Latest news with #NirjalaEkadashi
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why is eating rice prohibited in Ekadashi?
Since ages, we have been told to avoid eating grains, spices, lentils and even rice on Ekadashi, but do you know why it was suggested to abstain from certain foods on this day? Let's find out… What is Ekadashi? Today is Nirjala Ekadashi, which is one of the most spiritually powerful vrat according to the Hindu calendar. Ekadashi falls on the 11th lunar day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June). Interestingly, the word 'Nirjala' means without water and this Ekadashi vrat is observed fasting without water and certain foods. In some cultures this vrat is also observed by observing Maun vrat as it revolves around complete abstention from both food and water for 24 hours. In fact, it is believed that it is one of the toughest Ekadashi vrats among the 24 Ekadashi's that fall throughout the year. But do you know why Ekadashi is observed? Read on to find out… Why is Ekadashi observed? According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, Ekadashi is observed to worship as well as honour Lord Vishnu, the protector and sustainer of the universe. According to the Hindu scriptures, fasting on Ekadashi helps cleanse sins, purify the mind and body, and may bring spiritual upliftment. In fact, each Ekadashi has its own significance, but all these Ekadashi vrats are linked to improve self-control, devotion, and practice detachment from worldly pleasures. The Padma Purana and other Vedic texts describe that observing Ekadashi helps neutralize past karma, aids in controlling the senses, and contributes to spiritual awakening. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tukarkan Bitcoin dan Ethereum - Tanpa Dompet Diperlukan! IC Markets MULAI SEKARANG Undo The day is also aligned with lunar cycles that affect human physiology, making fasting on this day not only spiritual but also beneficial to health, especially in promoting better digestion and mental clarity. What Makes Nirjala Ekadashi Special? Unlike other Ekadashis where one may consume fruits, milk, or water, Nirjala Ekadashi is unique for its strict austerity — no food, no water — for 24 hours. It is believed that those who are unable to observe all 24 Ekadashis in a year can observe just this one to gain the benefits of all. This Ekadashi is linked to Bhima, the mighty Pandava brother from the Mahabharata, who found it difficult to fast twice a month. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe just one Nirjala Ekadashi with full devotion and strictness, which would grant him the spiritual merit of all the other Ekadashis combined. Foods to Avoid on Ekadashi Ekadashi fasting comes with a clear set of dietary restrictions. The idea is to promote sattvic (pure) living, minimize indulgence, and enhance self-discipline. Here are the key foods that must be strictly avoided: Grains and Cereals Rice, wheat, lentils, barley, and any grain-based food (including roti, bread, and pasta) are strictly avoided. These are considered tamasic (promoting lethargy and dullness) and are believed to interfere with spiritual energy on Ekadashi. Beans and Pulses Legumes such as moong, chana, rajma, and urad dal are also forbidden. They are said to be harder to digest and considered impure (ashuddha) for this sacred day. Vegetables Like Onions and Garlic Onions and garlic, which are part of the tamasic and rajasic food categories, are also restricted as they are believed to increase agitation and impure thoughts. Spices and Additives Common additives like hing (asafoetida), baking soda, and certain preservatives are avoided because they are often processed with grains. Water (on Nirjala Ekadashi) While most Ekadashis allow drinking water, Nirjala Ekadashi prohibits even that — hence the name 'Nirjala.' This fast requires immense willpower and dedication. Why Should You Avoid Rice on Ekadashi? The abstinence from rice on Ekadashi has spiritual as well as mythological roots. According to a popular belief from the Bhavishya Purana, the rice grains consumed on Ekadashi transform into worms in the body, attracting negative karma. It is believed that the presiding deity of grains — Lord Vishnu himself — rests on Ekadashi. Therefore, consuming grains on this sacred day is considered and yogic traditions also suggest that grains, particularly rice, are heavy and increase inertia or 'tamas'. Avoiding them helps the body stay lighter and the mind clearer, which is ideal for spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, and prayer. What Foods Are Allowed? Though Nirjala Ekadashi calls for a strict fast, those who are not able to do Nirjala fasting due to health reasons (especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, or those on medications) may follow a simple Ekadashi diet, excluding prohibited foods. Here's what's generally allowed: Root Vegetables Vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and arbi (colocasia) can be consumed, often cooked without turmeric or red chili powder. Use of rock salt (sendha namak) is preferred over iodized salt. Milk and Dairy Milk, curd, paneer, and buttermilk are allowed and are commonly consumed by those doing partial fasting. These foods provide nourishment and support physical endurance during the fast. Nuts and Dry Fruits Almonds, cashews, dates, raisins, and coconut can be eaten in moderation. They're energy-dense and keep you feeling full for longer hours. Sabudana and Kuttu Sabudana (tapioca pearls) and kuttu (buckwheat) are commonly used to make Ekadashi-special dishes like sabudana khichdi, kuttu paratha, or pakoras. Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first? Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Click HERE for details. Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India Gazette
