With some further research and help from His Holiness Bhanu Swami, we have concluded that there is really no basis in either 1) the scripture, specifically the Hari-bhakti-vilasa, the guidebook for devotional practices compiled by Sanatana Gosvami, or 2) Srila Prabhupada’s instructions, for the idea that if one performs a full nirjala fast on Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi, that will negate any ill effects from having broken Ekadasi over the previous year.
via dandavats.com
I was contemplating fasting all day on Tuesday. After reading this article by Dravida Prabhu I’ve decided to just steer myself towards my service and fasting from grains and beans, the usual. If I fast all day I won’t get much service done and will spend at least half the next day recovering.
Here is an interesting quotation found by Indradyumna Swami which clarifies the Ekadasi conundrum. Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi doesn’t negate the ill effects of not performing other Ekadasi Vratas but gives the benefits of having performed them. A small but subtle difference.”Oh son, Lord Kesava, Who holds the club, disk, conch and lotus flower in His hand, personally told me that all the merit achieved by fasting on whatever ekadasis fall in one year, can be attained by fasting on this one ekadasi (Nirjala Ekadasi). Of this, there is no doubt.”[ Padma Purana, quoted in Hari-bhakti-vilasa 15.25. Srila Vyasadeva speaking to Bhimasena ]