Nirjala Ekadashi: Significance and Rituals

Kathmandu. The eleventh day of the waxing moon is called Nirjala Ekadashi. On this Ekadashi, which is dear to Sri Hari, Lord Narayan is worshipped. Today, the ritual is to bathe in the Ganges and other holy rivers and fast by abstaining from even water.

It is described in the scriptures that offering a pot filled with water or sherbet today, while observing a complete fast, will bring the grace of Sri Hari to the donor.

Today, basil leaves are placed in holy places and planted in the basil pot on the day of Harishayani Ekadashi, and there is a tradition of marrying Lord Vishnu on the day of Haribodhi Ekadashi. Even those who are unable to fast on other Ekadashis will achieve auspicious results by fasting today.

The devotee who engages in self-control, restraint, and charity, worships Sri Hari, and stays awake at night observing this 'Nirjala Ekadashi' fast, will take 100 generations of their ancestors and 100 generations of their descendants to the supreme abode of Lord Vasudeva. On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, one should donate grains, clothes, cows, water, beds, beautiful seats, kamandalu, and umbrellas.

Vyasa says - 'O Bhimasena! One should observe a waterless fast on the auspicious Ekadashi of the waxing moon in the month of Jeshtha. On that day, a pot of water with sugar should be donated. Doing so will lead one to experience bliss in the presence of Lord Vishnu. Thereafter, after feeding the needy on Dwadashi, one should also eat themselves. Whoever observes this sin-destroying Ekadashi fast in this manner will be freed from all sins and attain a blissful state.' Hearing this, Bhimasena also started observing the fast of this auspicious Ekadashi.

Method of placing basil leaves

• Get up in the morning, finish daily chores, and bathe in the Ganges or other holy rivers and streams.
• Clean the puja space and install the idol of Lord Vishnu, Narayan, Krishna, or Shaligram.
• Collect basil leaves.

Pick basil leaves the day before or in the morning after bathing with devotion. While picking basil, one can chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or Vishnu mantra. After offering water, akshata, flowers, incense, and lamps to the Lord, offer basil leaves. Each leaf should be offered while chanting the mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya". Offering basil today while chanting Vishnu Sahasranama or Hari Nama Sankirtana is considered especially fruitful. After the puja is completed, the offered basil leaves can be consumed as prasad.

Religious Significance

Since basil is considered a goddess, it is believed that offering basil leaves on Ekadashi brings special grace from Vishnu. It is described in the scriptures that observing a waterless fast today destroys sins, fulfills desires, and leads to spiritual progress.