The month of Jyeshtha brings with it two significant Ekadashi fasts that hold immense spiritual importance and promise great rewards. In 2024, these fasts are observed on June 2 and June 18, respectively. The first, Apara Ekadashi, bestows the blessing of immense wealth, while the second, Nirjala Ekadashi, offers the spiritual merit equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis of the year. As Jyeshtha commences on May 24, let’s delve into the details of these auspicious days, including the puja timings and the profound significance they hold.
Apara Ekadashi: June 2, 2024
Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is observed on the 11th lunar day of the dark fortnight in the month of Jyeshtha. This year, it begins on June 2 at 5:04 am and ends on June 3 at 2:41 am.
Significance of Apara Ekadashi
Observing Apara Ekadashi is said to bring results comparable to taking a holy dip in the three Pushkars or during the month of Kartik. Additionally, it is believed to provide the same merit as performing Pind Daan for ancestors on the banks of the Ganga. The fast removes poverty, brings wealth, prosperity, and fame, and ensures the fulfillment of all tasks. Devotees who observe this fast with devotion and adherence to rituals experience a significant upliftment in their spiritual journey and material success.
Rituals and Observance
- Preparation: Devotees prepare by cleansing their homes and setting up a sacred space for puja.
- Fasting: The fast begins at sunrise and lasts until the next day. Some devotees opt for a nirjala (waterless) fast, while others may consume fruits and milk.
- Puja: The day includes worshipping Lord Vishnu with offerings of flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves. Devotees recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and other sacred texts.
- Charity: Performing acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, or money to the needy, is considered highly auspicious on this day.
Nirjala Ekadashi: June 18, 2024
Nirjala Ekadashi, the second major Ekadashi of the month, falls on June 18. This Ekadashi is renowned for its strict fasting rules, where devotees abstain from both food and water.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most rigorous and rewarding of all Ekadashis. The fast’s merit is equivalent to that of observing all 24 Ekadashis throughout the year. By controlling the 10 senses and the mind, devotees purify their thoughts and actions, thereby attaining spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The scorching heat of Jyeshtha intensifies the challenge, making the devotion and resolve of the observer even more commendable.
Rituals and Observance
- Preparation: The day before, devotees consume a light meal before sunset to prepare for the intense fast.
- Fasting: Complete abstinence from food and water is maintained from sunrise on Ekadashi until the next morning.
- Puja: Devotees engage in elaborate pujas dedicated to Lord Vishnu, chanting hymns and mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama and observing silence to enhance concentration and devotion.
- Charity: Giving in charity on Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to be highly meritorious, symbolizing the sacrifice and devotion of the observer.
Puja Timings and Observance Dates
- Apara Ekadashi:
- Start: June 2, 2024, at 5:04 am
- End: June 3, 2024, at 2:41 am
- Nirjala Ekadashi:
- Observed: June 18, 2024
- Puja: Throughout the day with the fast extending from sunrise on June 18 to the morning of June 19
Benefits of Observing Ekadashi in Jyeshtha
Observing Ekadashi fasts during the month of Jyeshtha carries additional spiritual and material benefits. The scorching heat represents the intense trials and tribulations one might face in life, and fasting during this period symbolizes resilience and unwavering devotion.
Spiritual Benefits
- Purification of Mind and Body: Fasting helps cleanse the body of toxins and the mind of negative thoughts, leading to a state of higher consciousness.
- Enhanced Devotion: The rituals and prayers performed during Ekadashi deepen the devotee’s connection with Lord Vishnu, fostering a sense of peace and fulfillment.
- Attainment of Moksha: Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is particularly revered for its promise of salvation, liberating the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Material Benefits
- Wealth and Prosperity: Apara Ekadashi is specifically known for its power to attract wealth and remove financial obstacles, ensuring prosperity and success in various endeavors.
- Health and Well-being: The disciplined lifestyle and abstinence associated with Ekadashi fasts contribute to better physical and mental health.
The Jyeshtha month Ekadashi fasts, Apara Ekadashi on June 2, 2024, and Nirjala Ekadashi on June 18, 2024, offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth and material benefits. By observing these fasts with dedication, devotees can achieve significant spiritual merit and divine blessings, reinforcing the importance of these sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Whether it is the pursuit of wealth, the aspiration for peace, or the desire for salvation, these Ekadashi fasts provide a profound pathway to fulfillment and enlightenment.
