“No food. No Water. Just faith – and Fire”
Nirjala Ekadashi isn’t just fast. It’s a storm inside you.
Your lips dry, your body weak, your mind screams for relief.
But you keep going.
Because this is more than hunger – this is surrender.
And when the night ends, you don’t just survive.
You rise.
When and Why Do We Observe Nirjala Ekadashi?
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 this 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 can observe this one fast, which yields the benefit of all 24 Ekadashis. Scriptures also refer to this Ekadashi as Bheemsena 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
The Story of Nirjala Ekadashi
Once, Bhima told Maharishi Vyasa, “ oh revered grandfather! My brothers Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, 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, “ oh 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.”
How to perform Nirjala Ekadashi Puja?
Wake up early on this day. After taking a bath with clean water, wear fresh clothes. Clean your home thoroughly. If you are fasting, install an idol of Lord Vishnu 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 is divided 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 this 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 this removes that sin. Staying waterless and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this sacred day brings his special grace, because Ekadashi holds a special place in his heart.
Benefits of Observing Ekadashi
One can observe Ekadashi for the following benefits:
– Fulfillment of desires
– Happiness in the family
– Elimination of past sins
– Spiritual growth
– Blessings of Lord Vishnu
– Career advancement
– Success, prosperity, and health benefits
