By Pt. Amitabh Sharma
Discover the significance, rituals, date and spiritual merits of Nirjala Ekadashi 2025-the ultimate fast in Vedic tradition

Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as the strictest and yet the most spiritually rewarding among all Ekadashi fasts in the Hindu calendar. It is observed by renouncing not only food but even water, which makes it a rare fusion of physical austerity and deep inner purification.
Within Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi fasts are considered powerful vows dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Among these, Nirjala Ekadashi stands apart as the supreme observance. On this day devotees undertake a complete fast without food or water to seek divine grace, purification of past karmas and accelerated spiritual progress.
For those unable to keep all 24 or 26 Ekadashis in a year, the sincere observance of this one Nirjala Ekadashi is believed to grant the combined merit of all Ekadashi fasts. It is also said to support longevity, reduce the impact of adverse planetary influences and open the way for peace and spiritual growth.
In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on two dates, one for Smarta followers and one for Vaishnavas.
As per Drik Panchang:
The total duration of strict fasting is about 32 hours and 21 minutes, from sunrise on Ekadashi until Parana on the following day.
Nirjala Ekadashi is a profound test of discipline and self-control. Devotees undertaking this vrat commit to abstain from all food and water for the entire observance, allowing only minimal water for ritual achaman.
Nirjala Ekadashi is also called Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi because of its connection with Bhima, the mighty Pandava.
Bhima was famous for his enormous appetite and unlike his brothers, he felt unable to fast twice a month on every Ekadashi. He approached Sage Vedavyasa for guidance, explaining that the strong digestive fire within him made full day fasting impossible.
Vedavyasa then instructed him to observe just one supremely rigorous fast in the year, Nirjala Ekadashi, to be kept with total abstinence from both food and water. He assured Bhima that by sincerely observing this single waterless fast he would gain the spiritual merit of all 24 Ekadashis combined. Bhima accepted the challenge, completed the severe fast and was blessed with access to Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.
This narrative illustrates that even the strongest worldly impulses can be mastered when guided by truth, devotion and firm resolve.
When Ekadashi Tithi stretches across two civil days, Smarta and Vaishnava traditions may observe the fast on different dates.
Householders who follow a Vaishnava sampradaya may choose the Vaishnava date but should then also honour the associated standards of purity, worship and dietary rules.
Nirjala Ekadashi is much more than a calendar ritual, it is a journey into self-mastery, devotion and the soul’s longing for liberation. A devotee who offers this intense tapasya at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu with sincerity moves forward swiftly on the path of dharma and experiences fresh inner strength and light.
The example of Bhima teaches that even heroes of outer strength must bow to spiritual discipline to taste true fulfilment. If someone as powerful and appetite-driven as Bhima could undertake such a fast and attain divine grace, the doorway to inner radiance and transformation remains open for every seeker willing to try.
1.On which exact date should Nirjala Ekadashi be observed in 2025?
For most householders following Smarta traditions the fast will be on Friday, 6 June 2025, while Vaishnava devotees, especially those aligned with temples and mathas, will generally observe Nirjala Ekadashi on Saturday, 7 June 2025. One should follow the date recommended by their family tradition or guru.
2.Does Nirjala Ekadashi always require a complete waterless fast?
The classical definition of Nirjala involves giving up water as well as food for the duration of the fast, allowing only minimal water for achaman when needed for rituals. Any regular drinking of water changes the vow from Nirjala to a milder Ekadashi fast.
3.What if someone is ill, elderly or physically weak, can they still keep Nirjala Ekadashi?
Those with serious health conditions, advanced age, pregnancy or medical vulnerabilities should consult both a doctor and a spiritual guide, and may instead keep a lighter fast with fruits or only water, offering their limitations honestly to the Lord rather than forcing a harmful austerity.
4.Is it really true that one Nirjala Ekadashi equals all other Ekadashis of the year?
According to traditional narrations, a sincerely observed Nirjala Ekadashi is said to grant spiritual merit comparable to observing all 24 Ekadashi fasts of the year, especially for those who are unable to maintain each fortnightly observance.
5.Which mantras or texts are best to recite on this day?
The most common practices include chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, reading Bhagavad Gita or listening to stories of Lord Vishnu and the Pandavas, all of which deepen the devotional mood of the fast.
6.If one cannot manage a full 32-hour Nirjala fast, can a partial fast still be beneficial?
Yes, any sincere fasting according to one’s capacity, combined with prayer, charity and self-restraint, brings spiritual benefit, though it is clearly distinguished in merit from the complete Nirjala observance described in the scriptures.
7.Why is charity, especially giving water, emphasized so strongly on Nirjala Ekadashi?
Because the devotee voluntarily embraces thirst on this day, offering water, food or clothes to others becomes a powerful act of compassion and alignment with Lord Vishnu’s mercy, and is said to multiply the fruits of the fast many times over.
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