Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Timings Live Updates: The sacred ‘Nirjala Ekadashi’ of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is of great importance. Among all the 24 Ekadashis of the year in the Hindu scriptures, this fast is considered the best and highest, because only on this one day without drinking water i.e. keeping a strict fast without water, one gets as much merit as all the Ekadashis of the whole year. Nirjala EkadashiIt is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi. Read these live updates to know the exact date of this Mahaparva, auspicious time of puja, rules of Vrata and exact time of Parana (breaking of fast) of this Mahaparva leading to Moksha through devotion, charity and chanting of Lord Vishnu.

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Time | Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Timings

According to Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month in the year 2026 will start on June 24 at 6:12 pm and will last until June 25 at 8:09 pm. As Udayatithi is recognized in Hinduism, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on June 25.

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat 2026 Cradle Time | Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat 2026 Parana Time

The ritual of breaking the fast after completing it is called ‘parana’. Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat can be observed on June 26 between 5:25 AM to 8:13 AM.

Nirjala Ekadashi Fasting Rules | Nirjala Ekadashi Fasting Rules

The basic principle of this fast is complete abstinence from water and food. According to the rules, the fasting person has to abstain from both food and water from sunrise of Ekadashi to sunrise of Dwadashi. Worship of Lord Vishnu during this period is considered particularly fruitful.

However, the scriptures have given relaxation in certain special conditions keeping health in mind. If a person is too old, sick or unable to do an anhydrous fast for health reasons, they can consume fruit or water. However, even in such a situation it is very important to maintain purity of mind and restraint.

If one has a serious health problem, one should definitely take a doctor’s guidance before fasting. Notably, if a person is physically healthy, fasting without water is considered most auspicious and fruitful according to religious scriptures.

Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Ritual | Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning and take bath and wear clean clothes. A resolution is then taken to observe the fast without water and food.

An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu is set up for worship, flowers, tulsi leaves, incense and lamps are offered to him. Chanting Lord Vishnu’s mantras and reciting ‘Vishnu Sahasranam’ on this day is considered very auspicious. Tulsi leaves have special significance in the puja, so be sure to offer them along with the Prasad.

Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Material List | Nirjala Ekadashi Puja Samagri List

  • An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu
  • A clean yellow cloth
  • Tulsi leaves and Panchamrut
  • Ganges water, kumkum, turmeric and sandalwood
  • Akshat (whole rice)
  • Fresh flowers and flower garlands
  • Censer, incense, ghee lamp and runi vat
  • Seasonal fruits and dry fruits
  • Nagarvel leaves, betel nut and coconut
  • Mishri and Sweets for Prasad
  • Pooja kalash and camphor
  • Aarti platter
  • Vishnu Chalisa or Vishnu Sahasranama book

Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha in Gujarati

According to mythology, during the Mahabharata period, Pandava son Bhimasena was often hungry. There was a fire in his stomach called ‘Vrik’, which could not be quenched without eating food. Hence, it was impossible for him to fast all the Ekadashis of the year.

Once Bhima expressed his confusion to Maharishi Veda Vyasa and said, ‘My mother Kunti and all four brothers fast Ekadashi according to the rules, but I cannot fast. If I cannot fast for two Ekadashis every month, how will I attain moksha?’ Bhima requested Vyasji to tell him some remedy by which one can attain heaven and moksha by fasting only once a year.

Hearing this problem of Bhima, Maharishi Vyasa suggested him to fast on the ‘Nirjala Ekadashi’ of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. Vyasji said that this is the only fast which is done without food and water. If one fasts this one day regularly, he gets merit equal to fasting 24 Ekadashis of the whole year.

Hearing this, Bhima was extremely happy and performed this arduous fast without water with full faith. On the next day, on Dwadashi, he took food and water by giving suitable alms. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, all his sins were destroyed and he finally attained heaven. As this arduous fast was performed by Bhima, Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as ‘Bhimseni Ekadashi’.