Among all the Ekadashis in the Hindu lunar calendar, Nirjala Ekadashi holds a special place. Known for its strict waterless fast and its unmatched spiritual merit, this sacred observance is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi — named after Bhima, the mighty Pandava prince who first observed it.
This article brings to life the original Nirjala Ekadashi story, as described in the Brahmavaivarta Purana, along with its spiritual lessons and relevance for modern-day seekers.
What is Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi tithi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June). The word “Nirjala” means “without water,” indicating the most austere form of fasting — no food, no water, no fruits, nothing at all for 24 hours.
It is believed that observing this one Ekadashi sincerely brings the spiritual benefits of all 24 Ekadashis in the year.
Full Story of Nirjala Ekadashi (As Told in the Brahmavaivarta Purana)
The Nirjala Ekadashi vrat (fast) observed during the Shukla Paksha of the month of Jyeshtha is described in the Brahmavaivarta Purana through a dialogue between Bhimasena and Sage Vyasa.
King Yudhishthira once said to Lord Krishna,
“O Janardana! I have heard in full the glories of Apara Ekadashi. Now, please kindly tell me the name and significance of the Ekadashi that falls during the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha.”
Lord Krishna replied,
“This particular Ekadashi will be explained to you by the great sage Vyasa, who fully knows the meanings and essence of all the scriptures.”
Then King Yudhishthira turned to Sage Vedavyasa and said,
“O Maharishi Dwaipayana, I have already heard much about worldly dharma and scriptural knowledge. Now please tell me something deeply devotional and spiritually powerful, appropriate for the people of this Kali Yuga.”
Sage Vyasa said,
“O King! The spiritual practices you have heard so far are difficult to maintain in the Kali Yuga. In this age, the best dharma is that which is easy to perform, low in cost and effort, and yet grants great merit. I will now tell you about such a vrat — the essence of all dharma.”
One should observe Ekadashi fasting twice a month, by refraining from food. On the Dwadashi (12th day), one must bathe, perform all morning rituals with purity, and then worship Lord Krishna. After this, one should serve food to Brahmins. Even during periods of mourning or impurity, one must not abandon this vrat. Those who wish to attain heaven should observe this fast throughout their life. Even sinners and the irreligious, if they refrain from food on Ekadashi, are saved from the torments of Yama (the god of death).
Hearing this, the powerful Bhimasena began trembling like an Ashwattha leaf and spoke:
“O wise grandfather! My mother Kunti, wife Draupadi, and my brothers Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva — none of them eat on Ekadashi. They all forbid me from eating too. But I am unable to fast due to the unbearable pain of hunger.”
In response to Bhima’s words, Sage Vyasa said:
“If you truly desire the joys of heaven and divine realms, then you must avoid eating on every Ekadashi.”
Bhima humbly said:
“Respected sage, even skipping food once a day is nearly impossible for me. For within my stomach burns the fire called Vrika, which cannot be calmed without food. Therefore, I am incapable of observing the regular Ekadashi fasts.”
“O revered one,” he continued, “please tell me of one Ekadashi fast that I can observe just once a year, which can grant me the same spiritual merit as fasting on all the others.”
Then Sage Vyasa gave this divine instruction
“On the Ekadashi tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, you must perform Nirjala Upavasa — a complete fast without drinking even a drop of water. Though ritual sipping (achaman) is not considered a fault, consuming food or water will break the vrat.”
“If you can refrain from drinking water from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunset on Dwadashi, then you shall easily gain the fruit of observing all twelve major Ekadashis of the year. If by chance you miss or break the fasts during the year, observing this one Nirjala Ekadashi will destroy all the faults of those missed observances.”
“On the Dwadashi morning, bathe before sunrise, worship Lord Hari (Vishnu), and feed virtuous Brahmins with food and clothing. Then you may eat with your family.”
Sage Vyasa continued
“The spiritual merit gained from observing this Nirjala Ekadashi is immense. All the results of the other fasts of the year are contained within this one vrat.”
Lord Krishna has told me:
‘Those who abandon all Vedic and worldly duties and surrender to Me by observing the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat are freed from all sins.’
In the age of Kali, true purification and salvation do not come easily through wealth or ritual alone. Ritual purity is lacking in Kali Yuga. The prescribed rites of the Vedas are not easily fulfilled in this era. Therefore, the performance of Vedic dharma cannot be considered perfect in Kali Yuga.
