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Spiritual Significance
Nirjala Ekadashi, the most rigorous of all Ekadashis, involves fasting without even a drop of water from sunrise to the next day's sunrise. According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, this single fast yields the cumulative merit of all 24 annual Ekadashis. It falls in the month of Jyeshtha when summer heat is at its peak, making the waterless fast a remarkable test of devotion.
How to Celebrate in United States
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi in United States is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:
- Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in New York (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
- Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local EST evening/night windows as shown above.
- Complete fast without water from sunrise to next day sunrise
- Bathing in sacred river or with holy water before the fast begins
- Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi and yellow flowers
- Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama throughout the day
- Donating water, food, fans, and umbrellas to Brahmins
Auspicious Items to Prepare
🌸 Water (for donation)🌸 Tulsi leaves🌸 Yellow cloth🌸 Sesame seeds🌸 Fan or umbrella for donation