Nirjala Ekadashi निर्जला एकादशी
Dedicated to Vishnu
About Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi, is considered the most austere of all 24 Ekadashi observances in the Hindu year. Unlike other Ekadashis where one may consume fruits or water, Nirjala Ekadashi requires a complete waterless fast — no food and no water for the entire day and night. The name itself means 'without water' (nir = without, jala = water). According to the Mahabharata, this Ekadashi was prescribed by sage Vyasa for Bhima, who could not observe regular Ekadashi fasts due to his enormous appetite. Vyasa told Bhima that observing this single waterless fast would grant him the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Falling in the hottest month of the Indian summer (Jyeshtha, May-June), this fast is a supreme test of devotion and willpower.
निर्जला एकादशी, जिसे भीमसेनी एकादशी या पांडव एकादशी भी कहते हैं, हिंदू वर्ष की सभी 24 एकादशी व्रतों में सबसे कठोर मानी जाती है। अन्य एकादशियों के विपरीत जहाँ फल या जल ग्रहण किया जा सकता है, निर्जला एकादशी में पूर्ण निर्जल उपवास — न भोजन, न जल — पूरे दिन और रात रखना होता है। नाम का अर्थ ही 'बिना जल के' है। महाभारत के अनुसार, यह एकादशी महर्षि व्यास ने भीम के लिए निर्धारित की थी, जो अपनी विशाल भूख के कारण नियमित एकादशी व्रत नहीं रख पाते थे। व्यास ने कहा कि यह एक निर्जल व्रत सभी 24 एकादशियों का संयुक्त पुण्य प्रदान करेगा। भारतीय ग्रीष्म के सबसे गर्म माह (ज्येष्ठ, मई-जून) में पड़ने वाला यह व्रत भक्ति और संकल्प शक्ति की परम परीक्षा है।
Spiritual Significance
Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to carry the combined spiritual merit of all 24 Ekadashis in a single observance. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered the most powerful Ekadashi for spiritual purification, karmic cleansing, and attaining Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode).
निर्जला एकादशी में एक ही व्रत में सभी 24 एकादशियों का संयुक्त आध्यात्मिक पुण्य मिलने की मान्यता है। यह भगवान विष्णु को समर्पित है और आध्यात्मिक शुद्धि, कर्म शोधन और वैकुंठ प्राप्ति के लिए सबसे शक्तिशाली एकादशी मानी जाती है।
Key Rituals & Practices
- Observe a complete waterless fast from sunrise to next day's sunrise
- Wake early and take a bath before sunrise on Ekadashi morning
- Worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, flowers, and incense
- Read or listen to the Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- Donate water, buttermilk, fruits, and umbrellas to those in need
- Break the fast (paran) the next morning during the prescribed window
Frequently Asked Questions
Can elderly or sick people observe Nirjala Ekadashi?
While Nirjala Ekadashi is the most meritorious fast, Hindu scriptures emphasize that health should never be compromised for religious observance. Elderly people, pregnant women, children, and those with medical conditions (especially diabetes, kidney issues, or heart problems) are advised to observe a modified fast — they can consume water and light fruits while maintaining the spiritual discipline. The intention and devotion behind the fast are considered more important than the physical rigor. Consulting a physician before attempting a waterless fast in summer heat is strongly recommended.
Why is it called Bhimseni Ekadashi?
The name Bhimseni Ekadashi comes from the Mahabharata story of Bhima, the second Pandava prince, who was known for his extraordinary strength and equally enormous appetite. While all his brothers and wife Draupadi observed Ekadashi fasts regularly, Bhima could not control his hunger. He approached sage Vyasa for a solution. Vyasa prescribed Nirjala Ekadashi — a single, complete waterless fast that would grant the merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Bhima successfully observed this fast, and it became known as Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi in his honor.
What is the correct time to break the Nirjala Ekadashi fast?
The Nirjala Ekadashi fast should be broken (paran) on the Dwadashi (12th lunar day) morning, within the specific paran time window calculated for your location. This window typically falls between sunrise and the first one-quarter of the day. It is important not to break the fast during Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi when it overlaps with Ekadashi tithi) as this diminishes the merit. The Mastroify Panchang provides exact paran times based on your city's coordinates. The fast is traditionally broken with water first, followed by light food.
Festival Details
- Deity
- Vishnu
- Category
- Vrat & Fasting
- Regions
- All India
- Calendar Basis
- Hindu Lunar (Panchang)
- Hindu Month
- Jyeshtha — Shukla Paksha, Ekadashi
- Importance
- major