When Is Nirjala Ekadashi 2026? Know Date, Vrat Timings, Puja Vidhi and Significance of Bhimseni Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Thursday, June 25. Considered the most sacred Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the vrat is observed without food or water and is believed to provide the spiritual benefits of all Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Check the exact date, vrat timings, puja vidhi, fasting rules, significance, and Bhimseni Ekadashi story.
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Nirjala Ekadashi, one of the most significant fasting observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will be observed on Thursday, June 25, 2026. According to Hindu scriptures, this Ekadashi is considered the most sacred among all Ekadashi fasts, and devotees believe that observing this single fast brings the spiritual benefits of all 24 Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year.
Observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the month of Jyeshtha, Nirjala Ekadashi is marked by a strict fast in which devotees abstain from both food and water. The day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, charitable acts, prayers, and chanting of sacred mantras. When Is Parama Ekadashi 2026? Know Date, Rituals, Puja Vidhi, Vrat Timings and Parana Time.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: Date and Tithi Timings
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi Tithi of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha will begin on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:13 PM and conclude on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 8:10 PM. As the Udaya Tithi (sunrise-based calculation) falls on June 25, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on that day.
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi Begins | Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:13 PM |
| Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi Ends | Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 8:10 PM |
| Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat | Thursday, June 25, 2026 |
Why Is Nirjala Ekadashi Considered So Important?
Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most auspicious fasts in Hindu tradition. According to the Padma Purana, devotees who observe a strict waterless fast and worship Lord Vishnu with devotion are believed to receive immense spiritual merit.
The observance is also associated with charitable activities, holy bathing, mantra chanting, and acts of devotion. Religious texts state that the merits earned on this day are considered everlasting. Padmini Ekadashi 2026 Date and Muhurat: Why This Rare Ekadashi Comes Once in 3 Years.
Because the fast is observed without drinking water, especially during the hot Jyeshtha month, it is regarded as one of the most difficult Ekadashi fasts of the year.
Why Does One Nirjala Ekadashi Equal All Ekadashi Fasts?
The significance of Nirjala Ekadashi is linked to a story from the Padma Purana involving Bhimasena, one of the five Pandavas.
According to the scripture, Bhimasena told Ved Vyasji: "I haven't observed a single fast because a fire called Vrik (void) is constantly burning in my stomach, causing me to feel hungry. Please suggest a fast that, if observed just once, can liberate me and lead me to heaven."
Ved Vyasji advised Bhimasena to observe the Ekadashi fast that falls during the month of Jyeshtha while abstaining completely from water. Since remaining without water during the peak summer month is considered especially challenging, Vyasji explained that observing this single fast grants the benefits of all Ekadashi fasts observed throughout the year.
Because Bhimasena is believed to have successfully observed this vrat, Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Devotees generally follow these rituals on Nirjala Ekadashi:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath.
- Take a vow (sankalp) to observe the Nirjala fast.
- Worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, incense, lamps, and offerings.
- Chant Vishnu mantras and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Spend the day in prayer, meditation, and devotional activities.
- Donate food, clothes, water, or other essential items to those in need.
- Observe a strict fast without consuming food or water.
- Break the fast (Parana) on Dwadashi according to the prescribed timings.
Spiritual Significance of the Fast
Religious beliefs hold that devotees who are unable to observe every Ekadashi during the year can observe Nirjala Ekadashi to receive similar spiritual benefits. The vrat is considered particularly beneficial for seeking Lord Vishnu's blessings, spiritual purification, and liberation.
For devotees, Nirjala Ekadashi remains one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar, combining fasting, charity, devotion, and worship in a single sacred observance.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 08:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
