The fast of Nirjala Ekadashi has special significance in Hinduism. It is considered the most difficult and virtuous Ekadashi of the year. In other Ekadashis, where fruit or water is taken, water has to be sacrificed on Nirjala Ekadashi. This is the reason why it is called “Nirjala” i.e. Ekadashi without water. By observing this fast, a person gets the merit of all the 24 Ekadashis of the whole year.
Date of Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 and auspicious time
According to the View Almanac, Nirjala Ekadashi will be celebrated for two days in 2025:
Smart Nirjala Ekadashi: 6 June 2025, Friday
Vaishnav Nirjala Ekadashi: 7 June 2025, Saturday
Ekadashi date will start from 2:15 am on June 6 and will remain till 4:47 am on 7 June. Hari Vasar (appropriate time to pass Ekadashi fast) will end at 11:25 am on June 7.
Fasting method and rules
The fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is very difficult and it is considered extremely beneficial to do it in a rule. On this day neither food nor water is taken.
What to do:
Get up before sunrise and take a bath and wear clean clothes.
Pledge to fast while meditating on Lord Vishnu.
Stay completely away from water and food throughout the day.
Chant the name Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita or Hari.
In the evening, light a lamp and perform the aarti of Lord Vishnu.
Donate food, clothes and water to the poor, Brahmins.
Difference between Smarta and Vaishnav Nirjala Ekadashi
When Ekadashi date lasts for two days, Smarta Ekadashi is considered on the first day and Vaishnav Ekadashi on the second day.
Smart Vrat: It is kept by normal householders.
Vaishnavas Vrat: By followers of Vaishnava sect.
A householder can also keep Vaishnav fast, if they follow the Vaishnava tradition.
Fasting time
The fast is passed after Hari Vasar:
Smart Vrat Paran: 7 June 2025, 1:44 to 4:31 pm
Vaishnav Vrat Paran: 8 June 2025, from 5:23 am to 7:17 pm
Religious importance of fasting
According to the legend, Bhimsen followed this Ekadashi as he could not follow other Ekadashi. For this reason, it is also called “Bhimseni Ekadashi”. By observing this fast, all sins are destroyed and salvation is attained.
Benefits of Nirjala Ekadashi fast
The virtue of all the Ekadashis together
Destruction of sins and self -purification
Attainment of Vishnu Lok (salvation)
Mental and physical restraint
Many times virtuous benefits from charity
conclusion
Nirjala Ekadashi is a wonderful confluence of self -control, devotion and service. It not only relieves sins, but also opens the path of spiritual progress. If you do this fast with reverence, rules and restraint, then the special grace of Lord Vishnu remains on you.
