Nirjala Ekadashi is the Shukla Ekadashi of Jyeshtha month (May–June) and the most austere of all the year's Ekadashis. 'Nirjala' means 'without water' — the vrat is kept as a complete fast from both food and water, from sunrise on Ekadashi until the parana the next morning on Dwadashi. Falling in the peak of summer heat, it is also one of the most physically demanding, which is precisely why it is considered so meritorious.

The Story of Bhima

The vrat is also called Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi. According to legend, the mighty Bhima of the Pandavas could not bear to fast on the other Ekadashis because of his great hunger. Distressed at missing their merit, he was advised by the sage Vyasa to observe this single Nirjala Ekadashi with full rigour — and was told it would grant the combined merit of all twenty-four Ekadashis of the year. Hence it carries Bhima's name.

Why It Grants Such Merit

For those who cannot keep the fasts of every Ekadashi through the year, Nirjala Ekadashi offers a single, concentrated observance that stands in for all of them. The complete abstention from water in the summer heat is an act of great self-discipline and devotion, and tradition promises it the reward of the full year's Ekadashi vrats, forgiveness of sins, and blessings of health and longevity.

How to Observe

Those in good health keep the full nirjala fast; others may take water according to capacity, as the intention and devotion matter most. The day is spent in worship of Lord Vishnu, japa, and charity — donating water, fans, sherbet, fruit, and clothes is especially recommended for this summer Ekadashi. The fast is broken at the Dwadashi parana time the next morning after offering to Vishnu.