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Spiritual Significance
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most rigorous Ekadashi of the year — observed without a drop of water. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana states that the merit of this one fast equals the cumulative merit of all 24 Ekadashis. It is named Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi after Bhima, the Pandava, who observed it to gain the merit of all Ekadashis.
How to Celebrate in Canada
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi in Canada 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 Toronto (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 before the fast begins
- Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi and yellow flowers
- Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama
- Donating water, food, fans, and umbrellas to Brahmins
Auspicious Items to Prepare
🌸 Water (for donation)🌸 Tulsi leaves🌸 Yellow cloth🌸 Sesame seeds🌸 Fan or umbrella