Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat 2025 Date, Tithi Time, Rituals, Significance
Posted on May 27, 2025
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most important and sacred Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus. It falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June).
The word ‘Nirjala’ means ‘without water’, and as the name suggests, devotees observe a strict fast without consuming food or even water for 24 hours.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat 2025 Date: Friday, June 6.
Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 02:15 AM on June 06.
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 04:47 AM on June 07.
Spiritual Significance
Nirjala Ekadashi is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi. According to the scriptures, Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers, was unable to observe all 24 Ekadashis in a year due to his immense appetite. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe just this one fast—Nirjala Ekadashi—with full devotion and discipline. Observing this vrat is believed to offer the spiritual benefits of all 24 Ekadashis combined.
Rituals and Observance
Pre-Fast Preparation: Devotees typically eat a light meal before sunset on the day prior (Dashami) and abstain from eating anything after that.
Fasting: On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, they refrain from both food and water. The fast is broken the next day (Dwadashi) after sunrise with a light meal, ideally after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
Worship: Devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, chant mantras, read the Vishnu Sahasranama, and perform charitable deeds like donating food, clothes, or water.
Charity: It is believed that offering water, food, and clothes to the needy on this day brings immense merit (punya).
Beliefs and Benefits
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi with sincerity is said to wash away sins and help attain moksha (liberation).
It is considered extremely auspicious and more powerful than other Ekadashis because of the strictness of the fast.
The vrat is also believed to bring good health, long life, and divine blessings.