In Sanatan Dharma, every month, lunar day (*tithi*), festival, and fast hold immense significance. Among these sacred occasions, Nirjala Ekadashi—observed on the eleventh day (*Ekadashi*) of the waxing phase (*Shukla Paksha*) of the Jyeshtha month—is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.

The significance of this fast can be gauged from the fact that observing Nirjala Ekadashi alone yields the same spiritual merit as observing all twenty-four Ekadashi fasts of the year. This year, the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Let us explore the complete details regarding its spiritual significance, worship rituals, auspicious timings, acts of charity, mantras, *Aarti*, and offerings (*Bhog*).

When will the Nirjala Ekadashi fast be observed this year?
According to the Vedic calendar, the Ekadashi *tithi* (lunar day) begins at 06:12 PM on June 24 and concludes at 08:09 PM on June 25.

Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), the Nirjala Ekadashi fast will be observed on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Nirjala Ekadashi Worship Rituals (*Puja Vidhi*)
Wake up during *Brahma Muhurta* (the auspicious pre-dawn period), bathe, and wear yellow or white clothing. After offering *Arghya* (water oblation) to the Sun God, take a solemn vow (*Sankalp*) to observe the fast while invoking Lord Vishnu.

Next, clean the idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in the prayer room.

Offer sandalwood paste, unbroken rice grains (*Akshat*), yellow flowers, incense, *Diya* (lamp), and—most importantly—*Tulsi* leaves to Lord Vishnu.

On the day of Nirjala Ekadashi, chant the name of Lord Vishnu with devotion and recite His special mantra, "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya," as much as possible.

Offer *Bhog* (sacred food offering) consisting of saffron-infused *Kheer* (rice pudding) and sweets to Lord Vishnu, and perform the *Aarti* with sincere devotion.

Benefits of Charity on Nirjala Ekadashi
In Sanatan Dharma, the act of charity (*Daan*) is considered the supreme virtue. Performing charity specifically on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi yields manifold spiritual rewards. Hindu scriptures highlight the significance of charity through the following verse:

*Daanen praptaye swargo daanen sukhashrute.*

*Ihamutra cha daanen pujyo bhavati manavah.*

Meaning: Charity leads to attaining heaven after death and brings happiness. Through charity, a person becomes worthy of reverence in both this world and the afterlife.

**Items auspicious to donate on Nirjala Ekadashi:**

Grains and water

An earthen pot filled with water

Clothes

Fruits and flowers

Umbrella

Footwear (shoes and slippers)

Cold water

Monetary donations

**Nirjala Ekadashi *Paran* (Fasting-breaking) Time:**

The Nirjala Ekadashi fast is broken on the following day, known as *Dwadashi Tithi*. This year, the *Paran* for Nirjala Ekadashi will take place on June 26, 2026, at 6:08 AM.

**Mythological Legend Associated with Nirjala Ekadashi:**

During the era of the Mahabharata, Bhimasena—the son of Pandu—was a great warrior but also a passionate lover of food. While his entire family observed the fast on every Ekadashi, it was not easy for Bhima to remain hungry and observe the fast. He was always worried that, by failing to observe the fast, he would not attain the spiritual merit that the other family members did.

To find a solution to this problem, Bhima met Sage Vyasa. Understanding Bhima's dilemma, Sage Vyasa suggested an easier path: "O son of Pandu, observe the complete fast only once a year—on the Ekadashi of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of *Jyeshtha*." However, during this fast, one must neither eat nor drink anything for 24 hours. Sage Vyasa assured Bhima that observing this rigorous fast yields merit equivalent to observing all the Ekadashis throughout the year. For this reason, this festival is also known as *Pandava Ekadashi* or *Bhimaseni Ekadashi*.

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