Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Significance, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi & Benefits Of The Toughest Ekadashi

🗓 Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Date & Timing

Date: Thursday, 6 June 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 06 June 2025, 02:15:21 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 07 June 2025, 04:47:21 AM
Parana Time (Breaking Fast): 07 June, 05:23 AM to 08:14 AM

🌟 What is Nirjala Ekadashi?

Nirjala Ekadashi, also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, is one of the most significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. “Nirjala” means “without water,” and this fast is observed without consuming food or even a drop of water for 24 hours. It is considered the most austere and rewarding among the 24 Ekadashis celebrated annually.

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

According to Hindu scriptures, observing Nirjala Ekadashi grants the fruits of all other Ekadashis combined. It is believed to:

Cleanse the soul and remove sins.
Improve discipline, patience, and devotion.
Help in attaining moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
Grant blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

📖 Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story)

The legend of Nirjala Ekadashi is associated with Bhima, the second Pandava brother. Bhima was unable to observe other Ekadashis because of his enormous appetite. Worried, he approached Sage Vyasa, who advised him to observe just one Ekadashi – Nirjala, which would give the merit of all the 24.

Bhima followed it with full faith, even though he found it extremely difficult. Pleased with his dedication, Lord Vishnu blessed him, and since then, Nirjala Ekadashi became the most powerful and revered.

🪔 Puja Vidhi: How to Perform Nirjala Ekadashi Fast

Preparations (Evening before Ekadashi):

Avoid grains, onions, garlic, and tamasic food on Dashami (10th day).
Take a bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu in the evening.

On Ekadashi:

Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
Take a sankalp (vow) to observe fast without food or water.
Offer flowers, tulsi, incense, lamp, and fruits to Lord Vishnu.
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Donate clothes, food, and essentials to the needy or Brahmins.
Avoid negative thoughts, harsh speech, and keep silence if possible.

On Dwadashi (next day):

Break the fast during Parana muhurat with water or fruit.
Offer food and dakshina to Brahmins before eating.

🌼 What to Avoid on Nirjala Ekadashi

No food or water at all (unless medically necessary).
No grains, pulses, or rice even on the day before.
Avoid violence, lying, anger, and gossiping.
No tamasic foods like onion, garlic, or meat.

🌸 Benefits of Observing Nirjala Ekadashi

Spiritual Cleansing: Removes sins of past lives.
Improves Self-Control: Teaches mind and body discipline.
Blessings from Lord Vishnu: For protection, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Equivalent to All Ekadashis: A single Nirjala fast equals the merits of all other 24.
Health Benefits: Fasting improves digestion, detoxification, and builds resilience.

📜 Scriptural References

Padma Purana and Skanda Purana mention Nirjala Ekadashi’s glory.
Bhagavata Purana emphasizes the importance of Ekadashi vrata for moksha.
It is one of the most auspicious vratas recommended in the Vaishnav tradition.

🧎‍♂️ Who Should Observe This Fast?

Anyone seeking:

Spiritual growth
Forgiveness for sins
Divine blessings
Mental strength Can observe this fast. However, children, the elderly, and those with medical issues can do a phalahari fast (fruit and milk) or only chant Vishnu’s name.