Fasting Means Drawing Closer to God: Prashant Agarwal
Nirjala Ekadashi Observed with Faith, Devotion, and Service at Narayan Seva Sansthan
Udaipur: Nirjala Ekadashi was observed with great devotion, faith, and a spirit of service at Narayan Seva Sansthan. On the occasion, specially-abled individuals and their family members who had come from different parts of the country for free surgeries and artificial limb fittings were served fruits and sweet meals. The event also conveyed messages of service, spirituality, and self-reflection.
Addressing the gathering during the institution’s interactive program, “Apnon Se Apni Baat,” President Prashant Agarwal highlighted the spiritual significance of Nirjala Ekadashi. He said that the observance is not merely about abstaining from food and water but is an opportunity for the soul to draw closer to the Divine.
Explaining the meaning of Upvas (fasting), Agarwal said that the word is derived from “Up,” meaning near, and “Vas,” meaning residence. Thus, the true meaning of fasting is to remain close to God.
He further stated that Nirjala Ekadashi is not just about enduring thirst but about recognizing and overcoming one’s inner desires and cravings. A true fast is one that brings positive transformation, purifies thoughts, and helps a person move closer to God. While physical thirst can be quenched within a day, the thirst for wealth, status, attachment, and ego can keep a person restless throughout life if left unchecked.
Agarwal noted that observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bestow the spiritual merit equivalent to that of all twenty-four Ekadashis observed throughout the year. He encouraged the specially-abled participants to seek devotion, love, and blessings from God rather than material gains, emphasizing that God has the capacity to give far more than one can imagine, provided there is complete surrender and faith.
Drawing a parallel between life and the refining of gold, he said that just as gold shines brighter after passing through fire, hardships and suffering serve as tests that make individuals stronger and more successful. Therefore, one should neither turn away from devotion nor blame God during difficult times, as the Divine always seeks the welfare of His devotees.
During the interaction, he cited the life stories of devotees such as Dhruva, Vidura, Draupadi, Jatayu, Shabari, and Sudama, explaining how they received divine grace after enduring hardships and challenges, ultimately leading meaningful and fulfilled lives.
On the occasion, Sansthan founder Kailash ‘Manav’ distributed fruits among patients at Seva Dham. Directors Vandana Agarwal and Palak Agarwal distributed umbrellas, mangoes, water pots, clothes, and footwear to women from Badi and nearby areas.
The program also featured experiences shared by several beneficiaries, including Sitariyan from Bihar, who is affected by polio; Mohammad Imran from Bhilwara, who lost his right leg in a train accident seven years ago; Mohit Gupta from Agra, who lost a leg in a collision between two auto-rickshaws; Sunil Kumar, who lost his left leg after an iron slab fell on him while working in a company in Gorakhpur; Mukund from Ghaziabad; and others suffering from injuries or congenital physical disabilities.
They spoke about their struggles with disability, their unwavering faith in God, and how the free treatment and rehabilitation services provided by Narayan Seva Sansthan had opened new avenues for leading independent and dignified lives.
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