Nirjala Ekadashi is the hardest of all Ekadashis and it is also regarded as the most auspicious. Nirjala Ekadashi is a fasting day where we will fast without both food and water. With that in mind, there is no doubt that Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 will bring all of the same benefits as observing all 24 Ekadashis during the calendar year.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 — from date and fasting rules, to rituals and spiritual significance.
Nirjala Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha, which usually falls around May or June.
While other Ekadashis can involve some water or fruit, Nirjala means “without water.” This means that devotees will typically fast completely without food or water for 24 hours.
This Ekadashi is linked to Bhima, who was the second Pandava and could not regularly fast for Ekadashi. Sage Vyasa told him that he could keep this one-day fast, and it would give him the same benefit as fasting on all other Ekadashis.
Traditionally, with sincere devotion, Nirjala Ekadashi gives one forgiveness of sins and attainment of moksha (liberation).
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This Ekadashi is not just a day of abstaining from food and water; it symbolises complete dedication of oneself to God.
The fast is considered complete when these 3 things are happening:
Fasting controls mental desires, gives concentration to the mind, and helps in the purification of the body. Spiritually, this fast washes away sins, provides salvation, and brings peace and prosperity. Read the story of Nirjala Ekadashi to know its benefits.
According to Padma Purana, fasting on this Ekadashi pleases Lord Vishnu and liberates one from the cycle of birth and death.
Another belief is that the Punya (merit) obtained on Nirjala Ekadashi is more important than all pilgrimages and Yajnas. Whoever observes Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 gets all these fruits automatically.
For those who have missed any Ekadashis or are not able to fast regularly, Nirjala Ekadashi marks the end of a good period.
This day also reveals the understanding of the soul, the power of will and faith, which is an opportunity for every spiritual journey.
There are many rituals but here are some main ones.
Some people cannot fast, they can fast by drinking only water, fruits or milk, but traditionally, for full blessings, full fasting is preferred at least for as long as possible.
Though this fast is difficult, its benefits are both physical and spiritual.
However, people with health issues or children are advised to avoid Nirjala Vrat or consult elders before observing it.
Nirjala Ekadasha stands out among all the fasts for its power and grace. It teaches sacrifice, restraint and unwavering faith.
For those who are unable to observe the fast every month, this one day offers a unique opportunity to receive divine blessings and spiritual merit.
Whether you are observing it for religious reasons or for self-discipline, Nirjala Ekadashi is a sacred and fruitful practice, and simply listening to the story of Nirjala Ekadashi can bring you enlightenment.
In ISKCON, the timing and date is different for fasting and breaking the fast:
It is important to break your fast during Parana time on the next day after sunrise.
Breaking the fast outside of this correct time frame is inauspicious and will negate the merits of having maintained the fast.
Nirjala Ekadashi will be two days because the Ekadashi Tithi is split over June 6 and 7, and the Hari Vasar (the time of breaking the Ekadashi fast) is divided over the two days.
Therefore, devotees, mostly Vaishnavites (there may be some locally extra food relevant to Ekadashi), will have the choice of whether they want to choose to fast into the early morning of June 7 or break the fast of Ekadashi on June 6 when Hari Vasar is over.
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most significant spiritually.
It is claimed that this is the most rewarding Ekadashi for anyone seeking liberation.
Benefits of this fasting:
Devotees believe that to truly observe Nirjala Ekadashi one will reach peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. The fasting also reminds a person to control their desires and ego, and live a simple and pious life.
The devotee was also required to stay away from any distractions while remaining in a meditative state.
The aim of the fast is primarily to purify the mind and body through self-restraint.
Devotees will wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
The puja can be simplified, but it needs to done sincerely.
Hare Krishna Mahamantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare) should be chanted.
On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, one should not drink water from morning till the next day. This fast is completely Nirjal, meaning it has to be kept without water.
No, on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, you are not allowed to take tea, water, juice or any kind of liquid. On this day, a complete dry fast is observed, meaning you are not allowed to drink any liquid.
Next morning you can break your fast by drinking the same water after eating, but if possible it is better to drink lemon water first otherwise your stomach might ache because you have remained without drinking or eating anything for more than 24 hours.
In the year 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi is observed over two days, June 6 and June 7, because of how the Ekadashi Tithi and Hari Vasar fall. Devotees can opt to fast depending on when their local Panchang ends the Ekadashi Tithi and begins the Hari Vasar - both are spiritually valid days.
You should be able to select the faster day based on your spiritual tradition or local calendar. Vaishnavites and other devotes will choose to fast on either June 6 or June 7 based on when Hari Vasar (day of Vishnu) is observed and broken.
Tradition suggests fasting means no food or drink (nirjala).
The elderly, sick, or ill might be able to partial fast or drink just water.
Intent and devotion are the important part of the practice - not just rigid rules.
For best results, remain at home or limit any task to stay within a devotional and meditative neutral energy. If you need to be at work or you must work, remember to maintain your devotional principles, limit distractions, and avoid anger, gossip, or indulgence.
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