The Most Powerful Ekadashi, Also Known as “Bhima Ekadashi”

Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the king of all Ekadashis, observed without consuming food or water for 24 hours. According to scriptures, observing this single Ekadashi grants devotees the fruit of all 24 Ekadashis. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and devotees perform strict fasting, prayer, meditation, and charity.

📅 Festival Calendar Details – Nirjala Ekadashi 2026

Note: Sunrise/Sunset times vary by city. The above timings are standard Panchang references.

🕉️ What is Nirjala Ekadashi?

Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most sacred vrats in Sanatan Dharma. As the name suggests:

• Nir = Without
• Jal = Water

This fast is performed without consuming food and even water for 24 hours. It is believed that those who are unable to follow all Ekadashi fasts throughout the year can perform only Nirjala Ekadashi for full spiritual merit.

It is also known as:

• Bhimseni Ekadashi
• Pandava Ekadashi
• Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi

🙏 Significance & Benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi

✔️ Fruit of All 24 Ekadashis

Scriptures say observing Nirjala Ekadashi gives the same punya as all 24 Ekadashis combined.

✔️ Removes Sins & Purifies Mind

It is said to destroy past negative karma and purify the soul.

✔️ Blessings of Lord Vishnu

Devotees receive the grace of Vishnu in His Madhusudana and Narayana aspects.

✔️ Protection, Health & Peace

It is believed to bring:

• Protection from misfortune
• Good health
• Prosperity
• Spiritual upliftment

✔️ Moksha & Liberation

Ekadashi vrats are gateways to moksha; Nirjala is the most powerful among them.

🧘‍♂️ How to Observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat (Vrat Vidhi)

1️⃣ Sankalp (Vow) Before Sunrise

Take a vow to fast without food or water for the entire day.

2️⃣ Morning Rituals

• Bath during Brahma Muhurta
• Wear clean, yellow or white clothes
• Offer Tulsi, flowers, ghee lamp to Lord Vishnu

3️⃣ Puja Steps

Offer:

• Tulsi leaves
• Panchamrit
• Chandan
• Yellow flowers
• Incense
• Vishnu Sahasranama recitation
• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya chanting

4️⃣ Full Nirjala Fasting

No:

• Food
• Water
• Fruits
• Juice

It is the strictest vrat.

Elderly, pregnant women, or those with health issues can perform Jal Seemita Upvas (very limited water).

5️⃣ Night Vigil

Spend time chanting the Lord’s name.

6️⃣ Parana (Breaking the Fast)

Break fast next morning after:

✔️ Sunrise
✔️ Worship of Vishnu
✔️ Offering water, food & Dakshina to Brahmins or feeding cows

🌟 Donations (Daan) Recommended

• Water pots
• Fruits
• Clothes
• Gold/silver
• Umbrella
• Fan
• Food to poor
• Cows & animals feeding

Daan on Nirjala Ekadashi is considered extremely auspicious.

🛑 Do’s & Don’ts

✔️ Do’s

• Chant Vishnu mantras
• Practice silence
• Give charity
• Feed cows/birds
• Meditate

❌ Don’ts

• Avoid anger & negative behavior
• No onion/garlic (for non-fasters)
• No alcohol or smoking
• No tamasic food

📘 Long Descriptive Explanation (Calendar Style)

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 falls on June 10 (Wednesday) during the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. The weather across India is generally hot in June, making the Nirjala fast even more demanding and spiritually rewarding. Devotees begin the day with early morning rituals, followed by worship of Vishnu using tulsi leaves, chandan, and flowers.

The primary highlight of this Ekadashi is a strict waterless fast, followed until the next day. Mythologically, Bhima of the Pandavas could not follow Ekadashi fasting regularly due to his strong appetite, so sage Ved Vyasa instructed him to follow Nirjala Ekadashi to gain the collective benefits of all Ekadashis.

Temples conduct special Vishnu pujas, bhajans, and Vishnu Sahasranama recitations. Devotees perform charity, especially by distributing water to the needy, which is considered one of the highest forms of seva on this day. The vrat ends the next morning with Parana performed within the auspicious time window.