Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: A Day To Seek Lord Vishnu’s Blessings

However, the Nirjala Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi is among the most auspicious and purest. This Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Jyestha month. So, read along to explore what’s more special and interesting about Nirjala Ekadashi 2026. 

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time 

• 2025 Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
• Tithi Begins: 06:12 PM on Jun 24, 2026
• Tithi Ends: 08:09 PM on Jun 25, 2026

What is Nirjala Ekadashi? 

The word “Nirjala” itself suggests that Nir means No and Jala means without water. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the story is associated with the Pandava brothers.

On Nirjala Ekadashi, fasting and offering prayers are equivalent to observing all the other 24 Ekadashis.

Also, read more about all the Ekadashi in 2025.

What is the Significance Nirajala Ekadashi?

The Nirjala Ekadashi holds great significance as it is one of the purest forms of Hindu culture. On this day, devotees commit the entire day to Lord Vishnu, seeking blessings for liberation from worldly affairs.

During Nirjala Ekadashi, people are advised to observe a fast even without drinking water. So, devotees consider this Ekadashi the most important and challenging one. 

Moreover, this Ekadashi revolves around the conversation between Bhim, the second Pandava brother, and Sage Vyasa. The sage suggested that he fast on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi; hence, this Ekadashi is also called the Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.

Also Read: Somvati Amavasya 2025: Significance, Vrat Katha and Rituals

Vrat Katha or Story behind Nirjala Ekadashi 

Nirjala Ekadashi’s story and meaning come from an old Hindu text called the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. It began when Bhima, a Pandava brother, asked Sage Vyasa about this special fast, and the sage explained why it’s so important.

But Bhima was a foodie and had a huge appetite. In contrast, Sage Vyasa advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi and instructed him to refrain from eating and drinking, even water, for 24 hours. When Bhima learned he could not eat or drink anything for 24 hours, he pondered the news deeply.

Nirjala Ekadashi named after Bhimasena

During that situation, Sage Vyasa explained to him the benefits of Nirjala Vrat being equivalent to all the 24 Ekadashi Vrats. Chanting Lord Vishnu’s name while observing this Vrat will bless you with success, abundance, and prosperity.

On hearing this, Bhima agreed to observe fasting with his other brothers, mother, Kunti, and wife, Draupadi. He chose to fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, and it was through this devotion that Lord Vishnu blessed Bhima. This is how the day came to be named after Bhimasena. 

Also Read: Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: The Beginning of Chaturmas!

What are Nirjala Ekadashi Rituals?

Here are complete instructions on performing the rituals and Puja Vidhi on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi. 

1. Purification: On the day of the fast, wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise) and take a holy bath.

2. Altar Preparation: Adorn the idol of Lord Vishnu with yellow clothes and flowers. Ensure you have all the necessary puja samagri (incense, lamps, sandalwood paste) ready.

3. Chanting & Prayers: Begin the ritual by chanting the Vishnu mantra and stotrams. It is highly beneficial to chant the Vishnu Lakshmi Abhishek mantra and the Vishnu Sahasranamam continuously throughout the day.

4. Sacred Offerings: Worship Lord Vishnu specifically with Tulsi leaves and fresh flowers. You may also visit a Vishnu temple to perform these rituals in a communal setting.

5. Special Bhog: Prepare a special bhog (sanctified food offering) for Lord Vishnu. This typically includes fruits and sweets offered with deep devotion.

6. Night Vigil (Jagran): It is considered highly auspicious to stay awake on the night of Nirjala Ekadashi. Spend the night devoted to bhajans and chanting to maintain a spiritual connection.

7. Spiritual Protection: Many devotees choose to wear a 10 Mukhi Rudraksha, which is believed to protect the wearer from evil energies and fill the surrounding environment with purity and positivity.

How to observe Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat? 

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 is exceptionally sacred, and its observance requires strict adherence to traditional rules. Because it falls during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month (peak summer), the “no water” rule makes it a profound sacrifice.

1. Preparation (Dashami)

The preparation for the vrat begins one day prior, on Dashami.

• Observers should bathe and perform the evening aarti (Sandhyavandanam).
• Eat only satvik food in the evening before sunset.
• Important: You must strictly avoid eating rice on the day before the fast.

2. The Day of the Fast (Ekadashi)

• On the morning of the 11th day (Tithi), wake up before sunrise. Offer water and prayers to Lord Surya and Lord Vishnu.
• The fast begins early in the morning and lasts until the next day’s sunrise.
• True to its name, the devotee must abstain from both food and water for the entire duration.

3. Breaking the Fast (Dwadashi)

• The fast concluded on the next day, Dwadashi Tithi.
• After performing the morning puja, you may end your fast by drinking water.
• Traditionally, the first intake is a sacred mixture of milk, curd, honey, and ghee (Panchamrit) or plain water, followed by a light satvik meal.

Also Read: Hariyali Amavasya: Get Blessings Of Lord Shiva In This Muhurat

What are Nirjala Ekadashi Benefits?

Let’s look at the benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi. 

• Observing fast on the day will shower you with the blessings of all 24 Ekadashi. 
• Devoting yourself to Lord Vishnu will lead you to Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu after death. It is a place of eternal bliss and happiness, 
• Lord Vishnu will bestow the devotees with good wealth, health, success, and goodwill. 
• The fast purifies the mind, body, and soul by removing impurities and toxins from the body. 
• It gives you lifelong growth and abundance. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Also Read: Phalguna Amavasaya 2025: Seek Blessings from Your Ancestors!

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