Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Date, Timings, Rituals & Story Behind the Fasting
Among all Ekadashis Hindus observe Nirjala Ekadashi as one of their most sacred ones. The name ‘Nirjala’ comes from the fact that, this fast is the most difficult among all 24 Ekadashis because it requires complete water abstinence. The observance of this Ekadashi grants blessings that equal the combined blessings of all yearly Ekadashis.
This article provides information about Nirjala-Ekadashi significance together with its rituals and specific details for 2025 to help you plan your observance with devotion.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
During the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June) Nirjala Ekadashi occurs. The strict fasting rules of this day have earned it the names Bhimseni Ekadashi and Pandava Ekadashi. Devotees fast from sunrise to the next day’s sunrise, abstaining from both food and water.
The practice of this Ekadashi brings great spiritual merit (punya) and cleanses past sins while guiding individuals toward liberation (moksha). People who cannot fast during other Ekadashis throughout the year choose to observe this single day to obtain all the associated benefits.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: Date and Timings
In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed with great devotion on:
- Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 02:15 AM on June 6, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 04:47 AM on June 7, 2025
Parana (Breaking the Fast) Timings:
- On 7th June 2025: 01:53 PM to 04:31 PM
- Hari Vasara End Moment: 11:25 AM
Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi (for Vaishnav community):
- Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Parana Time (8th June 2025): 05:57 AM to 07:17 AM
- Dwadashi End Moment: 07:17 AM
Make sure to observe the fast timings carefully, as following the correct muhurat is important for receiving the full blessings of the day.
The Story of Pandava Bhima and Nirjala Ekadashi
A fascinating tale exists about this Ekadashi because it connects to Bhima who was one of the Pandava brothers in the Mahabharata.
Bhima struggled to observe Ekadashi fasts because his large appetite made it challenging for him. His love for food made him unable to endure hunger although he wanted to follow the Ekadashi fasting rituals like his brothers did.
Bhima went to meet the great sage Vyasa to discuss his problem. Vyasa instructed Bhima to follow Nirjala Ekadashi once per year as a complete fast that included water restriction. Through this practice Bhima would obtain the same blessings that come from observing all Ekadashis throughout the year.
People observe this Ekadashi with deep devotion because this day provides the greatest spiritual rewards from a single period of fasting.
Rituals and Traditions of Nirjala Ekadashi
- Fasting Without Water: The essential requirement during fasting involves completely abstaining from both food and water for a duration of 24 hours.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu: Devotees begin their day by waking up early to bathe followed by prayer services dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees present flowers together with fruits and incense and lamps to the deity.
- Reading Scriptures: Devotees must read the Vishnu Sahasranama together with the Bhagavad Gita and Nirjala-Ekadashi related stories.
- Charity and Donations: The act of giving food together with clothes and water and financial donations to Brahmins and needy people brings great blessings.
- Avoiding Moon Sighting: The practice of seeing the moon should be avoided on the day preceding Ekadashi.
Benefits of Observing Nirjala Ekadashi
- Forgiveness of past sins
- Health benefits due to detoxification
- Spiritual growth and peace of mind
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity and protection
- Equivalent to observing all other Ekadashis in the year
Conclusion
This Ekadashi stands as a sacred period which brings spiritual growth together with purification. The challenging fast brings supposed blessings which lead to spiritual purification of the soul. The true importance of this fast lies in your devotion and sincerity regardless of whether you are new to this practice or have maintained it for multiple years.
June 6, 2025 marks the day when you should note in your calendar to use for sacred purification of your body and mind and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most sacred Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. The word “Nirjala” means “without water,” indicating the strict nature of this fast, where devotees abstain from both food and water for 24 hours.
In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi falls on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 02:15 AM, June 6, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 04:47 AM, June 7, 2025
Parana (breaking the fast) Timings:
June 7, 2025: 01:53 PM to 04:31 PM
Hari Vasara End Moment: 11:25 AM
For Vaishnava community:
Vaishnava Nirjala Ekadashi: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Parana Time (June 8, 2025): 05:57 AM to 07:17 AM
Dwadashi End Moment: 07:17 AM
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi grants spiritual merit equivalent to fasting on all the Ekadashis of the year. It helps cleanse past sins, promotes spiritual growth, and guides devotees toward liberation (moksha).
The fast is associated with Bhima from the Mahabharata. Due to his strong appetite, Bhima found it difficult to observe regular Ekadashi fasts. Sage Vyasa advised him to follow the strict Nirjala Ekadashi once a year to gain the same blessings as all Ekadashis combined.
The rituals for Nirjala Ekadashi include:
- Complete fasting without food and water for 24 hours
- Worship of Lord Vishnu with prayers, flowers, incense, and lamps
- Reading sacred texts like Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita
- Charity and donations to Brahmins and the needy
- Avoid sighting the moon on the day before Ekadashi
Yes. People who cannot fast on other Ekadashis often observe Nirjala Ekadashi to receive the combined blessings of all yearly Ekadashis.
The benefits of observing Nirjala Ekadashi include:
- Forgiveness of past sins
- Physical detoxification and health benefits
- Spiritual upliftment and peace of mind
- Blessings of prosperity and protection from Lord Vishnu
Yes, following the correct muhurat (timing) is crucial to gaining the full spiritual benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi.
Yes. The Vaishnava community observes Nirjala Ekadashi on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with Parana on June 8, 2025.
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