The story behind Nirjala Ekadashi
The vrat is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi after Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. The Padma Purana records that Bhima — unable to fast because of his great hunger — sought a single ekadashi t…
The vrat is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi after Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. The Padma Purana records that Bhima — unable to fast because of his great hunger — sought a single ekadashi that would substitute for all the others. Sage Vyasa prescribed Nirjala Ekadashi: one waterless day in Jyeshtha, the hottest month of the year, in exchange for a year's worth of merit. Bhima observed it, and so do millions of devotees today, especially in North India.
The day is observed by abstaining from food and water, worshipping Lord Vishnu (the presiding deity of all ekadashis), reading the Vishnu Sahasranama, and offering daan — particularly water-pots (jal kalash), umbrellas, fans, and fruits to brahmins or those in need. Breaking the fast on Dwadashi morning with charanamrita and a small offering to Vishnu is the traditional close.