipped by the unmarried girls. Girls who want to get a handsome husband like Kartikeya take bath early in the morning, offer food to the Sun and keep a fast throughout the day. In the evening when the moon rises they offer food and prayers to the moon.

Sharad Purnima Significance

Sharad Purnima is celebrated in different regions with different names and for different reasons. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of Sharad Purnima, lord Krishna played the famous raas leela with Radha and the gopis.

Another popular belief is that, goddess Lakshmi was born on the night of Sharad Purnima, which is why several Hindus worship goddess Lakshmi on the full moon night. According to a folklore, once a king was in great financial strait and to help him, his wife observed a fast and worshipped goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakhsmi got impressed and blessed the king and the queen and they regained their prosperity. Since then, it is believed that goddess Lakshmi visits places to give her blessings. People make kheer, an Indian sweet dish, and offer paan, makhan. Ideally, the kheer is kept outside under the moonlight and is distributed among the family members the next day.

The festival is called Sharad Poonam in Gujarat and is celebrated by playing garba and dandiya raas. In Mithila, it is known as Kojagaraha Purnima and goddess Kali is also worshipped. In West Bengal, it is celebrated as Lokkhi Pujo after Durga Puja.

Id-ul-Zuha(Bakri-Id or Id-ul-Adha) -Bakri Id Date year 2016 to 2021-About Id-ul-Zuha-Legends-Rituals

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha Date 2016 to 2021

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha festival date Year 2016: 12th September

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha festival date Year 2017: 2nd September

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha festival date Year 2018: 22th August

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha festival date Year 2019: 12th August

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha festival date Year 2020: 31st July

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha festival date Year 2021: 20th July

Avout Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha

Eid al-Adha, Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id is an important festival in the Islamic calendar of religious observances.The Muslim festival of sacrifice , Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha in India is celebrated all over the country and Muslim country.On this days Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr(Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God.This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Macca.Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers.Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.

Also called Bakri Id ,Id-ui-Zuha and Id-ul-Adha, is a festival of great rejoice.Muslims offer special prayers and exchange of greetings and gifts.Id-ul-Zuha(Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha), the festival of sacrifice, is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India.On this day, special 'Dua' is sought by Muslims for peace and prosperity.

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha Legend

It is a commemoration of Hazarat Ibrahim's great test of obedience to Allah, who ordered him to sacrifice the person dearest to him.Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his son Ismail, at Mina, near Mecca.As a grest religious leader was on the point of applying the sword to the throat of his dear son, it was revealed to him that the exercise was merely a test of his faith in Allah, and that he could sacrifice a ram instead.

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-Adha Rituals

On bakri Id , the Muslims go to the mosques in the morning to offer prayers to Allah, and then sacrifice the animal at home.Bakr means 'sheep', and on Bakri Id the affluent sacrifice one animal for each member of the family, and distribute two-thirds of the meat among the poor.A full-grown camel, goat or sheep, free from any diseas, is sacrificed.bakri Id is also a day for feasting and visiting friends to wish Id Mubarak and Happy Id.

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakri Id or Id-ul-AdhaVideo

Raksha Bandhan Date Year 2016 to Year 2021

Raksha Bandhan Festival Date of Year 2016: August 18 Thursday

Raksha Bandhan Festival Date of Year 2017: August 7 Monday

Raksha Bandhan Festival Date of Year 2018: August 26 Sunday

Raksha Bandhan Festival Date of Year 2019: August 15 Thursday

Raksha Bandhan Festival Date of Year 2020: August 3 Monday

Raksha Bandhan Festival Date of Year 2021: August 22 Sunday

About Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan falls during the month of Shravan Purnima(full moon day)in the month of Shravan.According to the solar calendar, the festival comes some time in July or August.Raksha Bandhan is an unspoken pledge exchanged between brother and sister cementing their fraternal relationship.On this very day, sister ie a dedicate thread on the wrist of their brothers as a symbol of love and affection.The brothers feel honourbound to protect their sisters from any trouble or misfortune.

The brothers get special attention on this happy occasion day.Fun-filled and the homes are cleande and sisters, taking an early bath, wait for their brothers to get ready to let their sisters tie the sacred thread of rakhi.The brother presents his sister with gifts after the sister ties the Rakhi on his wrist.

The Ritul of Rakhi

The day starts with a festive mood in every Indian home.Rakhis are made or bought a day before the festival.Traditional goodies and dishes are prepared early in the morning.After an early bath, the sister puts the traditional tilak or vermilion powder on the forehead of the brother and ties the thread on his right wrist.Then she gives him something sweet to eat. The brother blesses the sister.

Legends of Raksha Bandhan Featival

Legends said that at one time, Alexander's wife approached the mighty Hindu adversary,Pururaja and sought assurance of her husband's life by tying at rakhi on Pururaja's hand.It is said that just as Pururaja raised his hand to deliver a mortal blow to Alexander, he saw the raksha and refrained from striking.

In yet another poignant instance, a Rajput princess, Rani Karmavati, sent a rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun, enlisting his support against the onslaught of the Gujarat Sultan.Though engaged elsewhere, Humayun hastened to the rescue of his rakhi sister but, to his bitter disappointment, found that the kingdom had been seized and the princess had committed jauhar to save her honour.

The Gift of Raksha Bandhan

The tradition of giving gifts and presents is also an important part of this festival.The brother gives his sister a gift after she ties the rakhi on his wrist.This gift acts as a token of love and affection of the brother towards the sister.Nevertheless, giving of gifts is not a must.The blessing bestowed by the brother is itself regarded as the biggest gift for the sister.

Nirjala Ekadashi Date Year 2016 to 2021

Nirjala Ekadashi Year 2016 Year: June 16 Thursday

Nirjala Ekadashi Year 2017 Year: June 5 Monday

Nirjala Ekadashi Year 2018 Year: June 23 Saturday

Nirjala Ekadashi Year 2019 Year: June 13 Thursday

Nirjala Ekadashi Year 2020 Year: June 2 Tuesday

Nirjala Ekadashi Year 2021 Year: June 21 Monday

About Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadasi is the most powerful and strict among all the 24 Ekadashi Vrats of the year.This day got its name from the way of fasting that is performed on this day. The uniqueness of this day is defined, further. Go ahead and look out for the speciality of the day of Nirjala Ekadashi.Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as ‘Jyestha Shukla Ekadashi’ and 'Bhim Agiyaras'.The difference from other Ekadasis and Nirjala is that devotees do not drink water on the day.

The legend of Nirjala Ekadashi is connected to Bheem, who was the second and the most powerful Pandava, that is why this Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bheema Ekadashi. He wanted to observe all the fasts of 24 Ekadashis, but he could not as he was not able to control his hunger. For finding a solution to this problem, he went to sage Vyasa and his grandfather. They advised him to only observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, because this one fast can provide auspicious results equivalent to the fast of all Ekadashis.

History of Nirjala Ekadashi

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. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates the story behind the Nirjala Ekadashi vrata vow. Bhima, a lover of food, wanted to observe all ekadashi fasts, but could not control his hunger. He approached the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and grandfather of the Pandavas for a solution. The sage advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, when for one day in the year, he should observe an absolute fast. Bhima attained the virtue of all 24 ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi Rituls

Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksh of the month of Jyeshtha, is known as Nirjala Ekadashi. Lots of people fast on this day without drinking any water. If you cannot stay without having any water, then just have fruits and milk on this day.
People who want to fast on only one Ekadashi, should fast on this one. The fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi removes ill effects from one’s life.