Nirjala Ekaadashi: Answer to Bhim's Conundrum

Fast on the 11th day of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon heading towards full moon) is Nirjala Ekaadashi. Nirjala means without water. As the name suggests, this is an Ekaadashi with stricter endurance in comparison to other Ekaadashis as a dry fast is a defining undertaking of this day. It is also known as Pandava Ekaadashi and Bhimseni Ekaadashi.

Story in Short

Before Vyas, Bhim puts forward his failure of not being able to observe a fast. He expresses his admiration for his Mother Kunti, wife Draupadi, and all other brothers (Pandavas) who fast every Ekaadashi. He enquires about a way to get the benefits of fasting without fasting. He claims that he is ready to take on great charities and make offerings to the Gods but his hunger is such that he cannot take on a fast. He is informed that the only way to get the benefits of fasting is to fast. But he continues to press at his inability to fast regularly. He seeks one day so powerful that by observing it he can attain the fruits of all the other days of regular fasting. Finally, he is informed of the difficult fast of Nirjala Ekaadashi.  

Personal Take 

All Ekaadashis are important but Nirjala Ekaadashi holds a special mention, especially for those who are not fasting regularly. Dry fast is recommended but a water fast is better than no fast at all.

 

[Chapter 17 p. 114 of Ekaadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha 

(Published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi)]

Ekaadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha (published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi) is a Nepali translation/commentary of the Sanskrit Ekaadashi Stories. The author is avoiding posting a straight translation of the Nepali commentary.