Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi

Also called: Bhimaseni Ekadashi, Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala means 'without water.' This Ekadashi is especially associated with abstaining from both food and water. The traditional account links the demanding fast with Bhima, who found repeated fasting difficult. A waterless fast can be dangerous and is not appropriate for everyone.

Key facts

Paksha
Shukla Paksha
Lunar month
Jyeshtha
Observed on
The eleventh tithi of Shukla Paksha
Deities
Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna

The story

In the story, Bhima tells Vyasa that his appetite makes it difficult to observe the regular Ekadashi fasts. Vyasa advises him to observe the Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi without food or water, then complete the observance on Dwadashi according to the prescribed rules. The story says this single fast carries the merit of the other Ekadashis. It is also called Bhimaseni or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.

Practices

  • Some devotees undertake a nirjala fast; others observe in a safer way. Do not abstain from water if it could harm your health. Water charity is customary in some communities during the hot season.

Common questions

When is Nirjala Ekadashi observed?
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the Shukla Paksha eleventh tithi (Ekadashi) of Jyeshtha.

Types of Ekadashi