Spirituality

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Being Observed Today: Dos and Don’ts, Vrat Katha, Timings, Fasting Rituals, and More

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Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 is being observed on June 6–7. Known as the strictest and most spiritually rewarding Ekadashi, devotees fast without food or water to honor Lord Vishnu. Observing this vrat grants the merit of all 24 Ekadashis. Learn about its significance, rituals, Vrat Katha, puja steps, and dos and don'ts.
Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi (Photo: Pinterest)

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This year, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed over two days – on the 6th and 7th of June. The Ekadashi tithi (date) begins at 2:15 AM on 6th June and ends at 4:47 AM on 7th June. According to Padma Purana is is believed that even if one observes only Nirjala Ekadasi, he is freed from all sinful reactions and attains the merit of observing every other Ekadashi.
However, according to the traditional practice of observing fasts from Udaya Tithi, it is considered appropriate to observe the fast on 6th June. Some Vaishnava traditions, though, observe it on the 7th.

What is the importance of Nirjala Ekadashi?

'Nirjala' literally means 'without water', and this is considered one of the toughest and most rewarding Ekadashi fasts in the Hindu calendar. According to ISKCON Vrindavan, "Nirjala Ekadasi is the most powerful and spiritually rewarding of all Ekadashis, observed with a complete fast—without food and water—on the Ekadasi tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha."
On this day, devotees refrain not only from eating any food but also from drinking water. The fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that observing this one Ekadashi gives the same spiritual benefit as observing all the Ekadashis throughout the year. The day symbolises devotion, self-control, and austerity.

What should you do and avoid on Nirjala Ekadashi?

  • On this day, it's customary to fast without any food or water. Devotees spend the day in prayer, reading scriptures, and donating to charity. Given the summer heat, offering water or cooling drinks like sharbat to the needy is considered especially meritorious.
  • You should avoid tamasic foods on Nirajala Ekadashi. It's also advised to stay away from anger, lies, gossip, and harsh words. Avoid strenuous physical activity, as the body may already be under stress due to the strict fast.

How to perform the Nirjala Ekadashi puja?

  • On the day before the fast, have a light, sattvic meal and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • On the fasting day, bathe early during Brahma Muhurta.
  • Make a sankalp before Lord Vishnu, stating that you're observing this fast to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
  • Set up a clean area with idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
  • Include Tulsi leaves, flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, lamps, panchamrit, and naivedya in your worship rituals.
Step-by-step worship ritual:
  • Offer panchamrit and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
  • Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or read from the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
  • Worship Goddess Lakshmi and offer her a lotus flower.
  • Read or listen to the Nirjala Ekadashi katha.
  • After the puja, donate food, water, clothes, or money to the poor and needy.

Breaking the Fast (Parana)

On the following day (Dwadashi), break the fast during the Parana time. First drink water, followed by a light meal.

Nirjala Ekadashi Katha

The legend of Nirajala Ekadashi vrat is linked to Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, which is why it’s also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi. He loved food and found it difficult to observe regular Ekadashi fasts, which troubled him, as he feared displeasing Lord Vishnu. He sought advice from Sage Vyasa, who recommended observing at least the Nirjala Ekadashi with full discipline – without food or water. Though extremely difficult, Bhima undertook the fast with great effort. Since then, thousands of devotees have followed this tradition every year.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.

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