Nirjala Ekadashi Vrata

What is Smarta and Vaishnava Dhar?
Smarta
Smarta means householders who worship Hari, Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha and Surya, they do not attach much importance to the rising tithi. All householders who celebrate Janmashtami, Ramnavami, Ekadashi in conjunction with the previous tithi are called Smartas.

"vaishnava"
Those who believe only in Vasudeva, Shri Krishna or Lord Vishnu are called Vaishnavas and all ascetics and sanyasis who hold a Guru also come under the category of Vaishnavas.

In the Vaishnava sect, Udaya Tithi has great importance as Ekadashi is celebrated along with Dwadashi.

Meaning of Vaishnava Ekadashi
When Ekadashi is reflected at the time of local sunrise, it is called Smarta Ekadashi. Vaishnava or Bhagavata Ekadashi occurs when the dashami tithi of any aspect ends on the day of Arunodaya i.e. when the day of Ekadashi ends two hours before sunrise.

That is, Smart Ekadashi ends 96 minutes before sunrise on Ekadashi day. Generally, Vaishnava Ekadashi falls on the day after Smarta Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrata

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो में भक्त्या प्रयच्छति। तदहं भक्त्युपह्रतमश्रामि प्रयतात्मनस्।।

Krishnarpanam
Lord Krishna himself from the verses of Bhaggwat Geeta, hereby commencing a divine start to today's write-up.

That is to say, I readily accept the fruits, flowers, water, etc., which are devotionally offered with a selfless spirit. In the name of Lord Krishna, we would like to sing the praises of this year's Nirjala Ekadashi, Nirjala i.e. Ekadashi without water, Ekadashi is observed with devotion by fasting without water. Since water is not consumed, there is no question of food or fruits, it is customary for the extremely hungry and pious mind to transmit positive energy and power to the mind and every organ of the body on this Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Ekadashi and Bhima Ekadashi.

Vrat Katha of Nirjala Ekadashi
It was customary for five Pandavas and Draupadi to fast on each Ekadashi, but Bhima, who was very fond of food and could not compromise on food, could never break his addiction to food during the fast. Bhima was worried about this and went and told Guru Vyas about this problem. And when Guru Vyas hears Bhima's words, he tells Bhima to fast on Nirjala Ekadashi to get the blessings of the entire 52 Ekadashis at once. Thus this Ekadashi is ritually observed by Bhima, hence this Ekadashi is also called Bhim Ekadashi and Pandava Ekadashi. After the fast of this waterless Ekadashi as Jeshta Shukla Ekadashi, it is customary to get up in the morning on the day of Dwadashi, to be pure and to take food only by giving alms.

What to do ?
Kirtan and hymns of Lord Bishnu have special significance in this Ekadashi. It is customary to donate earthenware pots, hand-made fans made of bamboo, etc. It is customary to perform Sandhya Vandanam one day before Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees keep the holy water pot (Achamuni) in their palm and perform this Sandhya bandana.

Leaving the context of the Mahabharata, Bhima observes this Ekadashi fast with all his food cravings in mind, but the next morning Bhima is found semi-conscious due to hunger and thirst. Then Bhima is raised by giving holy water to Ganga and Tulsipat. This Ekadashi is also the Ekadashi that achieves victory over attachments and desire. May this year's Nirjala Ekadashi be for the welfare of all.

This Ekadashi is specific because the Tulsai seeds are grounded this day, may the sprout behold life, disseminate hope, and prevailing love.

-Suyog Dhakal