Nirjala Ekadashi 2025

In Sanatan Dharma, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most difficult and most virtuous Ekadashi of the year, which falls on the Ekadashi tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Friday, 6th June. On this day, there is a tradition of fasting without water and food, hence it is called "Nirjala". This fast has been observed since the time of the Pandavas. In the Mahabharata period, Bhima sen among the Pandavas observed this fast on the instructions of Sage Vyasa, which is why it is also called Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. It is believed that by observing the fast on this one day, one attains the merit of all Ekadashis of the year, and the devotee becomes free from all sins and attains moksha. This fast can be observed by girls, women, and men alike. However, since it is a completely waterless (nirjala) fast, those who are physically weak or unable to observe it due to health reasons should refrain from undertaking this vrat. On this day, the devotee performs proper worship of Lord Vishnu, listens to the vrat katha, and observes night vigil, and on Dwadashi, after performing charity and good deeds, they break the fast. At the time of Paran, the devotee consumes only sattvic and light food, which is called Nirjala Ekadashi vrat food, like fruits, milk, panchamrit, or moong dal khichdi, etc.

Meaning of Nirjala Ekadashi

The meaning of Nirjala Ekadashi is—observing a fast without water. 'Nirjala' means 'without water' and 'Ekadashi' means 'the eleventh tithi of the Hindu Panchang'. That is, on this day, the devotee observes a fast without consuming even water. In other words, Nirjala Ekadashi is that fast in which neither food nor water is consumed throughout the day. That is why it is considered the most difficult fast. According to religious belief, those devotees who are unable to observe all the Ekadashis throughout the year, for them the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat grants the virtue of all Ekadashi fasts in a single day. This is the reason why Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most excellent and difficult fast of the year, which is regarded as a powerful means of self-purification and attainment of moksha. This Ekadashi is known as the fast started by Bhimasena, and hence it is also called Bhima Ekadashi and Pandava Ekadashi.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Date, Muhurat (Date and Time)

• Date: 6 June 2025, Friday
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 6 June 2025 (at 02:17 A.M. in the night)
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 7 June 2025 (at 04:49 A.M. in the morning)
• Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Parana Time: On 7 June 2025, after sunrise, you may break the fast at your convenience after worshipping Lord Vishnu and offering charity.

Many devotees find it difficult to know the exact date of Nirjala Ekadashi, so for their clarity, it is clearly mentioned that the fast will be observed on 6 June 2025. However, for those who want to know the exact duration of Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi fasting time), the details are that the Ekadashi tithi will begin at 02:17 A.M. on 6 June and will last till 04:49 A.M. on 7 June.

The most important aspect for devotees is knowing the correct timing of the Nirjala Ekadashi fast (nirjala ekadashi kab se kab tak hai), because a fast is truly fruitful only when it is observed at the time prescribed by the scriptures. The Parana (fast-breaking) time for this fast is on the morning of 7 June, after sunrise. You may break your fast at your convenience after performing Lord Vishnu's worship and offering charity.

Since this fast requires even abstaining from water, it is essential to correctly know the start and end timing (nirjala ekadashi kab se kab tak hai) of Nirjala Ekadashi and nirjala ekadashi fasting time, so that the fast can be properly completed and Lord Vishnu's grace can be attained.

Story of Nirjala Ekadashi Fast (Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha)

Yudhishthira asked Lord Shri Krishna – "O Madhusudan! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Jyeshtha? What is its significance?" To this, Shri Krishna replied – "O King! The detailed description of this Ekadashi will be given by Bhagwan Vedavyasa."

Vedavyasa said – "O King! Observing the Ekadashi fast is extremely important. One must not consume food even during periods of mourning due to death (maranashauch) or birth (janmashauch) on Ekadashi."

Hearing this, Bhimasena said – "O Pitamah! I cannot stay without food. My hunger is intense. I can observe a fast only once a year. Please tell me about such a fast that can give the merit of all the Ekadashis."

