The Dialogue of Bhima and Sage Vyasa: During the era of the Mahabharata, Bhimasena, the second Pandava brother, approached the great sage Vedavyasa. He said: 'O grandfather, my brothers, mother Kunti, Draupadi, and Arjun observe a complete fast on both Ekadashis of every month. They request me to do the same, but I cannot tolerate hunger due to the powerful digestive fire called Vrika inside my stomach. Please tell me if there is a single fast that can grant me the benefits of all Ekadashis without requiring me to starve twice a month.' Sage Vyasa replied: 'O Bhima, if you wish to attain heaven and avoid hell, observe the Nirjala Ekadashi of the Jyeshtha month. On this day, you must not consume even a single drop of water or grain of food. By observing this single waterless fast with devotion, you will receive the combined blessings and merits of all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year.' Bhima successfully kept the fast, and it became known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. The Origin of Goddess Ekadashi: In the Satya Yuga, a powerful demon named Mura defeated Indra and conquered heaven. The gods sought refuge with Lord Vishnu. A battle raged between Lord Vishnu and Mura for ten thousand years. Tired, Lord Vishnu went to rest in the Hemavati cave of Badrikashram. When Mura entered the cave to attack the sleeping Lord, a beautiful warrior goddess emerged from Vishnu's body. She instantly slew Mura with her divine weapons. Lord Vishnu awoke and blessed her, naming her Ekadashi. He declared that anyone who observes a fast on her day will be cleansed of all sins and reach Vaikuntha.