2026 Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat: Date, Timings, Significance, Legend & Parana Time (New Delhi, India)
2026 Nirjala Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat 2026, Pandava Ekadashi 2026, Bhimseni Ekadashi date, Nirjala Ekadashi fasting rules, Ekadashi Parana time New Delhi.
Overview of Nirjala Ekadashi 2026
Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most powerful and challenging Ekadashi among all twenty-four Ekadashi fasts of the year. As the name suggests, Nirjala means without water—this vrat is observed without food and water, making it one of the strictest forms of fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu scriptures, observing Nirjala Ekadashi once gives the punya of all 24 Ekadashis of the year.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time (New Delhi, India)
Nirjala Ekadashi: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Timing
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 18:12 on June 24, 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 20:09 on June 25, 2026
Nirjala Ekadashi Parana Time
Parana must be done only after sunrise and after the end of Hari Vasara.
- Parana Date: June 26, 2026
- Parana Time: 05:25 to 08:13
- Dwadashi End Moment: 22:22
Important: Not breaking the fast within Dwadashi Tithi is considered a dosha, so devotees must complete Parana within the given window.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Nirjala Ekadashi (Pandava Ekadashi / Bhimseni Ekadashi) |
| Date | Thursday, June 25, 2026 |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | 18:12 – June 24, 2026 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | 20:09 – June 25, 2026 |
| Parana Date | June 26, 2026 |
| Parana Time | 05:25 to 08:13 |
| Dwadashi End Moment | 22:22 |
| Deity | Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi |
| Month | Shukla Paksha, Jyeshtha |
| Vrat Type | Nirjala (Without food & water) |
What Is Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi falls during Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha and typically occurs in May or June. It comes immediately after Ganga Dussehra.
In some years, both fall on the same day.
This Ekadashi is highly revered because it demands complete control over the senses, devotion, and extreme endurance. It is said that even listening to the Katha of Nirjala Ekadashi grants immense spiritual benefits.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi
The significance of Nirjala Ekadashi is highlighted in various scriptures such as:
- Padma Purana
- Skanda Purana
- Brahma Vaivarta Purana
Major Benefits
- Equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis.
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Reduces accumulated sins and grants spiritual upliftment.
- Provides longevity, protection, prosperity, and divine grace.
- Moksha-bestowing Ekadashi for devotees who observe with pure intention.
Devotees who cannot maintain Ekadashi fasts throughout the year are encouraged to follow only this one Ekadashi, as it gives the combined merit.
Legend of Nirjala Ekadashi: Bhima & Maharishi Vyasa
Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as:
- Pandava Ekadashi
- Bhimseni Ekadashi
- Bhima Ekadashi
According to the legend, Bhima, the second Pandava and a tremendous eater, could not maintain fasting on all Ekadashis due to hunger. Feeling guilty, he approached Maharishi Vyasa for a solution.
Vyasa’s Advice
Vyasa told Bhima to observe one single day of Nirjala Ekadashi fasting without food and water. Doing this would bestow him the virtue of observing all Ekadashis.
Hence, this Ekadashi became known as Bhimseni / Pandava Ekadashi.
Rules & Guidelines for Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat
Do’s
- Begin the fast at sunrise on Ekadashi.
- Avoid grains, lentils, rice, and tamasic food even for those who keep partial fasting.
- Chant Vishnu mantras such as Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
- Read Vishnu Sahasranama and perform simple puja.
Don’ts
- No food or water (Nirjala fast).
- Avoid anger, arguments, and negative thoughts.
- Avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna.
- Do not perform Parana during Hari Vasara.
Ekadashi Fasting on Two Days
If Ekadashi falls over two days:
Smartha Community
- Fasting is observed on the first day.
Vaishnava & ISKCON
- Fasting is recommended on the second day.
For Moksha Seekers
- Observing fast on the alternate (second) day is suggested.
For Staunch Devotees
- Those deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu may observe fast on both days.
