Nirjala Ekadashi Fast Rules: Ekadashi fast has special significance in Sanatan Dharma, but among all these, Nirjala Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is considered the highest and most difficult. This year this holy fast will be observed on 25 June 2026, Thursday. As its name suggests, it is Nirjala i.e. without water. In this great festival of penance and devotion, devotees worship Lord Vishnu throughout the day without consuming a single drop of food or water. It is believed that if a person is not able to observe the fast of all the 24 Ekadashis of the year, then by observing the fast of only Nirjala Ekadashi, he can attain the virtuous results equivalent to all those fasts. Let us know about the beliefs related to this fast.
How did it get its name Nirjala Ekadashi?
This Ekadashi There is a very interesting story related to the Mahabharata period behind its naming. According to mythological beliefs, among the Pandavas, except Bhimsen, Yudhishthir, Arjun, Nakul, Sahadev and Mata Kunti, Draupadi also observed the fast of all the Ekadashis of the year with full devotion. Bhimsen felt very hungry, due to which it was difficult for him to remain hungry. He was often worried that he would commit sin for not observing the fast.
Regarding his problem, Bhimsen approached Maharishi Vedvyas. Then Vyas ji told him the solution and said that if he fasts on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month without drinking water, then he will get the virtue of all the Ekadashis of the year together. Bhima did the same and completed this fast in very difficult circumstances. Because it was kept without water, it was called Nirjala Ekadashi and because it was started by Bhima, it also came to be known as Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026, date and auspicious time of Paran
According to Drik Panchang, Ekadashi Tithi will start a day earlier i.e. on 24th June 2026 at 6:12 pm and will continue till 8:09 pm on 25th June 2026. Therefore, according to Udaya Tithi, the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, June 25. After completing this difficult fast, Parana will be performed the next day i.e. Friday, 26 June 2026. The most auspicious time of Paran will be from 5.25 am to 8.13 am. Although on this day Dwadashi Tithi will remain till 10:22 pm, but according to the rules of the scriptures, breaking the fast in the morning is considered most fruitful.
What are the important rules of this difficult fast?
The fast of Nirjala Ekadashi is known for its strictness, hence its rules should be followed very carefully. The most important rule of this fast is that from the night of Dashami till the entire day of Ekadashi and till the Parana of Dwadashi the next day, not even a drop of water should go down the throat. However, gargling can be done during fasting, but care should be taken that the water does not enter the stomach. Vegetarian food should be consumed a day before the fast. On the day of Ekadashi, follow celibacy completely and do not have bad thoughts towards anyone in your mind.
Donation has special significance on this day
Since this fast falls in the month of scorching summer, the results of charity on this day increase manifold. It is considered very auspicious to donate a pitcher full of water, melon, fan, umbrella, clothes and sattu to Brahmins and the needy on the day of fast or the next morning. According to the scriptures, any devotee who observes a waterless fast on this day with full devotion and rules, all the troubles of his life go away and after death he attains salvation.
Also read: Mahabharata period connection of Param Ekadashi of 11th June, what did Shri Krishna say to Arjun?
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
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