When is Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026?
Nirjala Ekadashi holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. It is considered one of the most sacred and spiritually rewarding Ekadashis observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. According to religious beliefs, observing a fast without drinking water on this day grants the same spiritual merit as observing all the Ekadashi fasts of the year.
In the year 2026, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, 25 June 2026. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also popularly known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time
Nirjala Ekadashi: 25 June 2026, Thursday
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 24 June 2026 at 06:14 PM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 25 June 2026 at 08:10 PM
• Vrat Parana: 26 June 2026 after sunrise
To know the exact dates, auspicious timings, and Panchang details of Nirjala Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, and other Hindu festivals and vrats:-Do explore our detailed Panchang.
What is Nirjala Ekadashi?
The Ekadashi that falls during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month is known as Nirjala Ekadashi. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and observe a strict fast without drinking water. According to religious beliefs, this vrat is considered extremely difficult, which is why its spiritual merit is believed to be many times greater.
According to the Puranas, observing Nirjala Ekadashi alone grants the spiritual benefits of all the Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year. This is why it is regarded as one of the most important and powerful Ekadashis in Sanatan Dharma.
This Ekadashi is especially beneficial for those who are unable to observe every Ekadashi vrat during the year. It is believed that observing the Nirjala fast with devotion brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and helps devotees attain freedom from sins and negative karmic effects.
To know about the origin of Ekadashi and its religious significance, You can read our article: -“Origin of Ekadashi.”
Religious Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
In Sanatan Dharma, Nirjala Ekadashi is considered an Ekadashi that grants liberation (moksha). According to religious beliefs, observing a fast, chanting sacred mantras, performing charity, and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day bring everlasting spiritual merit and divine blessings.
According to mythological beliefs, observing this vrat provides the same spiritual benefits as observing all the Ekadashi fasts of the entire year. This is why Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most sacred, powerful, and spiritually rewarding Ekadashis.
It is believed that devotees who observe Nirjala Ekadashi with devotion attain mental peace, positive energy, prosperity, and spiritual growth. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, sins are believed to be destroyed, and the path toward moksha is opened.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi
The rules of the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat should ideally be followed from the Dashami tithi itself during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. On Dashami, devotees should consume only sattvic food and follow the principles of purity and self-discipline.
On the day of Ekadashi, wake up early in the morning, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and take a vow (sankalp) of the vrat before Lord Vishnu. After this, offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, lamps, fruits, and naivedya to Lord Vishnu with devotion.
Observing a fast without drinking water holds special significance on Nirjala Ekadashi. Throughout the day, devotees should chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and recite Lord Vishnu’s sacred stories and Vishnu Sahasranama.
Devotional singing, bhajan-kirtan, and night vigil are also considered highly auspicious on this day. On the next day, during Dwadashi tithi, devotees should take a bath, offer food to Brahmins, give donations, and then properly conclude the vrat by performing Parana.
If you want to know the proper puja method, vrat rules, Vishnu worship rituals, or special guidance according to your Kundli for Nirjala Ekadashi:-You can get free consultation from our experienced Acharyas.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
To understand the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month, Yudhishthira asked Lord Shri Krishna about this sacred vrat. Lord Krishna then said that Sage Ved Vyasa would explain its greatness in detail.
Ved Vyasa explained that grains should be avoided on all Ekadashi days. Hearing this, Bhimasena said that he could not tolerate hunger and therefore was unable to observe every Ekadashi fast throughout the year. He then requested Sage Vyasa to suggest a single vrat through which he could obtain the spiritual benefits of all Ekadashis.
Sage Vyasa then advised Bhima to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. He instructed that on this day, one should abstain even from drinking water from sunrise until the next sunrise. Only a small amount of water for achaman was permitted.
Ved Vyasa explained that observing Nirjala Ekadashi grants the spiritual merit of all the Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year and brings the special blessings of Lord Vishnu. This vrat is believed to destroy sins and help devotees attain moksha.
From that time onward, Bhimasena began observing this vrat, and therefore this Ekadashi became famous as “Bhimseni Ekadashi” and “Pandava Ekadashi.”
What Should Be Done on Nirjala Ekadashi?
• Worship and meditate on Lord Vishnu.
• Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
• Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
• Donate to poor and needy people.
• Perform bhajan-kirtan and stay awake during the night.
• Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
What Should Not Be Done on Nirjala Ekadashi?
• Avoid consuming tamasic food.
• Stay away from anger and arguments.
• Do not insult or disrespect anyone.
• Avoid negative thoughts and negativity.
• Refrain from lying, cheating, or dishonest behavior on the day of the vrat.
Importance of Donations on Nirjala Ekadashi
Donating on Nirjala Ekadashi is considered highly significant in Sanatan Dharma. According to religious beliefs, donating water, food grains, clothes, umbrellas, footwear, water pots, and even cows on this sacred day is regarded as extremely auspicious and spiritually rewarding.
Mythological beliefs suggest that sincere charity performed on Nirjala Ekadashi pleases Lord Vishnu and grants everlasting spiritual merit. Especially during the summer season, donating water-filled pots, sugar, and clothes is considered highly beneficial and virtuous.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Parana Time
The Parana of Nirjala Ekadashi vrat will be performed on 26 June 2026 after sunrise. According to religious beliefs, properly concluding the vrat during the Dwadashi tithi is essential to receive the complete spiritual benefits of the fast.
The vrat should always be concluded with sattvic food. It is believed that performing Parana at the proper time brings the special blessings and grace of Lord Vishnu.
Benefits of Observing Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat
• One receives the spiritual merit of observing all the Ekadashis of the year.
• The special blessings of Lord Vishnu are attained.
• It helps remove sins and negative energies.
• Mental peace and positivity increase.
• Prosperity, happiness, and abundance are believed to grow.
• The path toward spiritual growth and moksha is opened.
• Obstacles and difficulties in life are gradually removed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026?
In the year 2026, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
2. Why is Nirjala Ekadashi called Bhimseni Ekadashi?
According to mythological beliefs, Bhimasena observed this vrat on the advice of Sage Ved Vyasa, which is why it became known as Bhimseni Ekadashi.
3. Can water be consumed during Nirjala Ekadashi?
According to religious traditions, Nirjala Ekadashi vrat is observed without drinking water. Only a small amount of water for achaman is permitted.
4. What should be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi?
Donating water-filled pots, sugar, clothes, umbrellas, footwear, food grains, and cows is considered highly auspicious on this day.
5. What are the benefits of observing Nirjala Ekadashi vrat?
According to religious beliefs, observing Nirjala Ekadashi grants the spiritual merit of all Ekadashi fasts of the year and brings the special blessings of Lord Vishnu.