20 hours ago
- India Gazette
Haridwar: Devotees throng Har Ki Pauri on Nirjala Ekadashi for holy Ganga dip
Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], June 6 (ANI): A large number of devotees gathered at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on Friday to take a holy dip in the Ganga River on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi, considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Pilgrims from across the country reached the banks of the Ganga to take part in the royal bath and offer prayers to Ganga Mata. The event came a day after the celebration of Ganga Dussehra, leading to heavy footfall on both days as devotees offered prayers, performed bathing rituals, and chanted religious hymns. A devotee, Vipul Sharma, said, 'It is the eleventh of Ekadashi, and its bath is a royal bath. You can see how many faiths people are associated with this thing, such as our religion, Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma, and I say that Sanatan Dharma is not such a big religion for everyone.' Another devotee, Bhaisaheb Roshan Lal, called it a special day for the Hindu community. Lal said, 'Today is the bath of Ekadashi. This is a special bath. Shiva's grace is such a pleasure. There is a good system of administration, and everything is good. All is good. There is safety somewhere, so there is so much excitement to go.' Pilgrims travelled from various parts of India to participate in the spiritual event. Hetal, a devotee from Rajkot, said, 'This is our Hinduism, so it is our faith. I feel so good. I came. I saw this for the first time today. I saw it in the video, but I liked it very much. We went to the bath in that other valley. Just happiness, peace and good health.' Jinal, another devotee from Ahmedabad, shared her experience and said, 'The atmosphere is very spiritual. It is very religious., The energy is coming from the crowd. It is just happiness and peace.' Local authorities had deployed security personnel and implemented crowd control measures to ensure that the rituals were carried out smoothly and safely. Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the eleventh lunar day of the waxing phase in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. The name 'Nirjala' means 'without water,' referring to the strict fast observed on this day. Among the 24 Ekadashis observed in a year, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most austere and spiritually significant. (ANI)
News18
21 hours ago
- General
- News18
When Is Nirjala Ekadashi At Khatu Shyam Temple? Check Mangal Aarti Timings
Last Updated: Lakhs of devotees are expected at Khatu Shyam Temple on Nirjala Ekadashi. With Mangala Aarti at 5am, the temple will stay open for darshan round the clock Crowds of devotees continue to gather at the renowned Baba Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan's Sikar district. Pilgrims from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Haryana, and various parts of the country, as well as from abroad, are arriving in large numbers. With Nirjala Ekadashi falling on June 6 (Friday) this year, a massive turnout is expected at the temple. To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee and the local administration have made extensive arrangements. Fans, coolers, and ample cold water facilities have been set up across the temple premises to help devotees cope with the summer heat. The temple committee and administrative authorities are holding regular meetings to coordinate crowd management and ensure orderly darshan on June 6. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, two each month, and each is marked by a significant influx of devotees. Among these, Nirjala Ekadashi holds special spiritual significance. On this day, lakhs of devotees are expected to reach the temple. Starting with the Mangala Aarti at 5am, the temple will remain open for darshan throughout the day and night. Facilities For Devotees Chairman of the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee, Manvendra Singh Chauhan, said that special measures have been taken to protect devotees from the heat. Carpets have been laid on walking paths for those arriving barefoot. Cold water is being sprayed along village roads from tankers, and free water pouches are being distributed throughout the temple complex. In anticipation of the large crowd on Nirjala Ekadashi, security arrangements have also been bolstered. In addition to temple guards, local police, the Reserve Police Line, and the RAC will be deployed to ensure safety and crowd control. Dedicated Arrangements For Disabled Devotees Special arrangements have been made for disabled visitors. To help them access darshan comfortably, additional wheelchairs have been provided. Volunteers from the temple committee will assist disabled devotees through a dedicated ' Divyang ' line that bypasses the general queue. Furthermore, extra traffic police will be deployed to manage vehicular flow in and around Khatu town. First Published: June 06, 2025, 09:46 IST