Sage Vyasa concluded
“O Bhimasena! What more can I say? If you cannot fast on all Ekadashis, then at least do not eat on this one day. Even if you are unable to fast twice a month, you must observe Nirjala Ekadashi in Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha without fail. This vrat brings wealth, prosperity, and great merit. Those who perform this vrat are beyond the reach of Yamadootas (messengers of death). Instead, Vishnudootas (messengers of Lord Vishnu) come and escort the soul to the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha.”
From that day onward, Bhimasena began observing Nirjala Ekadashi with great faith and discipline. Hence, this Ekadashi became known as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Anyone who bathes in sacred rivers, offers charity, chants mantras, sings kirtans, or listens to the story of this Ekadashi on this day gains inexhaustible spiritual benefit.
Whoever reads or hears the Nirjala Ekadashi story with devotion is blessed with the supreme abode of Vaikuntha. this Ekadashi came to be known as Bhimseni Nirjala Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.
Key Lessons from the Nirjala Ekadashi Story
1. Devotion Over Difficulty
Bhima’s struggle shows that even when spiritual practices feel hard, sincere intent and determination make it possible. He found a way to adapt — and still honor the path of dharma.
2. Grace Through One Act
Scriptures say that this single fast erases the karmic burden of previously missed or broken fasts — proving how one sincere act can redeem many past mistakes.
3. Waterless Doesn’t Mean Lifeless
Though Nirjala is physically challenging, it’s spiritually energizing. Bhima did it not out of ego, but from a desire to not be left behind in devotion. That humility is the true essence of this Ekadashi.
Why the Nirjala Ekadashi Story Still Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced life, many struggle to follow every ritual with precision. Bhima’s story reminds us that what matters most is sincerity, not perfection. Even if we cannot do everything, we can do one thing with full faith, and the Divine accepts it with grace.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 Date & Time, India
- Date: 7th June, Saturday, 2025
- Ekadashi Begins: 03:23 AM, Jun 06
- Ekadashi Ends: 05:12 AM, Jun 07
- Ekadashi Parana Time (According to Smarta and Vaishnava traditions): Between 04:56 AM and 07:12 AM on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
- Ekadashi Parana Time (According to ISKCON): Between 04:51 AM and 07:17 AM on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Summary of Nirjala Ekadashi Story
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin Scripture | Brahmavaivarta Purana |
| Key Characters | Bhima, Sage Vyasa |
| Main Conflict | Bhima cannot fast due to hunger |
| Resolution | Fasts once a year on Nirjala Ekadashi |
| Outcome | Gains merit of all 24 Ekadashis |
Final Thought
The Nirjala Ekadashi story is more than a tale — it is a mirror for all of us. It shows that even the strongest warrior like Bhima needed help to grow spiritually, and he found it through surrender and discipline.
This Ekadashi teaches us the value of commitment, humility, and faith — and offers a chance to reset our inner selves, even through a single day of complete devotion.
FAQs Based on the Nirjala Ekadashi Story
Q: Why did Bhima observe only one Ekadashi in a year?
A: Bhima had a powerful digestive fire called Vrika Agni and could not tolerate hunger. After requesting a single fast that covered all Ekadashis, Sage Vyasa advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, a one-day waterless fast, which grants the merit of all 24 yearly Ekadashis.
Q: What makes Nirjala Ekadashi different from other Ekadashis?
A: Unlike other Ekadashis where fruits, milk, or water are allowed, Nirjala Ekadashi requires a complete fast — no food, no water for 24 hours. This strictness makes it spiritually powerful, and even a single observance is said to cleanse a year’s worth of sins.
Q: What is the connection between Bhima and Nirjala Ekadashi?
A: Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, struggled to follow traditional fasting due to his immense hunger. After seeking a solution, Sage Vyasa introduced him to Nirjala Ekadashi. Since Bhima was the first to sincerely observe it, the fast is also called Bhimseni Ekadashi or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.
Q: What spiritual benefit is mentioned in the Nirjala Ekadashi story?
A: The story says that observing Nirjala Ekadashi frees a person from all sins, grants them Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu’s abode) after death, and protects them from Yamadoots (messengers of death). Even listening to or reading the story bestows the merit of a thousand sacrifices and donations
