Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Jyeshtha (usually May–June). Kept without even water — the most austere and meritorious Ekadashi.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Jyeshtha |
| Usual season | May–June |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | Kept without even water — the most austere and meritorious Ekadashi. |
The story of Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is also called Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi. The Mahabharata tradition tells that Bhima, unable to bear hunger, could not keep the twenty-four Ekadashi fasts through the year. Distressed, he asked the sage Vyasa for a single observance that would carry the merit of all. Vyasa prescribed this one Ekadashi kept nirjala — without even water — from sunrise to the next day's paran.
Significance
Kept in the summer month of Jyeshtha without food or water, Nirjala is regarded as the most austere and the most meritorious of all Ekadashi; its single observance is said to grant the fruit of all twenty-four. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Shukla paksha of Jyeshtha.
The complete waterless fast is demanding — the elderly, unwell, pregnant and children traditionally keep a lighter phalahar fast instead. Water and cooling drinks are given in charity, and the fast is broken carefully on Dwadashi.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Nirjala Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Jyeshtha, usually in May–June. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi?
Kept in the summer month of Jyeshtha without food or water, Nirjala is regarded as the most austere and the most meritorious of all Ekadashi; its single observance is said to grant the fruit of all twenty-four.
What is the story behind Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi is also called Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi. The Mahabharata tradition tells that Bhima, unable to bear hunger, could not keep the twenty-four Ekadashi fasts through the year.
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.