Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: Fasting and Worship Rituals: The Nirjala Ekadashi fast is being observed today, Thursday, June 25. Observing this fast washes away sins and grants salvation, as well as the spiritual merit equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashi fasts throughout the year. Among the five Pandavas, Bhimasena was the only one to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast; hence, it is also known as Bhimaseni Ekadashi. The Nirjala Ekadashi fast falls on the *Ekadashi* (eleventh day) of the waxing phase (*Shukla Paksha*) of the Jyeshtha month. During this fast, neither water nor food is consumed, although some advise consuming milk and fruits. So, how should one observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast? What are the worship rituals, auspicious timings (*Muhurat*), and the time to break the fast (*Paran*)?

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Auspicious Timings (*Muhurat*)
Start of Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi Tithi: June 24, at 06:12 PM
End of Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi Tithi: June 25, at 08:09 PM
Nirjala Ekadashi Worship Timings: 05:25 AM to 07:10 AM; 10:39 AM to 02:09 PM.

Nirjala Ekadashi Fast-Breaking Time (*Paran*): June 26, from 05:25 AM to 08:13 AM
End of Dwadashi Tithi: June 26, at 10:22 PM

Nirjala Ekadashi 2026: 5 Auspicious Confluences

Five auspicious confluences (*Yogas*) coincide on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi. This day marks Gayatri Jayanti and falls on a Thursday, the day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Additionally, Ravi Yoga, Shiva Yoga, and Siddha Yoga are present.
Gayatri Jayanti
Day: Thursday
Ravi Yoga: From 05:25 AM to 04:29 PM
Shiva Yoga: From early morning until 10:54 AM
Siddha Yoga: From 10:54 AM until 11:39 AM (the following day)

Rules for the Nirjala Ekadashi Fast? A strict rule of the Nirjala Ekadashi fast is that one must not consume any food or water. Even the water taken for *Achaman* (ritual sipping for purification) during the worship must not be swallowed. One must observe the fast without food or water from the sunrise of Nirjala Ekadashi until the sunrise of the following day (*Paran* day).

Some people claim that one can consume fruits (*Phalahar*) and milk during Nirjala Ekadashi. However, in the legend of Nirjala Ekadashi, Sage Vyasa explicitly told Bhimasena that only the person who observes this fast *Nirjala*—meaning without water—will attain the merit of all twenty-four Ekadashi fasts and achieve *Moksha* (salvation). If you drink water, even by mistake, your fast will be broken and rendered futile.

You may choose to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast while consuming fruits, but you will not reap the spiritual merits associated with this specific fast.

**Nirjala Ekadashi Fast and Worship Rituals**

On Nirjala Ekadashi, wake up during *Brahma Muhurta* (between 04:05 AM and 04:45 AM) and complete your morning ablutions. Wear clean clothes and clean the place of worship.

In the morning, hold water and flowers in your hand and take a solemn vow (*Sankalp*) to observe the Nirjala Ekadashi fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Then, perform the worship of Lord Vishnu during the auspicious *Muhurta* and *Ravi Yoga*.

First, spread a yellow cloth on a wooden platform (*Chauki*) and decorate it with flowers and garlands. Place the idol or image of Lord Vishnu upon it.

Next, bathe Lord Vishnu with *Panchamrit*. Offer yellow flowers, *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), sandalwood paste, turmeric, Tulsi leaves, incense, *Deep* (lamp), fruits, betel leaves, betel nuts, and garments.

Then, recite the *Vishnu Sahasranama* and *Vishnu Chalisa*, and listen to the Nirjala Ekadashi fast legend (*Vrat Katha*).

Afterward, perform *Aarti* using a camphor or ghee lamp. Upon concluding the worship, fill an earthen pot with clean water and donate it.

Observe the fast throughout the day, dedicating your time to devotion and *Bhajans* (devotional songs). Light a lamp during *Pradosh Kaal* (the period around sunset) and worship Lord Vishnu. Finally, observe a *Jagran* (night-long vigil) during the night. The next morning, complete your bath and other daily rituals.

Donate items such as clothing, food grains, water, and fruits according to your means. Conclude the fast by consuming a Tulsi leaf along with Gangajal (water from the Ganges) or other holy water. Pray to Shri Hari to fulfill your wishes.

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