Nirjala Ekadashi

Fast this Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the most popular and toughest Ekadashi Fasting days. Nirjala Ekadasi falls on the 9^th of June this year. It is also known as Pandav Bhim Ekadasi fast. Nirjala Ekadasi, or Pandav Bhim Ekadashi, is observed during the Jyeshta Shukla Paksha – waxing phase of moon in Jyeshta month, which falls during (May end or June beginning).

The Ekadasi fasting method for Nirjala Ekadashi is different from the usual practice. The difference from other Ekadasis and Nirjala is that devotees do not drink water or consume food on this day. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of a fortnight in a traditional Hindu calendar.

The greatness of Nirjala Ekadasi was explained to Bhima, the second of the Pandava Brothers, by Sage Vyasa. Bhima wanted to observe Ekadasi fasting but still eat food. But fasting and eating was not possible. So Sage Vyasa advised Bhim to observe this fast which falls in the Jyeshta month as it has the benefits of observing all the 24 Ekadasis. Thus, Bhim was able to get the benefits of all Ekadasis by observing Nirjala Ekadasi.

Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the strictest fast in Hindu religion and among all Ekadasis. Nirjala means ‘without water.’ Vishnu devotees who undertake this fast do not drink water or consume food while fasting on this day. The fast begins on Ekadasi sunrise and ends on next day (Dwadasi) sunrise. 

It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi equals to going on pilgrimage. It is believed that after death people who have observed Nirjala Ekadashi are received by messengers from Vaikunta, abode of Vishnu, and not by Yama, the god of death.  

Devotees spend the day at Vishnu temples or listening to stories from Bhagavad Purana or by chanting bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Sahasranama and other sholkas dedicated to Lord Vishnu are chanted on the day. It is strongly advised that those who are under medications and have some ailments should not observe Nirjala Ekadasi. This fast also helps in cleansing the body.

Hindu pilgrims are planning a rendezvous with the mighty Ganga river, despite her water levels rising each passing day, on the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra on June 8 and Nirjala Ekadashi on June 9.

Praise Lord Vishnu and Goddess Ganga by observing fast this Nirjala Ekadasi. You can know more about the vidhi vidhaan of Nirjala Ekadasi and buy worship items and spiritual products online for this holy day. 

Ganga Dushera

Celebrate Ganga Dushera on the Banks of Rivers Ganges

River Ganga is considered to be one of the four holy rivers across the world. For Hindus, the river is an incarnation of goddess Ganga and it is believed to bring with it purity of heaven. People from all over the country go to the banks of this divine river and take a dip in it to absolve their sins or to pay homage to their departed loved ones.

Arrived is the month of Jyeshta, when people from various cities get soaked in festivities, celebrating this holy river on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, also known as Dasar or Gangavataran. This year the festival falls on 8th June 2014, Sunday. Ganga Dussehra which is also known as Ganga Dashmi is festival of celebration for the birth of River Ganga on Earth.  

Ganga Dussehra is an important Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus every year with much fervor to commemorate the descent of goddess Ganga on earth. The celebrations, however, are limited to taking a bath with the water of the Ganges, worshipping Goddess Ganga and giving charity, in most parts of the country.

In some parts, it is also known as Kite Dassehra and people celebrate it by flying the kites throughout. Though there is no apparent reason or ritual of kite flying but it is observed just as part of celebration. This festival lasts ten days beginning on the Amavasya (dark moon night) and going through to the dasami tithi (tenth phase of the Moon, the day before Pandava Nirjal Ekadasi).

The spectacle at the ghats of Haridwar, Varanasi and Rishikesh is completely enchanting. The evening aarti at one of these ghats is indeed a sight to behold and leaves spectators in complete awe. Beginning before sunrise and stretching beyond sunset, the ghats echo of shlokas and chants of the river. Lighted diyas shimmer and spread the golden-yellow light of divinity and faith as far as one can see. Charity is one of the important elements of the festival and it is believed that charity given with faith and sincerity on this auspicious day brings the blessings of the Gods.

One of the special moments when religion justifies itself and opens the way to spirituality; the Ganga Dussehra is a sight to behold, an experience to cherish and an occasion to introspect. Celebrate Ganga Dusherra at one of the ghats this year and experience the strength of faith.

Send Ganga Dushera wishes to your loved ones, praise Goddess Ganga on this holy day, buy various worship items & spiritual Products on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra this year. Happy Ganga Dussehra to one and all!