Chapter 1
Bhima's Dilemma and Sage Vyasa's Guidance
Bhima expresses his sorrow that his brothers and mother Kunti fast on every Ekadashi, but his digestive fire (Vrikodara) prevents him from fasting.
During the era of the Mahabharata, mighty Bhimasena approached his venerable grandfather, Maharishi Veda Vyasa, and said with folded hands: 'O revered Grandfather! My elder brother Yudhishthira, mother Kunti, brothers Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadi observe fasting on every single Ekadashi twice a month. They exhort me to fast as well. I desire to worship Lord Narayana and donate generously, but within my belly rages the fierce digestive fire known as Vrika. Without ample food, my life-airs desert me. I simply cannot fast twice each month! Tell me of an austere yet accessible vrata whereby, without fasting continuously, I may attain the complete spiritual merits of all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year.' Vyasa Ji smiled: 'O mighty Bhima! The Vedas and Puranas declare Ekadashi to be the foremost redeemer of all sins and the gateway to Vaikuntha. If you cannot fast every fortnight, observe the Nirjala Ekadashi falling in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha. In this austere vrata, from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi, not even a single drop of water is consumed. Only the minute drop taken for purification (Aachamana) during morning oblations is permitted. One who fasts without water, meditating upon Lord Keshava and singing His holy names, attains the collective spiritual merits of all twenty-four Ekadashis. At the time of passing, the fearful messengers of Yama dare not approach him; instead, Lord Vishnu's celestial ambassadors arrive on radiant vimanas to escort him to Vaikuntha.' Hearing this, Bhima observed the rigorous fast with heroic determination. Toward dawn, he grew faint from severe dehydration, but held steadfast until Dwadashi, breaking the fast after donating cool water pots and cows to Brahmins. Because Bhima accomplished this extraordinary feat, it is commemorated as Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Spiritual Moral: Where there is true devotion, a way is opened for every soul regardless of human limitation.