Somvati Amavasya, the Amavas that falls on a Somvar (Monday), is considered as auspicious day for Hindu devotees. In 2010, Somvati Amavasya dates are – March 15, 2010 (Phalguna Amavasya/Chaitra Amavasya) and August 10, 2010.

Significance of Somvati Amavasya – Somvati Amavas Mahatmya:

The importance and significance of Somvati Amavasya is narrated by Bhishma to Dharma Raj in the Mahabharat. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in sacred rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri would considered as highly auspicious. Performing ritual bath in holy rivers on the day of Somavati Amavasya would provide prosperity, make free from diseases and give peace to souls of ancestors.

Married women observe Somavara Amavasya Vrata on Somvati Amavasya day. Some people also observe fasting on Somvati Amavasya. On Somvati Amavasya, many people take holy dip (Punya Snaan) at holy places such as Haridwar, Varanasi (Kasi), Triveni Sangam and Prayag.

Sankalpa Mantra to worship Lord Lakshmi Narayana on Somvati Amavasya – Ama Somvar Vrata Stotra:
“Santhathi chiranjeevatva parama soubhagya kama asyam somavathya mamaayaam brahma Vishnu shivatma kashwaththa vrukshe yathamilithopacharie lakshmi narayana poojam karsihye”

Merits of Somvati Amavasya Vrata – Ama Somvar Vrata Phala:
After the Kurukshetra war, Yudhistira was anxious with the Kuru pandava dynasty and asked Bhishma to advice something to rejuvenate the dynasty for his coming generations. Bhishma suggested Dharmaraj to observe Somvati Amavasya Vrata (Ama Somvara Vratam). He also explained him the merits of this vrata as – whoever observes the Ama Somvara Vrata would get long living and noble children.

Nirjala Ekadasi, also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimasena Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during Jyeshta masa Shukla paksha. Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhimsani Ekadashi is considered to be most auspicious and beneficial day to observe Ekadashi Vrat.

Date of Nirjala Ekadashi in 2009 – When is Pandava or Bhimsena Ekadasi observed?
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of first half during Jyeshta month as per the traditional Hindu calendar. Date of Nirjala Ekadashi observance is June 3, Wednesday.

Why Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi is called Pandava Ekadasi or Bhima Ekadashi? What is the significance and importance of Nirjala Ekadashi?
Every devotee who observes all the 24 Ekadashi Vrat in a year, observes this Pandava Ekadasi with utmost devotion. According to several sacred texts, Nirjala Ekadashi fasting or Vrata can give a devotee the fruits of all 24 Ekadashi observances.

As per the Mahabharata, once Bhimasena asked Sage Veda Vyasa about the importance and significance of Ekadasi fasting. Veda Vyasa explained him the benefits and merits of Ekadashi fasting. Listening to that, Bhim told him that his brothers Yudhistira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva would observe the fast without any hesitation but, he cannot be able to observe fasting on 24 Ekadashi throughout the year. Bhimsen asked Veda Vyasa to suggest only one day fasting that can give him 24 Ekadashi fasting results.

On Bhimsen’s request Veda Vyasa advised him to observe fasting on Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi, also called as Nirjala Ekadasi, which can give him all the benefits and merits of 24 Ekadashi fasting. Because of this legend, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi is also named as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimsen Ekadashi.

What to do on Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi – Rituals and Customs of Nirjala Eakdashi:
Devotees have to avoid even drinking water from sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi day. Because of this reason, Jyeshta Shukla Ekadasi is also named as Nirjala Ekadashi (Nirjala means without water). As Jyeshta month (May – June) falls during mid-summer, observing this Ekadashi fasting without even drinking water is more difficult than all other Ekadashi fasting. This vow is accomplished when devotee is utmost dedicated. In some regions, there is a tradition of donating gold and water pot.

Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009

Bhadrakali Ekadashi is observed on Ekadasi day in Krishna Paksha in Jyeshta month. Bhadrakali Ekadashi is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. This day is the most auspicious day to worship Goddess Bhadrakali.

In 2009, the date of Bhadrakali Ekadashi is May 20, Wednesday.

Significance and importance of Bhadrakali Ekadasi:
In some Northern regions like Punjab, Haryana and in some places of Jammu Kashmir, Bhadrakali Ekadasi is considered as one of the most auspicious days to worship Goddess Bhadra Kali. Bhadra Kali Ekadasi is a big festival for Aryan Saraswat Brahmin sect.

According to Aryan Saraswat Brahmin sect, Goddess Bhadra Kali appeared on earth to demolish evil on the day of Bhadrakali Ekadasi.

Jyeshta Masa Ekadasi is observed as Apara Ekadasi, Achala Ekadasi, Vaishakha Vadi Ekadashi or Jalakrida Ekadashi in remaining regions of India.

Other Ekadasi dates and days in 2009