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In Sanatan Dharma, every month, date, and festival has its own special spiritual significance. Among these sacred occasions, Nirjala Ekadashi, which falls on the Ekadashi date of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the month of Jyeshtha, is considered extremely virtuous and auspicious.
This fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and its significance has been described in great detail in the scriptures. It is believed that devotees who observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast with devotion and regularity receive the same benefits as all the Ekadashi fasts throughout the year.
Nirjala Ekadashi is a divine festival of self-purification, restraint, devotion, and charity. This day bestows upon the devotee special blessings of Lord Vishnu, liberation from sins, and the path to salvation.
Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi. According to mythology, the mighty Bhimasena could not live without food. Therefore, Maharishi Ved Vyas advised him to observe a Nirjala Ekadashi fast to attain the benefits of all Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Since then, this Ekadashi has become especially famous as Bhimasena Ekadashi.
The word “Nirjala” means “without water.” On this day, the devotee abstains from both food and water from sunrise until the Dwadashi of the next day. This fast is considered extremely difficult, but its significance is equally great.
Religious scriptures say that observing this fast destroys a person’s accumulated sins and bestows the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated every year on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the month of Jyeshtha. On this auspicious day, special prayers are offered to Lord Lakshmi and Narayan, and the fast is ritually broken on the Dwadashi Tithi the next day.
According to the Vedic calendar, this year, Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 6:12 pm on June 24th and end at 8:09 pm on June 25th. According to the Udaya Tithi, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on June 25th.
The Nirjala Ekadashi fast is broken as per the rituals on the Dwadashi Tithi. One should consume water and food only after bathing, worshipping, and donating.
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious time for Paran (breaking the fast) on Dwadashi Tithi, falling on June 26, 2026, is from 6:00 AM to 8:39 AM. Before breaking the fast, worship Lord Lakshmi-Narayana, and then conclude the fast by donating food.
Nirjala Ekadashi is said to be the day that destroys all sins. It is believed that fasting, worshipping, and donating on this day bestows eternal virtue.
By the grace of Lord Vishnu, the devotee’s life is blessed with happiness, peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress. This fast is especially important for those who are unable to observe all Ekadashi fasts throughout the year.
The scriptures state that “the fruit of one Nirjala Ekadashi is equal to that of all twenty-four Ekadashi fasts.”
In Sanatan Dharma, charity is considered one of the highest virtuous deeds. Donation made on Nirjala Ekadashi, in particular, yields manifold virtuous results.
Referring to the importance of charity, religious texts say:
Donation leads to heaven and happiness and makes a person worthy of worship in both this world and the next.
Donating the following items on Nirjala Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious:
Especially in view of the intense heat of the month of Jyeshtha, the importance of donating water and food increases significantly.
On this auspicious occasion, feeding the poor, the helpless, and the needy is considered highly rewarding. It is said that feeding the hungry is equivalent to serving Lord Narayana directly.
If a devotee contributes to the food of specially abled children, helpless people, or poor families on this day, they receive special blessings from Lord Vishnu.
The Nirjala fast is extremely difficult because even water is not consumed during this time. If a devotee is in poor health, elderly, pregnant, or has a medical problem, they can still attain the virtue of this fast by simply performing puja, chanting, and giving charity. Because in Sanatan Dharma, devotion and faith are considered paramount.
Nirjala Ekadashi is a grand festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, self-control, and charity. This fast paves the way for virtue, peace, and prosperity in life. On this auspicious occasion, fast. By performing puja and donating food, the devotee becomes worthy of Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
Q: When is Nirjala Ekadashi?
A: Nirjala Ekadashi will be celebrated on June 25, 2026.
Q: How is the Nirjala Ekadashi fast observed?
A: On this day, devotees bathe in Brahmamuhurta, worship Lord Vishnu, and abstain from food and water from sunrise to Dwadashi.
Q: What should be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi?
A: Donating food, water, clothes, fruits, earthen pots, umbrellas, shoes, and money on this day is considered extremely auspicious. Donating food and water is especially significant.
Q: Can a Nirjala fast be observed if one has a health problem?
A: If health is not good, then instead of a waterless fast, it is considered appropriate to do only worship, chant mantras and do charity.
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