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.
What Is Nirjala Ekadashi 2025?
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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To read more real-life Devotees’ stories of Nirajal Ekadashi, click here.
How to Take Full Advantage of Nirjala Ekadashi 2025?
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:
- The body is suffering
- The suffering is of one’s own will
- The suffering is for God
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.
Rituals and How to Observe Nirjala Ekadashi?
There are many rituals but here are some main ones.
- One day before:
One day before (Dashami) eat light, satvik (pure vegetarian) food. - No food no water:
From sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi, do not eat or drink anything. - Morning rituals:
Take an early bath in Brahma-Murti (04:04 AM – 04:48 AM), wear clean clothes and do the next Mangala Aarti of Lord Krishna (Vishnu) or his incarnation Narasimha Dev Ji. You can also read the story of Nirjala Ekadashi. - Bhajans and Kirtans:
Recite Krishna (Vishnu Ji) Mahamantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare) on a 108-bead Neem rosary. Yes, singing bhajans is very encouraging. - Reading scriptures:
You can also do Andhya of Bhagavad Gita, Shrimad Bhagwat or Chaitanya Charitamrita.
If you want their PDF, you can download them by clicking here. - Assembly of devotees:
No puja or fast is complete without association of devotees, so you can go to any ISKCON temple near you and listen to the Katha. - Breaking the fast:
Next morning, at the time of Parayan, you can break your fast by drinking water, but it is better if you drink lemon water first, otherwise your stomach may hurt because you have not eaten or drunk anything for more than 24 hours.
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.
Health and Spiritual Benefits of Keeping Nirjala Ekadashi 2025
Though this fast is difficult, its benefits are both physical and spiritual.
Spiritual Benefits:
- Cleanses the soul from sins
- Provides Moksha (liberation)
- Builds self-discipline and devotion
- Enhances meditation and mental toughness
- Blesses one with the equivalent of 24 Ekadasis
- Gives strength to endure all sorrows
Health Benefits:
- Relaxes the digestive system
- Removes toxins
- Improves willpower and controls desires
- Reduces food and daily chores
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.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Date And Time
- Date: Thursday, June 6 & 7, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 02:15 AM on June 6th, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 04:47 AM on June 7, 2025
- Parana Time (Breaking Fast): 05:16 AM to 07:17 AM on June 7, 2025
In ISKCON, the timing and date is different for fasting and breaking the fast:
- Date: Thursday, June 7 & 8, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12:00 AM on June 7th, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 05:15 AM on June 8th, 2025
- Parana Time (Breaking Fast): 05:16 AM to 07:17 AM on June 8, 2025
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.
Why There Are Two Nirjala Ekadashi In 2025
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.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi in Hinduism
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:
- The rewards of 24 Ekadashis in the year
- Cleanses sins
- Improves self-control
- Gains divinity from the blessing of Lord Vishnu
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.
Fasting Rules for Nirjala Ekadashi 2025
- The fast starts at sunrise and ends at the following sunrise.
- Strict fast: no water, no food.
- Elderly or sick can do a portion fast or have water.
- Even refrain from grains, pulses, and rice at least a day before the fast (Dashami) for scheduling.
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or other prayers.
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.
Puja Vidhi and Rituals to Follow
Devotees will wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
The puja is performed with full devotion to Lord Vishnu;
- A list of items for the Puja
- Tulsi leaves
- A ghee lamp
- Incense sticks
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee)
- Yellow flowers
- Banana or seasonal fruits (for offering representation)
Stepwise Rituals:
- Light a diya and incense sticks, in front of Lord Vishnu’s image/idol.
- Offer water, tulsi, flowers, fruits.
- Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or a few chapters of Gita.
- Meditate and ask for forgiveness for your wrongdoings.
- Do not fall asleep during the day. Sing bhajans, or chant.
The puja can be simplified, but it needs to done sincerely.
Nirajala Ekadashi Ki Katha Related FAQs:
Which mantra should be chanted on Nirjala Ekadashi?
Hare Krishna Mahamantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare) should be chanted.
What are the benefits of Nirjala fast?
Spiritual Benefits:
- Cleanses the soul from sins
- Provides Moksha (liberation)
- Builds self-discipline and devotion
- Enhances meditation and mental toughness
- Blesses one with the equivalent of 24 Ekadasis
- Gives strength to endure all sorrows
Health Benefits:
- Relaxes the digestive system
- Removes toxins
- Improves willpower and controls desires
- Reduces food and daily chores
Who should not observe Ekadashi fast?
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.
Can we drink tea on Nirjala Ekadashi?
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.
How is the Nirjala fast broken?
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.
Why are there two dates for Nirjala Ekadashi in 2025?
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.
Which day should I observe the fast—June 6 or June 7?
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.
Is it mandatory to fast without water on Nirjala Ekadashi?
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.
What foods are forbidden to consume during Nirjala Ekadashi?
- No grains, pulses, or rice
- No salty or cooked foods
- Only fruits and water (for partial fasters) are allowed
Even on Dashami (the preceding day), no grains is suggested to get ready for fast and feasting.
Is it allowed to go to work while fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi?
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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