Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. Therefore, in one year there are 24 Ekadashis. Out of these 24 auspicious days, Nirjala Ekadashi is of highest level of significance and importance. It is believed that fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi brings all the benefits of twenty-four Ekadashi fasting in a year. Hence, devotees who are unable to observe all twenty-four Ekadashi fasting in a year can observe a single Nirjala Ekadashi fasting. Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, Pandava Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi. As the legend goes, it is said that all the Pandavas except Bhimsen used to observe fasts on all Ekadashi. Therefore, Sage Vyasa suggested Bhima observe Nirjala Ekadashi once during the year and relieved Bhimsena of the guilt of not being able to honour Lord Vishnu.
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on 11th Day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha.
Now let us focus on a little bit of scientific background around this fast. As per our Vedic sciences, the movement of the moon on the day of Ekadashi has a direct correlation with the human body and mind. It is believed that during Ekadashi, the water in the body shifts in such a way that it puts pressure on the senses. We know that the Moon effects the oceanic tides. Because human body is 70% water, therefore, it is always under the influence of moon. On 11th day of each cycle moon forms trine with earth or sun and hence on Ekadashi, Moon’s influence on liquids in our body and mind starts rising.
In general, we know that fasting has in its own benefits. Now coming to the concept of dry-fasting (which means fasting without water) – When dry fasting, even more, stem cells are released into the blood than usual, a fact that has been proven scientifically. During dry fasting, the body begins a cleansing process that rids itself of old and sick cells. This creates vacated space in tissues for new stem cells. Stem cells are released into the blood in higher volume, occupying this vacated “space” and promoting regeneration and rejuvenation processes. The regular practice of dry fasting can extend life, youth, and vitality by 15 – 25 years.
Other benefits of dry fasting are –
1. Going without water significantly lower the concentration of inflammatory markers.
2. Dry fasting is an amazing tool that can address many acute health issues and degenerative conditions.
3. It activates the body’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms, purifies the blood, clears the blood vessels, cleanses the GI tract and renews its mucosal lining.
4. During dry fasting, a process of intense cleansing begins as toxins are eliminated. But purification takes place not due to external water, but by the cleaner, high-quality metabolic water synthesized by the body.
5. To compensate for the lack of available water during a dry fast the body begins absorbing atmospheric water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen from the air. It also begins to manufacture its own amino acids.
Therefore, whether you follow the religious factors or the scientific factors; Nirjala Ekadashi fasting definitely has its benefits.
