Bhim
Ekadasi, also known as Nirjala Ekadashi, is observed during the Shukla Paksha
(waxing phase of moon) of Jyeshta month. In 2012, the date of Bhim Ekadasi is
May 31. This Ekadasi is dedicated to Bhima, the second among the Pandavas. It is
believed that observing Bhim Ekadasi is equal to observing all the 24 Ekadasis.
Ekadasi
fasting is observed on the 11th day of a fortnight in a traditional Hindu
calendar and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Legend has
it that once Bhima, the second among the Pandava brothers, wanted to find a
solution to fast on Ekadasi by consuming food and he went to Sage Vyasa to find
a solution. Bhima could not control hunger and therefore it was impossible from
him to observe Ekadasi fasting.
Veda Vyasa
advised Bhima to observe Nirjala Ekadasi falling in the Shukla Paksha of
Jyeshta Month. It has the benefits of observing all the 24 Ekadasis in a year.
Bhim
Ekadasi fasting is very tough and different from the usual Ekadasi fasting
method. Devotees do not drink water on the day. Neither do they eat anything
for the entire day. The fasting is from sunrise to next day (Dwadasi) morning
sunrise.