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Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: date, time and Why Is It Celebrated in Connection with Bhima?

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Lord Vishnu seated on Sheshnag in Kshirsagar with Lakshmi Mata, radiating divine golden aura under a starry sky.

A divine scene of Lord Vishnu resting on Sheshnag in the cosmic ocean, with Lakshmi Mata at his feet—symbolizing devotion and spiritual purity on the occasion of Nirjala Ekadashi.

Introduction

Nirjala Ekadashi, revered as the most austere among the 24 Ekadashis observed annually in the Hindu calendar, holds immense spiritual significance. Falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June), this day is marked by a rigorous fast, abstaining from both food and water—hence the name ‘Nirjala’, meaning ‘without water’. In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, June 6.

Why is Nirjala Ekadashi Celebrated?

Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for spiritual upliftment and liberation (moksha). Observing this fast is believed to absolve devotees of their sins and grant them the merits of all 24 Ekadashis observed throughout the year. The day emphasizes self-discipline, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual goals over physical needs.

The Legend of Bhima and Nirjala Ekadashi

The origin of Nirjala Ekadashi is linked to Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers in the Mahabharata. Unlike his brothers, Bhima found it challenging to observe the Ekadashi fasts due to his immense appetite. Seeking a solution, he approached the sage Vyasa, who advised him to observe a single fast on Nirjala Ekadashi, abstaining from both food and water. By doing so, Bhima would gain the spiritual benefits equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis. This story underscores the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi and its association with Bhima, earning it the names ‘Bhimseni Ekadashi’ and ‘Pandava Ekadashi’.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Date and Time

It’s important to note that while the Ekadashi Tithi spans two days, the primary observance and fasting occur on June 6, 2025.

Fasting Rules for Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is known for its strict fasting rules:

  1. Complete Abstinence: Devotees abstain from both food and water for 24 hours.
  2. Preparation: On the preceding day (Dashami), consume a light, sattvic meal before sunset.
  3. Avoid Certain Foods: Refrain from consuming grains, beans, and certain vegetables like onions and garlic.
  4. Spiritual Activities: Engage in prayers, meditation, and reading scriptures dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  5. Charity: Perform acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, or essentials to the needy.

Those unable to observe the full fast due to health reasons can opt for a partial fast, consuming fruits and milk, but should still avoid grains and legumes.

Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi

Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to:

Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi in 2025

In the modern lifestyle, where spiritual practices often take a backseat, Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 offers an opportunity to reconnect with divinity through extreme devotion. Since it grants the benefits of all other Ekadashis, it is especially significant for those unable to observe monthly fasts.

This single-day vrata (fast) acts as a spiritual cleanser, believed to erase past sins, reduce negative karma, and bring blessings of health, wealth, and happiness.

read also: Guru Purnima 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations

What to Do on Nirjala Ekadashi

Here is a list of spiritual and righteous practices you should follow on Nirjala Ekadashi:

  1. Wake Up Early: Preferably during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00 AM).
  2. Take a Ritual Bath: Bathe while chanting Vishnu mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
  3. Set Up a Puja Altar: Clean the puja space, place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu, and decorate it with flowers and lights.
  4. Offer Tulsi Leaves: Lord Vishnu is especially pleased with Tulsi.
  5. Recite Mantras and Stotras:
    • Vishnu Sahasranama
    • Om Namo Narayanaya
    • Narayan Kavach
  6. Stay Away from Negativity: Avoid harsh speech, arguments, or any impure thoughts.
  7. Perform Charity: Donate food, water, clothing, or money to Brahmins, saints, or the needy.
  8. Avoid Sleeping During the Day: This is believed to reduce the fruit of the fast.
  9. Engage in Bhajan-Kirtan: Spend the day singing devotional songs and remembering Lord Vishnu.
  10. Break Fast on the Next Day (Parana): Follow proper timing and rituals (as discussed above).

Pooja Vidhi for Nirjala Ekadashi

The worship of Lord Vishnu on this day should be conducted with full devotion. The Vidhi includes:

Nirjala Ekadashi Mantra

Chanting Vishnu mantras on this day enhances the effects of the fast. Here are a few powerful mantras:

  1. “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
  2. “Om Vishnave Namah”
  3. “Shanta Karam Bhujaga Shayanam Padmanabham Suresham”
  4. “Om Namo Narayanaya”

Reciting these mantras 108 times or more helps in gaining inner peace and divine blessings.

Will Nirjala Ekadashi Be Observed for One Day or Two Days in 2025?

This is a common question asked by devotees. In 2025, the Ekadashi tithi begins and ends in such a way that the fast is observed on a single day – Friday, June 6, and Parana (fast-breaking) will be performed on Saturday, June 7.

There is no dwadashi overlap or Smarta-Vaishnava division, so it will be a single-day observance for everyone, making it easier for devotees to follow the rituals in unison.

Common Questions and Clarifications

Is Nirjala Ekadashi Different from Other Ekadashis?

Yes, it is the strictest Ekadashi, involving fasting without even water. Its spiritual merit is the highest among all Ekadashis.

Can the Sick or Elderly Observe This Fast?

They may perform a partial fast and observe the day with devotion, mantras, and charity.

Is Water Absolutely Prohibited?

Yes, traditionally. However, health and age are considered valid reasons to modify the fast. Spiritual intent matters most.

Conclusion

Nirjala Ekadashi 2025, falling on June 6, is a day of profound devotion, spiritual discipline, and divine connection. Rooted in the tale of Bhima, this Ekadashi gives the unmatched benefit of observing all 24 Ekadashis in a year—making it a golden opportunity for those seeking spiritual upliftment in the simplest and purest form.

Fasting, chanting, charity, and conscious living on this auspicious day can transform one’s spiritual journey. Whether you’re observing it for moksha, forgiveness, or inner peace, Nirjala Ekadashi can truly be a turning point in your devotional life.

read this article in hindi: निर्जला एकादशी 2025: क्या यह एक दिन मनाई जाएगी या दो दिन? पंचांग क्या कहता है?

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