If you’re looking for an Ekadashi fast that brings the highest rewards but also demands the most discipline, Nirjala Ekadashi is the one. It’s not just about avoiding grains or certain foods—this is a fast where even water is forbidden!
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi with sincerity is said to grant the benefits of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Sounds intense, right?
Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through all the rules, rituals, and practical tips so you can observe it correctly and make the most of this sacred day.
What is Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most significant fasting days in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The word “Nirjala” means “without water,” making this the toughest of all Ekadashi fasts.
Devotees refrain from eating or drinking anything for a full 24 hours, believing that doing so brings immense spiritual and physical benefits.
The Story Behind Nirjala Ekadashi
The significance of Nirjala Ekadashi comes from the Mahabharata. Bhima, one of the Pandavas, had a strong appetite and found it difficult to observe the regular Ekadashi fasts that required avoiding grains.
He sought advice from Sage Vyasa, who recommended that if he could not keep all the Ekadashi fasts, he should at least observe Nirjala Ekadashi, as it alone grants the blessings of all 24 Ekadashis combined.
Since then, it has been considered the most powerful Ekadashi.
Ekadashi Fasting Rules as per ISKCON: Guidelines, Rituals, and Spiritual Benefits
When is Nirjala Ekadashi 2025?
Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June).
- Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Date: June 9, 2025 (Monday)
- Ekadashi Start Time: June 8, 2025 – 04:30 PM (IST)
- Ekadashi End Time: June 9, 2025 – 07:15 PM (IST)
Nirjala Ekadashi Fast Rules
Nirjala Ekadashi is different from other Ekadashis because of its strictness. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping the fast correctly.
1. Preparation for the Fast
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi requires physical and mental preparation.
- A day before (Dashami Tithi)
- Eat a sattvic meal (pure, vegetarian food) before sunset.
- Avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and any intoxicants.
- Stay away from negative thoughts and arguments.
- Setting the Intention (Sankalp)
- On the morning of Ekadashi, wake up early, bathe, and take a Sankalp (vow) to observe the fast with dedication.
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for a successful fast.
2. Strict Fasting Rules (No Food, No Water)
- Absolutely no food or water for 24 hours from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi (the next day).
- No chewing gum, no brushing teeth with paste (use herbal powder instead), and no rinsing your mouth too often.
- If possible, avoid sleeping at night and engage in prayers, bhajans, and scripture reading.
3. Who Can Be Exempted from the Full Fast?
While Nirjala Ekadashi is meant to be strict, it may not be suitable for everyone.
- People with medical conditions (diabetes, low BP, kidney issues)
- Elderly people and pregnant women
- Individuals who are weak or have health risks
👉 If you cannot do a complete Nirjala fast, you can:
- Drink only a few drops of water if medically necessary.
- Follow a partial fast with fruits and milk.
- Do a normal Ekadashi fast without grains.
Also Read: Yogini Ekadashi Fasting Rules: A Complete Guide
Rituals and Puja Vidhi on Nirjala Ekadashi
1. Morning Rituals
- Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and sandalwood paste.
- Take the Sankalp (vow) to observe the fast with sincerity.
2. Daytime Worship
- Visit a Vishnu temple or perform prayers at home.
- Read Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita.
- Offer water to a Tulsi plant and recite Vishnu mantras.
3. Night Rituals
- Avoid sleeping and stay awake (Jagran) if possible.
- Engage in devotional activities like singing bhajans or listening to religious discourses.
- Avoid distractions like TV, social media, or gossiping.
New to the vrat? Start with our detailed guide on Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat: Rules, Vidhi, and Benefits
Breaking the Fast (Parana Vidhi)
Breaking the fast correctly is just as important as keeping it.
- Parana Time (Fast-breaking time): The next day (Dwadashi Tithi), after sunrise.
- Before breaking the fast, offer water and food to a Brahmin, cow, or needy person.
- Break your fast with Tulsi water or fresh fruit before consuming a full meal.
- Avoid heavy, oily, or spicy food immediately after fasting. Stick to light, sattvic meals like khichdi or boiled rice.
Nirjala Ekadashi: Dos and Don’ts
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi—the most austere and powerful of all Ekadashis—requires complete dedication and discipline. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do during this sacred fast:
✅ Dos:
- Begin your fast with a sankalp (vow) early in the morning after a bath, praying to Lord Vishnu with devotion.
- Refrain from eating or drinking anything, including water, from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi.
- Engage in prayer, bhajans, chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, or reading Bhagavad Gita.
- Spend the day in spiritual reflection and silence as much as possible.
- Perform charity—donate food, clothes, or essentials to the needy on Dwadashi after breaking the fast.
- Break your fast during the proper paran time the next morning (Dwadashi) with light, sattvic food.
- Maintain personal hygiene—bathing and brushing are allowed, but swallow nothing.
❌ Don’ts:
- Do not consume water, fruits, or even milk—this is a complete dry fast.
- Avoid anger, negative thoughts, gossip, and lying, as they diminish the spiritual merit of the fast.
- Refrain from physical intimacy, watching TV, or indulging in entertainment.
- Avoid household chores like washing clothes or deep cleaning, unless absolutely necessary.
- Do not oversleep or stay idle—use the time for spiritual elevation.
- Don’t skip the proper breaking of the fast—not observing Dwadashi properly nullifies the vrat’s benefits.
Also Read: What to Eat in Purnima Fast: A Complete Guide
Spiritual and Health Benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to bring multiple benefits:
Spiritual Benefits
✅ Grants the blessings of Lord Vishnu and washes away past sins.
✅ Equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis in a year.
✅ Helps in attaining moksha (liberation) and spiritual growth.
Health Benefits
✅ Detoxifies the body by giving the digestive system a break.
✅ Improves mental discipline and self-control.
✅ Enhances concentration, clarity, and mindfulness.
Conclusion
Nirjala Ekadashi is not an easy fast, but it is one of the most rewarding. If you can follow it with sincerity, it is said to bring divine blessings, spiritual growth, and even health benefits. Whether you do a full Nirjala fast or a modified version, what matters most is devotion, sincerity, and positive intent.
Would you observe Nirjala Ekadashi this year? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 🙏
FAQs
Can we drink water before sunrise in Nirjala Ekadashi?
No, in Nirjala Ekadashi, even water is not allowed. It is the strictest form of Ekadashi fasting. Traditionally, the fast starts from sunrise on Ekadashi till sunrise on Dwadashi (the next day)—without consuming food or water. Some people prepare by hydrating well the previous day, but once the fast begins, water is avoided completely.
Can we brush our teeth on Nirjala Ekadashi?
Yes, brushing your teeth is allowed, but it’s advised to do so without swallowing water or toothpaste. Many devotees use neem sticks or herbal powders to maintain purity while observing the vrat.
Can we wash clothes on Nirjala Ekadashi?
It is generally advised to avoid household chores like washing clothes on Nirjala Ekadashi. The day should be focused on prayer, chanting, and spiritual activities. However, if it’s absolutely necessary, you may do so—but preferably keep such tasks minimal.
Can we sleep at night during Nirjala Ekadashi?
Traditionally, devotees are encouraged to stay awake at night (jagaran) and engage in bhajans, chanting, or reading scriptures. However, if one is physically unable to stay awake the whole night, resting is allowed, but spiritual focus should be maintained.
When should I break my fast on Nirjala Ekadashi?
The fast should be broken on Dwadashi tithi, typically after sunrise and within the specified paran time mentioned in the panchang or calendar. Breaking the fast properly is important—usually done with sattvic food and sometimes preceded by charity or feeding a Brahmin.
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