Nirjala Ekadashi

Hare Krishna!  My question is do you have to stay up all night to benefit or pass Nirjala Ekadashi?  Also - can I take what my doctor prescribed me - my medications only? Thanks! Hare Rama!

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  • Hare Krishna,

    If possible do it. waking up all night is called Jagaran. Jagarana with Chanting and whole day Nirjala is highly benefitial. But if you have medical conditions that don't permit. Don't try doing such harsh Vrats.

    Just simply chant more times 25 rounds do vrat on fruits and milk as usual and if possible stay past 1 pm at night.  

    This Nirjala Ekadashi which comes in mid of june something like that is during harsh summer month In USA it is peak summer.  and so during Summer it become more tough challenge to not to drink water.

    But before u begin the vrat you can fill ur belly with water and keep fasting.  However, it is not recommended to those suffering with diabetes and other medication restrictive conditions.

    This Vrat was told to Bheemasen by Lord Sri Krishna to be done. Because Bheema was a hefty person and he was a foodie and he couldn't starve without food at all it was highly impossible for him to do vrats and upvasa. One day Bheema asked Krishna .. Hey Krishna pls. tell me some other alternative for this. Because my brothers are all able to do all 24 vrats in a year properly but I am not able to keep one Vrata also. I am accumlating there by many sins.

    Then Krishna takes pity on Bheema and recommends Nirjala Ekadashi vrata which comes in the month of May- June .. This is peak month of Summer and Lord asked to do atleast one vrat of the 24 vrat perfectly that too on Nirjala ekadashi. so that bheema can be benefitted by not being able to do all other vrats whole round the year.

    But the condition for this vrat Lord said it is most severe. As you are avoiding all other vrats.  The condition for this Nirjala Ekadashi is 1. not even drinking water. 2. not eating a grain 3. not having fruits or milk. .. absolutely having nothing!!!!!!! and full day Harinama chanting + Night Jagaran With chanting.  If that is okay with you Bheema I will consider that you have done all 24 vrats for Pleasing ME. Can't you do this much for ME Bheema? said Lord Sri Krishna.

    Bheema accepted this and did it perfectly and Lord gave him the fruit of doing 24 vrats in a year.   This is a tough vrat.  Don't do it  if you have medical problems.

    You can as well do with fruits and milk as usual. If you are doing all 24 vrats properly .. This rule was exception to Bheemsena.  But if you are able to do it. Even Brahma ji will bow down to you itseems.

    But pls. don't take pride after accomplishing the vrata sucessfully as It nullifies all the purpose.  Krishna bhakti is tough man!!! Ya.. only Krishna if  He wills to let us do the vrat.. He make us do it perfectly .. We ourself cannot do anything. It is false ego that makes us feel we are doing something.. But its foolishness. I have seen many vrats.. If I tried to feel I did it ya .. I am able to do it.. That day some problem came and it wouldn't comeplete some break happens. If I just did without expecting anything Lord made it done perfectly well. HEHEH!!!

     This Krishna really tests us a lot.

    Hare Krishna

     

  • E-Counselor

    Hare Krsna Prabhuji,

    PAMHO.

    If you have a medical condition that you need to take medicines daily, I am sure you are required to eat daily as well. As in, medicines should not be taken empty stomach. In that case, please eat prabhuji. Do not fast at the cost of your health. 

    There are various stages of fasting for ekadasi. 

    Stage 1 - Fasting from even water - nirjal fast

    Stage 2 - Only water is taken whole day - sajal fast

    Stage 3 - Only water, fruits, dry fruits, curd, milk. THat which doesnt require cooking.

    Stage 4 - Non grains are taken as per requirement. Fasting from grains and beans. 

    PLease fast as per your capacity, circumstances and health.

    If anyone wants to fast nirjal on coming ekadasi on 11th June, the way is, as per Naturopathy (worked for me)

    Fast begins the day before. Last solid meal should be lunch on Dashami. Evening have light soup or fruit or milk. No more eating. Next morning, wake up at 4 and drink water, as much as you can - 1-2 ltr. Then whole day no water, no eating.

    On Dwadasi, at the fast breaking time, break fast by sipping some water alone. Then start by having panakkam (water with jaggery, black pepper powder, lemon). This will create a lining on the intestines and stomach. Then half an hour later - some fruit juice. Then half an hour later another fruit juice or juicy fruit like watermelon. 

    One hour later, have some fruit.

    Then by the time you eat solid food (light, easily digestible), it should be lunch time. This way, it will be good.

    Haribol,

    Your servant,

    Radha Rasamayi DD

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