When and Why Do We Observe Nirjala Ekadashi? Know Its Significance

Although two Ekadashis fall in every Hindu month, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most significant and rewarding among them. This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and devotees observe a strict 24-hour fast to please Him.

People consider Nirjala Ekadashi the toughest of all Ekadashis. It falls on the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. As the name suggests, this fast is observed without water. If someone cannot fast on all Ekadashis throughout the year, they may observe this one fast, which yields the benefit of all 24 Ekadashis. Scriptures also refer to this Ekadashi as Bhimsena Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Date and Muhurat

Nirjala Ekadashi: Friday, June 6, 2025
Parana Timing (Breaking the Fast): June 7, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 04:42 PM
Ekadashi Begins: June 6, 2025, at 02:15 AM
Ekadashi Ends: June 7, 2025, at 04:47 AM

How to Perform Nirjala Ekadashi Puja

Wake up early on Nirjala Ekadashi. After taking a bath with clean water, wear fresh clothes. Clean your home thoroughly. If you are fasting, install an idol of Lord Vishnu at sunrise for worship. Offer water, vermillion (kumkum), rice, flowers, and clothes to the deity. Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”. After performing the puja according to proper rituals, conduct an aarti. Feeding Brahmins on this day also holds great spiritual value.

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

The eleventh day of the Hindu calendar is known as Ekadashi. According to Hindu beliefs, each month divides into two phases—Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. The eleventh day of both phases is celebrated as Ekadashi, especially by devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

Ekadashi represents the eleven senses—five sensory organs, five action organs, and one mind. Every Ekadashi holds a special place in the scriptures. If someone observes Nirjala Ekadashi, they receive the merit of fasting on all 24 Ekadashis.

Donating a water-filled Kalash (pot) on this day also grants the blessings of year-long Ekadashis. If a person unintentionally eats food on any other Ekadashi, observing Nirjala Ekadashi removes that sin. Staying waterless and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this sacred day brings His special grace, as He holds Ekadashi very dear.

Types of Ekadashi

There are 24 Ekadashis in total. Each one relates to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Every Ekadashi has its unique significance and method of worship.

Benefits of Observing Ekadashi

One can observe Ekadashi for the following benefits:

– Spiritual growth
– Success, prosperity, and health benefits
– Blessings of Lord Vishnu
– Fulfillment of desires
– Elimination of past sins
– Career advancement
– Happiness in the family

The Story of Nirjala Ekadashi

Once, Bhimasena told Maharishi Vyasa, “O revered grandfather! My brothers Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, Arjuna, mother Kunti, and Draupadi—all ask me to fast on Ekadashi. But I tell them that although I can worship God and give charity, I cannot stay without food.”

Hearing this, Maharishi Vyasa said, “Bhima, if you prefer heaven and fear hell, then do not eat food on either of the two monthly Ekadashis.” Bhima replied, “O sage, I already told you that I cannot stay without eating. But if there’s any fast that I can observe once a year and still attain heaven, then please tell me.”

Then Maharishi Vyasa explained, “The sages have created such scriptures where one can attain heaven through little effort. Between Vrishabha and Mithuna Sankranti, the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is known as Nirjala Ekadashi. You can observe this fast.”

He added, “In this fast, apart from bathing and performing Achaman (sipping holy water), you must not drink even a drop of water or eat anything. The result of this one Ekadashi is equal to observing all 24 Ekadashis. The Lord Himself revealed this to me.”