Nirjala Ekadashi- The Most Purifying of All Fasts

Have you ever wondered how, in the days when comfort has become second nature to most of us, some individuals who fast without water, particularly on the hottest summer days? Each year, on Nirjala Ekadashi, millions of devotees lovingly undertake this effort—not because they must, but because of their love and devotion. This fast is more than just giving up food and water; it is a powerful act of spiritual discipline that helps them to disconnect from the outer world by reducing the daily activities and devote more time doing inner reflection to reconnect with the divine. 

The word Nirjala literally translates to 'without water.' In contrast of other Ekadashi fasts, where devotees may have fruits or water, Nirjala Ekadashi is observed with total refrain from both food and water for an entire day. It is considered the most intense of all Ekadashi fasts, demanding strong will along with unflinching devotion. Keeping this fast bestows the spiritual benefit of all twenty-four Ekadashis, purifying the heart and bringing one closer to Krishna. 

In the year 2025 this auspicious Ekadashi is observed on the 7th of June, Saturday, by all the Vaishnavas in India. And one should break this fast on the 8th of June, Sunday between 06:00-07:20am 
for all the devotees in Mumbai. 

Bhimasena, the powerful second-born of the Pandavas, could hardly observe the regular Ekadashi fasts like his mother Kunti, brothers and wife Draupadi. Because of the fire of hunger in his stomach, the Vrika Agni, he had an enormous appetite, which made intolerable to refrain from food. 

Concerned about this, he sought shelter of Srila Vyasadeva, his spiritual master, who was also his grandfather, and requested a way to earn equal merit of Ekadashi without fasting for all twenty-four Ekadashis. Bhimasena acknowledged that despite his could deep devotion to Lord Krishna, he simply could not bear to go without food. 

Seeing Bhimsena’s sincere concern and powerful desire for a solution, Vyasadeva gave him a solution: the Ekadashi falling in the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month, to be observed without water. Though challenging, if observed with full devotion, this Nirjala fast, would give the benefits of all twenty-four Ekadashis. 

After getting the solution, Bhima became joyful. With the feeling of contentment, he undertook the Nirjala fast with great eagerness. By seeing Bhima’s dedication, Lord Vishnu, who is an ocean of compassion, became very pleased, and blessed ‘Nirjala Ekadashi’, affirming that this fast, when done with sincerity, purifies all the sinful reactions and transcends one to the Vaikuntha planets. Since then, this Ekadashi came to be known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi and Bhimseni Ekadashi moreover became the king of all Ekadashis. 

By now we all understand the significance of Nirjala Ekadashi and observing it with sincerity brings great spiritual benefits. It cleanses one from all reactions of sinful activities, cleanses the body and consciousness, and leads to gradual distaste towards material activities. Moreover, with the blessings of the Lord, devotees get increasingly attached to him and prepare themselves to return to him, at the end of their lives. Such devotees come under the Lord’s personal care and protection.  

We observe this fast by waking up and taking the bath in Brahma-muhurta. Followed by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and taking the darshans of the Lord. If one can refrain from food and water then one should fast in such way, but it is not a compulsion. Those unable to observe complete Nirjala can do partial fasting, by not consuming grains, legumes, and pulses. It is advised to perform charity on this special occasion as it results in immense spiritual benefit. Reading and hearing Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavad Gita is one of the best ways to engage ourselves in mood of devotion. As the sweet pastimes of the Lord from Bhagavatam and Lord’s promising words from Bhagavad Gita keeps us motivated throughout this austere fast. 

Just as we got the Srimad Bhagavad Gita—the timeless wisdom—when Arjuna was overcome with grief on the battlefield, we also received the king of all Ekadashis, Nirjala Ekadashi, through Bhima, who could hardly observe the Ekadashi fasting. In both the events, Lord Krishna mercifully offered solutions to struggles of living entities, using his pure devotees as instruments. Whether it was Arjuna on the battlefield or Bhima struggling with fasting, Krishna used these great devotees as His medium to address, in advance, the challenges that people in Kaliyuga would face. 
 
Despite the challenges it provides the whole experience of observing such austerities for the pleasure of the Lord is a rewarding experience. Just like Krishna guided Arjuna in his roughest times, this fast offers an opportunity to revive our connection with Krishna. One might observe a full Nirjala fast or a partial one, but the efforts must be made for the remembrance and surrender with a sincere heart. May we all receive the attention of the Lord by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.