Nirjala Ekadashi

Dharmaraja once requested Sage Vyasa to explain the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi. Sage Vyasa said, "On the Ekadashi that falls in both fortnights of the Jyeshtha month, do not take food. On Dwadashi, after completing your bath and other morning rituals, offer food to Brahmins and then take your meal." While Vyasa was explaining this, Bhima, who was listening, said:

"My mother Kunti, my elder brother Dharmaraja, Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva all observe fasting on Ekadashi.

But I cannot tolerate hunger, and I am able to fast only once a year. Please instruct me about that Ekadashi observance by which I can attain heaven."

Advertisement

Sage Vyasa replied:

"O Bhimasena! During the Jyeshtha month, when the Sun moves from Taurus (Vrishabha) into Gemini (Mithuna), the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) arrives. On that day, except for sipping water for Achamana, do not drink any water at all (Nirjala). If you drink water, the vow will be broken.

From sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi, abstain completely from water. On Dwadashi, after completing your bath and daily rituals, donate water along with gold to Brahmins. Then, dine together with self-disciplined Brahmins.

Lord Sri Mahavishnu told me, 'Any human being who remembers Me and observes the Ekadashi fast will be freed from all sins.'

Advertisement

Those who observe the Ekadashi fast attain heaven. Whoever abstains even from drinking water on Ekadashi receives the merit equivalent to donating ten million gold coins for each Ekadashi. Scholars say that the bath, charity, chanting (Japa), fire sacrifice (Homa), and all other righteous acts performed on Nirjala Ekadashi become imperishable (Akshaya).

Those who observe Nirjala Ekadashi according to the prescribed rules attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu (Vaishnava Pada). On Nirjala Ekadashi, one should donate food, clothes, a cow, water, a bed, a Kamandalu (water pot), and an umbrella. This is what Sage Vyasa instructed Bhimasena.

Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 🙏

Frequently asked questions

When is Nirjala Ekadashi observed?

It falls on the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) Ekadashi of the Jyeshtha month, when the Sun moves from Vrishabha (Taurus) into Mithuna (Gemini).

Why did Sage Vyasa teach Nirjala Ekadashi to Bhima?

Bhima could not tolerate hunger and could fast only once a year, so he asked for one Ekadashi that would grant heaven. Vyasa named Nirjala Ekadashi, as commonly told.

How is the Nirjala Ekadashi fast kept?

No water is taken from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi, except a sip for Achamana. Drinking water breaks the vow.

What should be done on Dwadashi after the fast?

After bathing and the daily rituals, donate water along with gold to Brahmins. Then eat a meal together with self-disciplined Brahmins.

What is donated on Nirjala Ekadashi?

Food, clothes, a cow, water, a bed, a Kamandalu (water pot) and an umbrella are recommended for donation. Bath, charity, japa and homa done on this day are said to become Akshaya (imperishable).