What is special about Nirjalā, Devśayanī and Prabodhinī Ekādaśī?

Nirjalā is the waterless one said to equal all 24; Devśayanī begins Viṣṇu’s four-month rest; Prabodhinī ends it.

Nirjalā (Jyeṣṭha śukla) is also called Bhīma Ekādaśī. Tradition says Bhīma, who could not bear hunger, was told by Vyāsa that keeping this one Ekādaśī without even water would give the merit of all. Donating water pots, fans and sharbat is a big part of the day.

Devśayanī (Āṣāḍha śukla), also Padmā or Harīśayanī, is when Viṣṇu is said to go into yoga-nidrā on the serpent Śeṣa. Cāturmāsa begins, and weddings and housewarmings are generally paused. Pandharpur’s Āṣāḍhī Vārī reaches Viṭṭhala on this day.

Prabodhinī or Devotthānī (Kārtika śukla) is when Viṣṇu “wakes”. Homes draw his footprints, wake him with songs and conch, and Tulasī Vivāha is celebrated on this day or the next. The wedding season traditionally opens after it.

Nirjalā is also called Bhīmasenī Ekādaśī · Source: Padma Purāṇa; Nirṇayasindhu

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