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In Hindu religion, Nirjala Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is considered the most special and difficult among all the 24 Ekadashis. As is clear from its name, in this fast one has to give up water along with food. It is believed that if a person who is unable to observe the remaining Ekadashis of the year, observes just this one fast with full devotion, then he gets the virtue of all the Ekadashis of the year. But living without water in this scorching heat of June is not easy for everyone. In such a situation, this question often arises in the minds of people that is there any exemption to drink water during this fast? Let us know from the perspective of an on-ground reporter what concessions are given in the scriptures for sick people and what is the correct method of consuming water in an emergency.
Why is it considered the most difficult penance and what is its importance?
According to religious beliefs, on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, not even a single drop of water should go down the throat from the time the resolution of worship is taken in the morning till sunrise the next day. Aachhamana is allowed only in the morning. Because of this difficult rule, it has been called the most virtuous fast, which makes the path to salvation easier. But keeping in view the changing times and health, some very practical rules have also been mentioned in the scriptures so that no one’s health is harmed.
These people get complete freedom to drink water, do not compromise with health
Sanatan Dharma never advocates putting a person in trouble. This is the reason why children, elderly and people suffering from serious illness have been given complete freedom to drink water during the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi. If you are physically weak or taking medicine from a doctor, then you do not need to remain forcibly hungry and thirsty. Such people can observe this fast by eating fruits, milk or drinking water and worship Lord Vishnu.
If your life is in danger, you can drink water with this unique method.
If the throat suddenly becomes dry during the fast due to the scorching heat or the health deteriorates to such an extent that it threatens to kill, then two very special methods have been mentioned in the scriptures for this. According to astrology and religion experts, in such an emergency, you can consume water exactly two hours after sunset. It is believed that by doing this the fast is not completely broken and the devotee definitely gets the results of at least 12 Ekadashis.
Apart from this, a very unique tradition is also mentioned in some texts. If the situation becomes very bad in the afternoon or during the day, then fill a copper, brass or silver vessel with clean water or Ganga water. After this, one should drink water directly from the vessel by placing both hands and knees on the ground (in the posture of an animal). Keep in mind that before drinking water, chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanay’ 21 times. This particular situation has been considered blameless in the scriptures. Along with this, in many places people take some water even after 12 o’clock in the night.