NEW DELHI : Nirjala Ekadashi is considered to be one of the most significant fasts in our culture. The unique aspect of Nirjala Ekadashi is that it prohibits both food and water, making it the most challenging fast among the 24 Ekadashis celebrated throughout the year.
According to ISKCON Desire Tree, “There are total 24 Ekadashi fasts, which are celebrated in one year. Each of them carries a special significance but by observing Nirjala Ekadashi, anyone can get the fruits of all of them. The word Nirjala means without water. It is the most difficult and powerful fast.”
Here is everything you need to know about this day.
When Is Nirjala Ekadashi 2026?
This year, this fast will be observed on June 25.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 24, 2026 at 06:12 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 25, 2026 at 08:09 PM
- Parana Time (Time to break the fast): June 26, 2026 from 05:25 AM to 08:13 AM
The Significance Of Nirjala Ekadashi And The Benefit Of Keeping This Vrat
The term ‘Nirjala’ translates to ‘without water’, and this fast is strictly observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu. According to Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava, an astrologer based in Tirupati, consuming water during this fast, even accidentally, renders it broken and fruitless. The fast is believed to provide significant spiritual benefits, allowing individuals to wash away sins and attain salvation. Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is considered so impactful that it is said to equate to observing all other Ekadashis in a year.
It is believed that devotees who are unable to observe all 24 Ekadashi fasts in a year should observed this single fast and it can bring benegits of all the 24 Ekadashis. This is how powerful it is.
The Legend Of Nirjala Ekadashi
It is also known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi due to one legend associated with Nirjala Ekadashi. Bhimsen, the second Pandava brother, who was also a voracious eater, was not able to control his desire of having food and was not able observe Ekadashi fasting. Except Bhima, all Pandava brothers and Draupadi used to observe all Ekadashi fasting.
Being disturbed because of this, he met Maharishi Vyasa to find some solution. Sage Vyasa advised Bhima to observe single Nirjala Ekadasi fasting to compensate for not observing all Ekadashi fasting in a year. Due to this legend Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.
Rules For The Fast
What to Do
- Observe a complete fast, abstaining from both food and water.
- Spend time in devotion to Lord Vishnu – visit temples and listen to religious discourses.
- Donate generously, especially water and sharbat (sweet drink), which is highly virtuous during the summer.
Lead a sattvic lifestyle and refrain from anger, falsehood, and negative thoughts.
What to Avoid
- Do not consume grains, rice, or lentils.
- Avoid tamasic food (including onion, garlic, meat, etc.).
- Refrain from insulting others or engaging in negative behaviour.
- Avoid physical exertion during the fast.
