Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Date, Time, Vrat Katha and Benefits

Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most important and spiritually rewarding among all 24 Ekadashis observed in a year. "Nirjala" means "without water," and this fast is observed without consuming food or water, making it the strictest and toughest of all Ekadashi fasts.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Date and Time

• Benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: Those who cannot observe all twenty-four Ekadashis can simply keep this one fast, as it carries the spiritual merit of observing all the others combined.
• Legend: Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi, due to the story of Bhima, the second Pandava, who couldn’t fast on Ekadashis because of his large appetite. Seeking a solution, he approached Sage Vyasa, who advised him to observe this one strictly fast to gain the benefits of all Ekadashis. Hence, the name Bhimseni Ekadashi.
• Timing: Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month (May or June), usually after Ganga Dussehra. In some years, both may fall on the same day.
• Fasting Guidelines: Sometimes, Ekadashi is observed on two consecutive days. For householders (Smarthas), the first day is recommended. The second day is mainly for monks, widows, or those seeking Moksha. Devotees aiming for deep devotion to Lord Vishnu may choose to fast on both days.

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Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha: The Story of Maharishi Vyasa and Bhimsena

Once, Shaunaka and a congregation of 88,000 sages were engrossed in listening to the spiritually uplifting and sin-destroying tales of the Ekadashis with deep devotion. They then expressed a desire to hear the story of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. In response, Suta Ji began narrating the tale. Once Bhimsena approached Maharishi Vyasa and asked, "O revered grandfather! My brother Yudhishthira, mother Kunti, Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva all observe fasts on Ekadashi. They have also asked me to do the same. I told them that while I can worship God with devotion and give alms generously, I find it impossible to remain hungry." To this, Maharishi Vyasa replied, "O Bhimsen, they are absolutely right. The scriptures clearly state that one must abstain from food on Ekadashi. If you regard hell as the worst and heaven as the highest goal, then you must refrain from eating on both Ekadashis every month. Hearing this, Bhimsen replied, "O Pitamaha, I’ve already told you—I cannot go without food even for a single meal. The fire within my stomach can only be appeased by consuming a large amount of food. However, if necessary, I can observe just one Ekadashi fast in a year. Please recommend one such fast that can grant me entry to heaven.

Maharishi Vyasa answered, "O son! The great sages have composed many scriptures which, if followed even during the difficult times of Kali Yuga, can lead one to liberation. They involve minimal effort or expense. The core message of these scriptures is to observe both Ekadashis each month to attain heavenly blessings.

“He further explained, "O son of the Wind God! The Ekadashi that falls between Vrishabha Sankranti and Mithuna Sankranti during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month is known as Nirjala Ekadashi, meaning a fast without water. On this day, if water accidentally enters the mouth while bathing or performing Achamana (ritual sipping), it is not counted as a transgression—provided it does not exceed 6 Masha (a traditional unit of weight). Consuming more than this is considered equal to drinking alcohol. Food must be strictly avoided on this day, as eating invalidates the fast."

"If someone refrains from even water from sunrise to sunset, they earn the merit of observing twelve Ekadashis. On Dwadashi, they must wake before sunrise and offer food to hungry Brahmins before eating themselves."

Vyasa continued, "O Bhimsen! Lord Vishnu Himself revealed to me that observing this fast grants the same merit as visiting all pilgrimage sites and offering all types of charity. Fasting without water for a day liberates a person from all sins. At the time of death, those who keep the Nirjala fast are not approached by Yama's fearsome messengers. Instead, celestial beings from Vaikuntha come in a Pushpaka Vimana to escort them to heaven."

"This fast is regarded as the most supreme. Therefore, one must observe it with sincerity and discipline. On this day, the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' should be chanted. Donating a cow is highly recommended. Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimaseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi. Before beginning the fast, one should offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and declare: 'O Lord! Today I undertake the Nirjala fast and will eat the next day. Please accept my devotion and forgive all my sins.'"

"It is considered auspicious to donate a water-filled pot wrapped in cloth along with gold to a deserving person. Those who bathe and perform penance on this day receive the merit of donating countless gold coins. Yajnas and Homas conducted on this day are of immense value. Observing this fast is believed to grant one a place in Lord Vishnu’s abode. On the contrary, those who eat on this day are said to become Chandals and fall into hell."

"Even grave sinners—those guilty of killing Brahmins, drinking alcohol, stealing, envying their teacher, or lying—can attain heaven through the Nirjala fast."

Maharishi Vyasa concluded, "O Arjuna! Both men and women who observe this fast with devotion should begin by worshiping Lord Vishnu and donating a cow. They should  donate food and alms to Brahmins , clothing, umbrellas, and other essentials. Those who sincerely listen to or read this sacred story also earn a place in heaven."

Summary (Katha Saar)

One should never hide their shortcomings from their mentors or elders. By trusting and confiding in them, devotees can receive the right guidance. The key is to follow that guidance with faith and commitment.

Also Read:- 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu || Lord Shiva's Father || Lord Ganesha wife || Masik Shivratri

FAQ’s

Q1. Is Nirjala Ekadashi good for health?
Ans: Yes, it can be beneficial for detox and self-discipline but may not suit everyone. Consult a doctor if needed.

Q2. Which date is Ekadashi in 2025?
Ans: Nirjala Ekadashi is on 6 June 2025. Other Ekadashi dates vary monthly.

Q3. What is the fasting time for Nirjala Ekadashi?
Ans: From sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi (next day), with fast-breaking in the morning Parana time.