Lord Vishnu Pictures Hd
Nirjala Ekadasi or Nirjal Ekadashi, also known as Pandava Ekadasi or Bhimsen Ekadashi, is observed on Ekadashi day in Shukla paksha of Jyeshta month. In 2026, Nirjala Ekadashi date is June 25.
Nirjala Ekadashi vrat katha ore legend, significance and spiritual importance are mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
Nirjala Ekadashi vrat fasting makes devotees to enjoy the merits and benefits of all 24 Ekadashi vrat fasting. This single Ekadashi fasting is equal to all 24 Ekadasi fasting. Most of the devotees observe Nirjala Ekadashi vrat even without drinking water.
Nirjala Ekadashi (often called the “King of all Ekadashis”) is considered the most sacred, austere, and spiritually rewarding of the 24 Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the word Nirjala translates to “without water.” Devotees who observe this strict fast refrain from consuming any food or water for a full 24 hours.
According to Vedic texts, successfully observing this single fast bestows the combined spiritual merit, cleansing, and blessings of all 24 Ekadashis in the year.
2026 Dates and Timings
Nirjala Ekadashi falls during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. Because it occurs during the peak of the Indian summer, observing a waterless fast is considered a supreme test of devotion and willpower.
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Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: Thursday, June 25, 2026
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Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 24, 2026, at 6:12 PM
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Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 25, 2026, at 8:09 PM
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Parana (Breaking the Fast): June 26, 2026, between 5:47 AM and 8:28 AM
The Legend of Bhima (Pandava Ekadashi)
Nirjala Ekadashi is also famously known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi. According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Bhima—the second of the five Pandava brothers—was a massive food lover who struggled with a ravenous appetite. While the rest of his family observed every Ekadashi fast, Bhima found it physically impossible to control his hunger.
Feeling guilty that he was missing out on the spiritual benefits, Bhima sought the advice of his grandfather, Sage Vyasa. The sage offered a solution: if Bhima could manage just one absolute, waterless fast on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, he would receive the virtue of all the other Ekadashis combined. Bhima successfully completed it, which is why the day honors his immense willpower.
Key Rituals and Observances
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Strict Abstinence: The fast officially begins at sunrise on Ekadashi and lasts until sunrise the following day (Dwadashi). Not a single drop of water or morsel of food is consumed during this period.
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Preparation (Dashami): Devotees usually eat a single, simple, sattvic (pure) meal before sunset on the day prior. Consuming rice is strictly prohibited.
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Worship (Puja): Devotees bathe early and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and the sacred Tulsi plant. Chanting the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 108 times or reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered highly auspicious.
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Charity (Daan): Because this Ekadashi falls during the intense summer heat, donating cooling items like pitchers of water, umbrellas, hand-fans, food grains, and clothes to the needy and priests is a core part of the observance.