Nirjala Ekadasi: It’s Not About the Fast. It’s About What Follows.

Dandavats.com - Nirjala Ekadasi: It’s Not About the Fast. It’s... | Facebook: Nirjala Ekadasi: It’s Not About the Fast. It’s About What Follows. Nirjala means “without water,” and Ekadasi refers to the eleventh day of the lunar cycle—a day sacred to Lord Vishnu. This particular Ekadasi, often called the "king of all Ekadasis," isn’t just a dry fast; it’s a full stop. No food, no water, no indulgence. Why go to such lengths? Srila Prabhupada, put it simply: Ekadasi is for remembering Krishna, for cleaning the heart, for letting the soul breathe. He likened these days to spiritual spring cleaning—sweeping out the clutter of habits, cravings, and distractions. Ironically, while the day revolves around not eating, it ends up nourishing in ways food never could. When the stars come out and the fast breaks, that first sip of water? It doesn’t just touch your lips. It baptizes your whole being. Srila Prabhupada once said that spiritual life isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about peeling back the layers and finding who you truly are. Nirjala Ekadasi does that. It strips everything away—comfort, distraction, excess—and leaves you face to face with your essence.