Vedavyasa said – "O Bhima! Observe a waterless (Nirjala) fast on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha. On this day, even water should not be consumed. Only a few drops of water may be taken for achaman (ritual purification). This fast must be observed with full devotion from sunrise on one day to sunrise the next day."

Vyasa ji explained that the merit of observing this Nirjala Ekadashi exceeds that of all other Ekadashis of the year. Lord Vishnu Himself says – "The devotee who worships Me on this day and observes the Nirjala fast becomes free from all sins and attains Vishnuloka."

After hearing this story, Bhimasena observed this fast, and since then it has also been known as Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi – Nirjala Ekadashi ka Mahatva | Nirjala Fast Benefits

• This fast provides the combined merits of all 24 Ekadashis.
• The one who observes this fast is liberated from the messengers of Yama (the god of death), and the divine messengers of the Lord themselves take him to Vaikuntha (the abode of Vishnu).
• This fast is so powerful that even if someone has never observed any other fast in life, this one fast alone opens the doors to liberation.
• Charity (daan), chanting (japa), fire offering (homa), and sacred bath (snan) performed on this day are highly meritorious.
• This fast not only destroys the sins of the present life but also grants salvation to the souls of ancestors and descendants of up to a hundred generations.
• This fast awakens the feeling of spiritual purity, devotion (bhakti), and detachment (vairagya) in one's life.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi

Preparations before the fast:

• The devotee should consume only satvik (pure) food on the previous day (Dashami Tithi).
• Spend the night with restraint and chant the name of the Lord.

Vrat Vidhi (on the day of Ekadashi):

1. Take a bath in the morning and take the sankalp (vow) of the Nirjala fast.
2. In a clean place at home, install an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
3. Worship Him with yellow clothes, Tulsi leaves, flowers, incense, lamp, etc.
4. Chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".
5. Completely abstain from food and water for the entire day.
6. Spend the day singing bhajans, doing kirtan, and listening to the stories of Lord Vishnu.
7. Stay awake at night and keep remembering the Lord's name.

What to do on Dwadashi:

• After bathing in the morning, serve food to the priests or learned Brahmins.
• Donate a water-filled kalash, ghee, clothes, umbrella, shoes, a cow, and offer dakshina as per your devotion.
• Donating water mixed with sugar is considered highly meritorious.
• Lastly, partake in food yourself.

Rules of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat

• One must observe the fast from sunrise on Ekadashi till sunrise the next day (Dwadashi).
• Completely renounce food and water.
• Maintain both mental and physical purity.
• Break the fast only on Dwadashi, after offering food and donation to learned Brahmins.

Nirjala Ekadashi Mantra Jap

During Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat, not only fasting but also mantra chanting holds special significance. This vrat is filled with complete restraint, devotion, and worship of the Supreme Lord. It is believed that the chanting of mantras along with fasting not only multiplies the merits of the devotee but also aids in the purification of the soul and receiving the divine grace of Lord Vishnu. On the day of the fast, chanting the following Vishnu mantras is considered highly beneficial:

• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
• Om Vishnave Namah
• Om Narayanaya Namah

Aarti of Nirjala Ekadashi

• Om Jai Jagdish Hare...
• Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham...
• Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu... (The complete recitation can be done by the devotee as per their devotion.)

After the aarti, offering of lamp (Deepdaan) and worship of Tulsi must be done. Chanting the aarti on Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to be liberating and destroys all sins.

Why is Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Celebrated?

Nirjala Ekadashi is a highly significant vrat in Hindu Dharma, observed for spiritual purification, attainment of moksha, and to receive the combined merits of all Ekadashis. When a person is unable to observe all Ekadashi fasts throughout the year, observing Nirjala Ekadashi grants the benefits of all Ekadashis together.

• Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to grant the combined merit of all 24 Ekadashis.
• Observing the vrat on this day destroys all sins and leads one to Vishnu Lok.
• The devotee who observes a waterless fast on this day receives the merit of thousands of yajnas and donations.
• Due to the power of this vrat, Lord Vishnu's messengers themselves come to take the devotee, and even Yama's messengers cannot touch him.
• If a man or woman observes this vrat, they can also grant moksha to a hundred ancestors and a hundred future generations.
• This vrat is especially observed for devotion, purity, and spiritual cleansing.

FAQ

How to observe Nirjala Ekadashi fast?

Take a bath in the morning, worship Lord Vishnu, and observe a complete fast without consuming food or water throughout the day. Engage in devotional singing and chanting the whole day and stay awake at night. The next day, break the fast after offering food to Brahmins. If we talk about what should be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi par kya daan karna chahie), then donating water, clothes, umbrella, food grains, etc., on this day is considered extremely auspicious. Donation on Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi par daan) destroys sins and leads to liberation. Among the remedies for Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi ke upay), chanting, charity, and service are considered the most effective.

How to break Nirjala Ekadashi fast?

The method of breaking the Nirjala Ekadashi fast is very simple and highly meritorious. The fast is broken (Paran) on the Dwadashi tithi after sunrise. On the day of Dwadashi, take a bath in the morning, worship Lord Vishnu, and offer Tulsi leaves to Him. After this, donation (daan) must be made—such as water, food grains, clothes, umbrella, or fruits—which are considered the main components of this fast. If you are wondering what should be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi par kya daan karna chahie), then according to the scriptures, all these items are liberating and destroy Pitru Dosha. Only after giving donations should you take food and break the fast. This completes the fast with full merit.

Can we eat fruits on Nirjala Ekadashi?

The core essence of Nirjala Ekadashi fast is a complete waterless fast, in which consumption of food or water is strictly prohibited. In such a case, when the question arises—what to eat on Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi me kya khaye) —the answer is that, from a religious perspective, nothing should be eaten on this day. However, if a person is unwell or in a special circumstance, they may consume fruits, but it should be noted that the complete merit of the fast is not attained in such a case. Therefore, observe this difficult penance with devotion and capacity as per your ability.

Can we drink water on Nirjala Ekadashi?

The purpose of Nirjala Ekadashi fast is to attain self-purification and liberation through intense austerity. Traditionally, drinking water on this day is prohibited. When the question arises—when can we drink water on Nirjala Ekadashi (nirjala ekadashi vrat me pani kab pina chahiye) —the scriptures clearly state that water should not be consumed at all during this fast. However, if due to health reasons the devotee is unable to stay completely without water, then the answer to when to drink water on Nirjala Ekadashi(nirjala ekadashi vrat me pani kab pina chahiye) is —only in extreme necessity, that too in limited quantity and while remembering Lord Vishnu. But keep in mind, this does not grant the complete merit of the fast. Therefore, the fast should be observed with devotion, discipline, and a proper understanding of one's physical capacity.

What to eat after Nirjala Ekadashi?

After the Nirjala Ekadashi fast, the Parana (breaking of the fast) is done on the Dwadashi tithi, after sunrise. The food after the fast should be light, sattvic, and easy to digest. For example—fruits, moong khichdi, sabudana khichdi, or buckwheat (kuttu) roti are considered ideal. If you are wondering what to eat after Nirjala Ekadashi fast (nirjala ekadashi me kya khaye), then remember that the food should not contain garlic or onion, and it should be easily digestible. To maintain the effect of the fast and to provide comfort to the body, pure sattvic food is the most appropriate.

Is Nirjala Ekadashi auspicious for marriage?

Nirjala Ekadashi is considered a symbol of penance, renunciation, and the attainment of liberation, and therefore this day is mainly meant for fasting and devotion. It is not considered ideal for auspicious events like marriage. However, on this day, some specific Nirjala Ekadashi remedies (nirjala ekadashi ke upay) and worship can be performed to pray for marital happiness.