Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is a religious day of the Hindu that falls on the 11th day (ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the month of Jyeshtha.

According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of May or June. 

The term “Nirjala” translates to “without water”  and on this day, devotees observe a complete fast and do not even drink water. 

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha (The Origin of Nirjala Ekadashi)

The origin of Nirjala Ekadashi dates back to the Dwapar Yuga, during the time of the Mahabharata and the story of the five Pandava brothers.

Bhima, the strongest of the Pandava brothers, was known for his love of food. As part of their spiritual practice, the Pandavas observed every Ekadashi, fasting twice a month throughout the year to honor and please Lord Vishnu.

Now, all of Bhima's brothers observed the fast without fail but Bhima failed terribly as he couldn't stay hungry. His love for food made it almost impossible for him to fast even for one day.

He felt guilty for doing so and to seek help, he went to the great Sage Vyasa who was their grandfather and the one who authored Mahabharata. 

With a sincere heart and a growling belly he told him his problem and asked if there is any way to get the same blessings without having to control his hunger. 

Sage Vyasa looked at Bhima with compassion and said there was indeed a way. He told Bhima to observe just one special Ekadashi fast in the entire year, but with complete dedication.

He must go without food or even a single drop of water. If he could do that, it would be equal to observing all 24 Ekadashi fasts of the year.

Even though Bhima was hesitant at first, he was determined enough to do whatever it takes. 

And so, on that day, Bhima fasted with full devotion. No food, no water, just prayers and willpower.

He completed the fast successfully, and with it, gained the spiritual merit of all the other Ekadashis combined.

Since then, this special day came to be known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi or Nirjala Ekadashi, in honor of the one who loved food but loved his faith more.

Rituals of Nirjala Ekadashi

Unlike any other Ekadashi, people not only avoid food on Nirjala Ekadashi but also refrain from drinking even a single drop of water.

Since it falls during the hot summer in India, it becomes one of the toughest fasts.

That’s why it’s considered a very sacred and powerful observance.

The fast lasts for 24 hours, from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to the next sunrise. Some people end the fast at sunset instead.

On the eve of the fast, devotees only consume one meal without rice since rice is not allowed in this fast. During the evening, prayers known as Sandhyavandanam is performed. 

During the fasting period, they are allowed just one drop of water as an integral part of the cleansing ritual called Achamana. Having more than one drop of water would break the fast.

This day, like every Ekadashi, is devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu. On Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees especially honor him by offering prayers, often using an idol or the sacred Shaligrama stone, which symbolizes his divine presence.

The worship includes:

• Anointing the idol with Panchamrita, a sacred blend of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
• Rinsing it with water
• Dressing it in fine clothes
• Offering items like a hand-fan, fresh flowers, incense sticks, water, and performing arati by waving lit lamps.
• Meditating on Vishnu’s image

People worship with durva or grass in their hands during the evening and many devotees stay up all night, chanting hymns of Vishnu or meditating. 

Another integral part of Ekadashis is charity or offerings to the Brahmins or priests and on Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees donate clothes, food grains, water pots, gold, hand-fans, and umbrellas. 

The Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

As per the Vishnu Purana and Markandeya Purana, the Ekadashi day is considered to be another form of Lord Vishnu. 

It is said that one of the benefits of this day is purification and all sins would be removed. Fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi properly pleases Lord Vishnu to a great extent. 

If you complete it successfully, you will be blessed with eternal happiness and a prosperous life. 

Also, for those who have trouble observing all 24 Ekadashis, they can observe Nirjala Ekadashi to gain the same spiritual benefits as 24 Ekadashis. 

This fast is especially important to Vaishnavas who are devotees of Vishnu, who follow it with great dedication.

Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bless devotees with a long life and ultimate liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

Typically, after death, the soul is taken by Yama’s messengers for judgment based on one's deeds. However, those who sincerely fast on Nirjala Ekadashi are said to be exempt from Yama’s judgment, instead, Vishnu’s divine messengers escort their soul directly to Vaikuntha, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu.