Nirjala Ekadashi holds a special place in Hinduism. It is also considered to be the most difficult and virtuous Ekadashi of the year (Nirjala ekadashi ka vrat kab hai). It is believed that by fasting this Ekadashi, the virtue of 24 Ekadashi of the year is attained. This year, in 2025, the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi will be kept for two days. On the first day, Nirjala Ekadashi Kitne Prakar Ki Hoti hai will be fasted and Vaishnav Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be kept on the second day. Let’s know the date, method and necessary rules of this fast.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 date and time
According to Drik Panchang, the Nirjala Ekadashi date will start on 6 June 2025 at 2:15 am and will end on 7 June 2025 at 4:47 am. Hari Vasar will conclude on June 7 at 11:25 am.
• Smart Nirjala Ekadashi fast: 6 June 2025, Friday
• Vaishnav Nirjala Ekadashi fast: 7 June 2025, Saturday
For the householders who fast on this day, this fast will be 32 hours and 21 minutes. This fast can start from sunrise and last till the time of passion.
Rules and laws of Nirjala Ekadashi fast
Nirjala Ekadashi fast is considered difficult because water and food are completely sacrificed in it. On this day, Vrati should worship Lord Vishnu and observe the fast with restraint and discipline.
What to do:
• Wake up early in the morning and take a bath and wear holy clothes.
• Meditate on Lord Vishnu and take fast.
• Stay all day without water and food.
• Chant the name Hari and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Donate to the needy and provide food to Brahmins.
Difference between Smarta and Vaishnav Nirjala Ekadashi
When Ekadashi fast is two days, there is a recognition of Smart fast on the first day and Vaishnav fast on the second day.
• Smart Vrat: This is done by normal householders and followers.
• Vaishnava fast: It is celebrated by followers of Vaishnava sect.
A householder can also keep Vaishnav fast, but he has to follow the rules of Vaishnava sect.
Nirjala Ekadashi fast time 2025
Nirjala Ekadashi fast is kept after the end of Hari Vasar.
• Smart Vrat Paran: 7 June 2025, 1:44 pm to 4:31 pm
• Vaishnav Vrat Paran: 8 June 2025, 5:23 am to 7:17 am
Importance of Nirjala Ekadashi fast
Fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi destroys all the sins of a person. It is believed that Bhimsen kept this fast because he could not keep the fast of other Ekadashis. Therefore it is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Due to the effect of this fast, man attains Vishnu Lok after death. Apart from this, this fast is also considered beneficial for mental and physical purification.
Benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi fast
1. Virtue of all Ekadashis: By fasting this Ekadashi, one gets the same virtue as the fast of all the Ekadashis of the year.
2. Destruction of sins: Worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day destroys all sins.
3. Receipt of salvation: By observing Nirjala Ekadashi fast, a person gets a place in Vishnu folk.
4. Physical and mental purification: This fast purifies the mind and inspires restraint.
5. Importance of Donation: Donating food, clothes and water to the needy on this day is also beneficial.