Nirjala Ekadashi · निर्जला एकादशी
Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha (May–June). Its name comes from the waterless (nir-jala) fast kept on this day, and it is regarded as the most austere of the year's Ekadashis; keeping it is traditionally said to earn the merit of all of them. It is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi after Bhima, who in the traditional story kept only this one fast.
Dates
Dates and times are for New Delhi (Asia/Kolkata). They can differ in other places, especially outside India, and between traditions.
How the date is determined
Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, by the Smarta and Vaishnava Ekadashi rules.
Many keep a complete fast without food or water from sunrise on Ekadashi until parana the next morning; others keep a lighter fast according to health and custom. Giving water and food in charity is a common part of the day.
Regional and tradition differences
As with every Ekadashi, Smarta and Vaishnava calendars sometimes keep it on consecutive days; both dates are shown where they differ.
What to recite
Sources
- Nirjala Ekadashi, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.