Parana Muhurat is the auspicious time to break the Ekadashi Vrat. The fast of Ekadashi is terminated on Dwadashi Tithi (twelfth day) i.e. the succeeding day.
Amongst the 24 Ekadashi’s observed throughout the year, the fast (Vrat) observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi is considered to be the most beneficial, if one properly observes a fast on this day it is said to give the fruits of 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year. Complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. People observe strict fast and offer pooja to Lord Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. Therefore, immense dedication and devotion are shown by devotees for performing this Vrat and in response, high amount of favor is given by Lord Vishnu.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The legend of Nirjala Ekadashi is connected to Bheem, who was the second and the most powerful Pandava, that is why this Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bheema Ekadashi. He wanted to observe all the fasts of 24 Ekadashis, but he could not as he was not able to control his hunger. For finding a solution to this problem, he went to sage Vyasa and his grandfather. They advised him to only observe the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, because this one fast can provide auspicious results equivalent to the fast of all Ekadashis.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi
As this is the most important and toughest Ekadashi of all, some strict rules have to be followed by devotees, while performing the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
*Wake up early in the morning and perform the morning rituals like bathing and wearing clean clothes.
*Visit the nearest temple to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
*Bathe the image of Vishnu or Shaligram stone with Panchamrit (mixture of water, milk, honey, sugar, and jaggery).
*Fast can be observed for 24 hours, i.e. from sunrise of Nirjala Ekadashi to the sunrise of next day, or only from the sunrise to sunset of the day of Nirjala Ekadashi.
*Perform meditation before the image of Lord Vishnu.
*Offer flowers, incense sticks, and Durva grass (a kind of grass) etc. to Lord Vishnu, as the part of Puja rituals of Nirjala Ekadashi.
*Intake of food and water is strictly prohibited while performing Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat.
*Nirjala Ekadashi is also considered very auspicious for performing charity. Items like clothes, food grains, hand fans, and umbrellas are given to needy people.