Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, also known as Apara Ekadashi or Bhadrakali Ekadashi, is an important Hindu festival that falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. This sacred occasion carries profound significance and is observed with great devotion and reverence by Hindus across India.
On Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, devout Hindus worship Lord Vishnu, particularly in his Vamana Avatar, the dwarf incarnation. Observing this fast with sincerity and dedication is believed to bring immense blessings and prosperity into one’s life. Apart from being a harbinger of wealth, this Ekadashi holds another significance – it is associated with Mother Yashoda’s act of washing Lord Krishna’s clothes. Thus, Jal Jhulni Ekadashi is also celebrated as Padma Ekadashi.
Jal Jhulni Ekadashi Festival:
Jal Jhulni Ekadashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Devotees wake up early before dawn and take a holy dip in sacred rivers, lakes, ponds, and other natural water bodies. This purifying bath is believed to cleanse the body and soul, absolving individuals of their sins and negative karma.
One of the prominent traditions of this festival is the grand procession of Lord Vishnu, often depicted on a beautifully decorated palanquin (palki). The deity is carried with great pomp and show, accompanied by melodious bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs), creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervor.
The ritualistic immersion of Lord Vishnu’s idol in a sacred water body is another significant aspect of Jal Jhulni Ekadashi. Devotees believe that this act symbolizes the divine presence and blessings of Lord Vishnu in their lives.
Fasting and Devotion:
Fasting plays a central role in the observance of Jal Jhulni Ekadashi. Devotees abstain from consuming grains, cereals, and certain vegetables on this day. Instead, they opt for a simple diet consisting of fruits, nuts, milk, and root vegetables. Fasting is viewed as a form of self-discipline and a means to focus on spiritual growth.
The fast continues until the next morning, and devotees break it with a meal that adheres to the Ekadashi dietary restrictions. This practice is believed to purify the body and mind, allowing individuals to connect more deeply with the divine.
Jal Jhulni Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance, a time when devotees seek inner purification, blessings, and a stronger connection with Lord Vishnu. It emphasizes the importance of devotion, self-discipline, and the cleansing of the soul, much like the ritualistic immersion in sacred waters. This sacred festival not only nourishes the spiritual fabric of Hinduism but also serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and devotion of the devotees who celebrate it with unwavering dedication.