Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 in India: Vrat Date, Muhurat & Katha
Vrat Date (Ekadashi)
25-06-2026
Parana (Fast Break)
26-06-2026
In 2026, the auspicious Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on 25-06-2026. According to Vedic Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2026-06-25 20:09 and ends at 2026-06-26 22:22. Devotees should break their fast during the Parana window of 04:57 - 00:43 on 26-06-2026 for successful completion of the Vrat.
📅 Detailed Muhurat for 2026
Tithi Starts
25-06-2026 | 20:09
Tithi Ends
26-06-2026 | 22:22
Hari Vasara End
27-06-2026 | 04:57
About Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi, occurring during the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month, is considered the most sacred and rigorous of all twenty-four Ekadashis. The word 'Nirjala' means 'without water.' Unlike other Ekadashis where fruits or water are permitted, this vrat forbids the consumption of even a single drop of water from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi. According to the Vyasa Purana, the significance of this day was explained by Maharishi Vyasa to Bhima, the second Pandava brother. Bhima, who had a voracious appetite (Vrikodara) and could not perform the regular fortnightly fasts, was advised that by observing this single Nirjala Ekadashi with total discipline, he could obtain the combined merit of all twenty-four Ekadashis. Thus, it is also widely known as 'Bhimeseni Ekadashi' or 'Pandava Ekadashi.'
Pooja Vidhi (Rituals)
Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a ceremonial bath.
Take a firm Sankalpa (resolution) to observe the fast without water until the next day's sunrise.
Worship Lord Vishnu (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya) with yellow flowers and lamps.
Perform 'Aachaman' only for purification purposes as prescribed by rituals.
Spend the day in meditation, reading scriptures, and avoiding physical exertion.
Perform 'Jal-daan' (donating water in clay pots), umbrellas, and hand fans to the needy.
Keep a night vigil (Jagran) to maintain spiritual momentum.
Benefits of this Fast
- ✓ Grants the combined merit of all 24 Ekadashis of the year.
- ✓ Provides immense willpower and control over senses.
- ✓ Cleanses the body's internal systems and balances Agni-Jala elements.
- ✓ Ensures the spiritual liberation of the ancestors.
- ✓ Destroys all accumulated sins and leads the devotee toward Vaikuntha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drink water if I feel unwell during Nirjala Ekadashi?
Health is a priority. If one's medical condition makes a waterless fast dangerous, they may observe it with water or fruits after consulting a spiritual guide.
Q: Why is it called Bhimeseni Ekadashi?
Because Bhima, who could not fast regularly, observed this one Ekadashi to gain the spiritual benefits of all others.
Q: What should be donated on this day?
Donating water (in pots), hand fans, umbrellas, and seasonal fruits like melons is considered highly meritorious.