Know the details about the Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja Procedure Items List Prasadam Recipe, Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja Procedure Prasadam Cost
Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja Procedure: A Detailed Guide
Introduction
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most significant and strict fasting days in the Hindu calendar. Observed without food or water, this fast brings immense spiritual benefits and is believed to wash away all sins. Here’s a comprehensive guide on Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja Vidhi, including all necessary items, their cost range, step-by-step pooja procedure, a complete prasadam recipe, best pooja timings, and other essential information.
Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja Procedure Items List Prasadam Recipe
Pooja Items List and Cost Range
To perform Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja, you need the following items:
- Idol or Image of Lord Vishnu: INR 100-500
- Kalash (Holy Pot): INR 50-150
- Gangajal (Ganges Water): INR 30-100
- Coconut: INR 20-40
- Flowers (Marigold, Rose, etc.): INR 50-100
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): INR 10-50
- Oil Lamp (Diya): INR 20-100
- Camphor: INR 20-50
- Rice (Raw): INR 30-60/kg
- Turmeric Powder (Haldi): INR 10-30
- Kumkum (Vermilion): INR 10-30
- Sweets (Laddu, Barfi, etc.): INR 100-300
- Fruits (Bananas, Apples, etc.): INR 50-200
Step-by-Step Pooja Procedure
- Preparation: Clean the pooja area and set up a small altar with the idol or image of Lord Vishnu. Place the kalash filled with Gangajal near the idol.
- Invocation: Light the oil lamp and incense sticks. Invoke Lord Vishnu by chanting his names and mantras.
- Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers to the idol, one by one, while reciting prayers.
- Abhishekam (Holy Bath): Pour Gangajal over the idol, followed by milk, honey, and water. This ritual symbolizes the purification of the deity.
- Applying Kumkum and Haldi: Apply turmeric and vermilion to the idol’s forehead.
- Offering Prasad: Place the prepared sweets and fruits in front of the idol as an offering.
- Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama: Chant the Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Vishnu) with devotion and focus.
- Aarti: Perform aarti by circling the camphor flame in front of the idol while singing the Vishnu Aarti hymn.
- Distribution of Prasad: After the pooja, distribute the prasad among family members and devotees.
Complete Prasadam Recipe: Sweet Pongal
Ingredients:
- Raw Rice: 1 cup
- Moong Dal: 1/4 cup
- Jaggery: 1 cup
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cashews: 10-12
- Raisins: 10-12
- Water: 4 cups
Procedure:
- Roast and Cook: Dry roast moong dal until golden and wash it along with rice. Cook both in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water for 3 whistles.
- Prepare Jaggery Syrup: In a separate pan, dissolve jaggery in a little water and bring it to a boil. Strain to remove impurities.
- Combine: Add the jaggery syrup to the cooked rice-dal mixture and mix well. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Flavoring: Add cardamom powder, ghee, cashews, and raisins. Mix well.
- Serve: Offer the sweet pongal as prasadam during the pooja.
Best Pooja Timings
The best time to perform Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja is early in the morning, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM to 6:00 AM). Evening aarti can be performed around sunset, between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
About Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi. According to legend, Bhima, one of the Pandavas, found it difficult to observe other Ekadashi fasts due to his immense appetite. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, which would grant him the benefits of all other Ekadashis. This day holds special importance and is observed with utmost devotion.
Things to Know Before Observing Nirjala Ekadashi
- Medical Conditions: Those with medical conditions should consult a doctor before undertaking the stringent fast.
- Preparation: Light meals the day before and mental preparation for the fast help in its successful observance.
- Breaking the Fast: The fast is usually broken the next morning after offering prayers and consuming a light meal.
- Hydration: Despite the strict no-water rule, it is crucial to stay hydrated before starting the fast, especially in hot climates.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi? A: Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to confer the benefits of all other Ekadashis observed throughout the year. It pleases Lord Vishnu and brings health, prosperity, and salvation.
Q: What items do I need for Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja? A: Key items include an idol of Lord Vishnu, kalash, flowers, Gangajal, coconut, incense sticks, oil lamp, camphor, rice, kumkum, turmeric, sweets, and fruits.
Q: How do I prepare prasadam for the pooja? A: You can prepare Sweet Pongal with ingredients like rice, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, water, cardamom, cashews, and raisins.
Q: When is the best time to perform the Nirjala Ekadashi Pooja? A: Early morning during Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM to 6:00 AM) and evening around sunset (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM) are ideal times.
Q: Can I drink water during Nirjala Ekadashi fast? A: No, the fast requires complete abstinence from both food and water for 24 hours.
Conclusion
Nirjala Ekadashi is a powerful day of fasting and devotion that offers immense spiritual benefits. By observing this stringent fast, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, aiming for health, prosperity, and ultimate salvation. Whether you are a seasoned observer or new to this practice, the key lies in your devotion and sincerity. Plan ahead, prepare yourself, and embrace the spiritual significance of Nirjala Ekadashi with utmost reverence.