✨Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi ✨
What is Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi ?
Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi, also known as Bhima Ekadasi, is considered the most austere and spiritually rewarding of all Ekadasis. It falls on the Ekadasi tithi of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) during the month of Jyeshtha, which usually corresponds to May or June.
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The word "Nirjala" means without water. Unlike other Ekadasis where devotees may consume fruits or water, this fast is observed with complete abstinence from both food and water for 24 hours. It is a vow that requires courage, focus, and devotion, and offers immense spiritual benefit.
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Even if one observes only Nirjala Ekadasi, he is freed from all sinful reactions and attains the merit of observing every other Ekadasi.
— Padma Purana
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The Story of Bhima and the Origin of Nirjala Ekadasi
According to the Mahabharata and Padma Purana, Bhimasena, the second Pandava brother, found it difficult to fast on each Ekadasi like his four brothers. Due to his strong appetite, he was unable to follow the regular Ekadasi fasts.
Disturbed by this, Bhima approached Srila Vyasadeva and asked for a way to receive the same benefits without fasting twice a month. Vyasadeva advised him to observe a single, special fast on the Ekadasi that falls during the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha, but to do so without even drinking water.
Bhima observed the Nirjala fast with full devotion. Pleased with his sincerity, Lord Vishnu granted that anyone who observes this one Ekadasi with devotion will receive the spiritual benefit of observing all twenty-four Ekadasis of the year.
Since then, this Ekadasi came to be known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi.
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Nirjala Ekadasi
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Removes all sins accumulated from past lives
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Gives the merit of observing all 24 Ekadasis of the year
MERITS
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Grants purification of mind, body, and consciousness
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Helps develop detachment from material desires
Purification
Brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death
BLessings
How to Observe Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi ?
Preparation – the night before (June 5)
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Take a simple Ekadasi meal before sunset
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Offer a sankalpa (vow) to observe Nirjala fast with devotion
On Ekadasi Day – June 6, 2025
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Refrain from food and water from sunrise to the next day’s break fast time
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Wake early and begin the day with prayers and bathing
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Engage in chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra
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Read or listen to Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other devotional texts
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Offer prayers, perform deity worship, and engage in kirtan and harikatha
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Avoid idle talk, gossip, or distractions
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If health conditions prevent full fasting, a partial fast with fruits and water may be taken with prayerful intent
Break Fast (Parana) – June 7, 2025​
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break the fast from 5:27 to 10:26 AM EST with Ekadasi prasadam and tulasi leaf
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Offer gratitude to the Lord and pray for continued devotional strength