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha 2025: Nirjala Ekadashi today; know fasting time, shubh muhurat and parana time
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: The auspicious festival of Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated with fervour among the Hindu devotees. It holds great significance in the Hindu religion. Out of the 245 Ekadashis, the Nirjala Ekadashi is considered one of the most stringent, as it is observed without drinking food and water. On this day, Hindu devotees worship Lord Vishnu. Also Read | Eid-ul-Adha 2025: When is Bakrid? Know date in India, Saudi Arabia, UAE; significance and celebrations The auspicious festival of Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, Pandava Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi, is observed on the Ekadashi date of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha. According to Drik Panchang, here are the correct dates: This year, Nirjala Ekadashi is on Friday, June 6, and Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi is on Saturday, June 7. Ekadashi Tithi begins - 2:15 AM on Jun 6, 2025 Ekadashi Tithi ends - 4:47 AM on Jun 7, 2025 Nirjala Ekadashi Parana Time - 1:44 PM to 4:31 PM, June 7 On Parana Day Hari Vasara ends at - 11:25 AM Vaishnava Ekadashi Parana Time - 5:23 AM to 7:17 AM, June 8 On Parana Day, Dwadashi ends at - 7:17 AM On this day, it is believed that by making donations, one is blessed with prosperity and gets freedom from all sins. Additionally, it is important to worship Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi while also reciting the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat katha. Additionally, devotees who are unable to observe all twenty-four Ekadashi fasts in a year should observe a single Nirjala Ekadashi fast, as it brings all the benefits of the twenty-four Ekadashi fasts in a year. The legend associates Nirjala Ekadashi with Bhimsen, the second Pandava brother. It is said that Bhima was not able to control his desire for food and was not able to observe Ekadashi fasting. Except Bhima, all the Pandava brothers and Draupadi used to observe all the Ekadashi fasts. Upset due to his weak determination dishonouring Lord Vishnu, he met Maharishi Vyasa to find a solution. Sage Vyasa advised Bhima to observe a single Nirjala Ekadasi fast to compensate for not observing all Ekadashi fasts in a year. Due to this legend, Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi. (Source: Drik Panchang)
Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Vrat katha, date, timings, significance—all you need to know
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Ekadashi is one of the most significant days in Hinduism. On this day, devotees worship and observe a fast for Lord Vishnu to receive his blessings. Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most important Ekadashi among all the 24 Ekadashis in the year. Nirjala Vrat translates into fasting without water, and this Nirjala Ekadashi fast is observed without food and water and is considered the most difficult of the Ekadashi fasts. For those devotees unable to observe all 24 Ekadashis throughout the year, it is recommended to fast solely on Nirjala Ekadashi, as fasting on this day is believed to confer the benefits of all the other Ekadashis. Nirjala Ekadashi fast falls in the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, and according to the Gregorian/English calendar, it falls in May or June. It falls on the next day of Ganga Dussehra, and this year, the Nirjala Ekadashi date starts on Friday, June 6, at 2:15 am and ends on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 4:47 am. Those observing the fast on June 7 can break it (Parana) between 1:44 PM and 4:31 PM, after the end of Hari Vasara, which concludes at 11:25 AM. For Vaishnav Ekadashi, which falls on 8th June 2025, the Parana time is from 5:23 AM to 7:17 AM, with the Dwadashi Tithi ending at 7:17 AM. It is important to wait until Hari Vasara ends before performing Parana, as breaking the fast earlier is not considered auspicious. Devotees should ensure they break their fast within these specified times to observe the rituals correctly and receive the full spiritual benefits. The mythological story associated with Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi, Bhimaseni Ekadashi, or Bhim Ekadashi, is about Bhimasena, the Pandavas' second brother, who was very fond of eating and drinking and was unable to control his hunger, so he could not observe the Ekadashi fast. Aside from Bhima, the other Pandava brothers and Draupadi devotedly observed all of the Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Bhimasena was worried by his helplessness and vulnerability. Bhimasena believed that by not observing the Ekadashi fast, he was disrespecting Lord Vishnu. To resolve this dilemma, Bhimasena went to Maharishi Vyas, who recommended him to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast once a year, claiming that Nirjala Ekadashi is comparable to twenty-four Ekadashis of the year. Following this legendary narrative, Nirjala Ekadashi became known as Bhimseni Ekadashi and Pandava Ekadashi. To read the full vrat katha of Nirjala Ekadashi fast in Hindi, one can follow the link to Jansatta.
