Nirjala Ekadashi

Marathi

Also known as: Bhima Ekadashi, Waterless Ekadashi

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2026 Marathi Date

Nirjala Ekadashi

About Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in Jyeshtha (May-June). It is the most rigorous Ekadashi vrat, observed without any water.

Devotees observe strict fasting without even water for 24 hours. The vrat is believed to grant the merit of all 25 Ekadashis.

In Maharashtra, the heat of summer makes this vrat particularly challenging. Devotees are advised to stay indoors.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe complete fasting without water for 24 hours.

Sankalpa Mantra

Om Namo Narayanaya, I observe this Nirjala Ekadashi vrat without water for spiritual liberation.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake up early and take a ritual bath.
Observe complete fasting without food or water for 24 hours.
Spend the entire day in prayer and meditation.
Break the fast the next day with water and food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is it observed without water?

According to legend, Bhima could not observe partial fasts. Lord Vyasa suggested this single waterless fast as equivalent to all other Ekadashis combined.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.