ISKCON Date for Nirjala Ekadashi 2026
ISKCON follows the Vaishnava Panchang, and thus sometimes the date may differ from the Smartha Panchang.
Ekadashi Safe Foods (For Partial Fasting)
Some devotees unable to follow Nirjala rules may consume:
- Fruits
- Water
- Milk
- Sabudana
- Rock salt
- Nuts
However, for Nirjala Ekadashi, these are avoided if following strict rules.
Panchang & Choghadiya for Nirjala Ekadashi
You may include a detailed Panchang table with:
- Sunrise
- Sunset
- Moonrise
- Nakshatra
- Karana
- Yoga
- Choghadiya Muhurat
Detailed Vrat Katha
Below is your Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha, rewritten in a friendly, and uniquely enhanced format, while keeping the original story intact.
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Vrat Katha Included: Nirjala Ekadashi Katha, Bhimseni Ekadashi Story, Vyasa and Bhima Story, Pandava Ekadashi Katha, Nirjala Ekadashi significance story, 2026 Nirjala Ekadashi Katha.
The Story of Maharishi Vyasa and Bhimsena – Origin of Nirjala Ekadashi
Once Shaunaka Rishi and eighty-eight thousand other sages gathered to listen to the divine and sin-destroying tales of Ekadashi. After hearing all previous stories with great devotion, they expressed a desire to know about the Ekadashi that occurs in the Shukla Paksha of the Jyeshtha month—the most powerful Ekadashi known as Nirjala Ekadashi.
Suta Muni began narrating the story of how this great Ekadashi originated.
Bhima’s Concern: “I Cannot Stay Hungry”
Bhimsena, the mighty Pandava known for his great appetite, once approached Maharishi Vyasa with deep concern:
“O Pitamaha, my brothers Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, mother Kunti, and Draupadi strictly observe Ekadashi fasts. They tell me to also avoid food on Ekadashi.
I have devotion and I give donations, but I cannot stay hungry even for one mealtime.”
Hearing Bhima’s dilemma, Maharishi Vyasa replied:
“Bhima, they are correct. Scriptures clearly instruct that none should consume food on Ekadashi.
If you wish to avoid hell and attain heaven, follow Ekadashi fasting sincerely.”
Bhima Requests a Single Fast That Gives All Merits
Bhima again said respectfully:
“O revered Grandfather, you know I cannot stay without food. My stomach contains the fire of Vrikodara, which can only be calmed with large quantities of food.
If possible, suggest one single fast in the entire year whose observance will grant me the merit of observing all Ekadashis.”
Moved by Bhima’s sincerity, Vyasa Ji revealed a divine secret.
Vyasa Ji Explains the Glory of Nirjala Ekadashi
Vyasa Ji said:
“O son of Vayu! Great sages have created many scriptures. Those who follow them in Kali Yuga certainly attain liberation.
But the essence of all scriptures is this—one must observe both Ekadashis every month to reach heaven. Still, for you, there is one powerful solution.”
He explained:
“The Ekadashi that falls between Vrishabha Sankranti and Mithuna Sankranti, during Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha, should be observed as Nirjala Ekadashi—a fast without food and water.”
He further instructed Bhima:
- During this fast, no more than 6 masha of water should enter the mouth.
- Even if water enters accidentally during bathing or Achamana, it is not a fault.
- But drinking more than 6 masha of water is equal to consuming wine.
- Eating even a little food destroys the merit of the fast.
Vyasa Ji then revealed the greatest secret:
“By avoiding water and food from sunrise to sunset on this day, one earns the merit of twelve Ekadashis.
On Dwadashi, one must rise before sunrise, feed hungry Brahmins, and only then break the fast.”
The Divine Result of Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat
Vyasa Ji said:
“O Bhima, the Lord Himself told me that this Ekadashi grants the same merit as all pilgrimages and holy donations.
Even one day of this fast frees a person from all sins.”
He added:
“At the time of death, those who observe Nirjala Ekadashi do not encounter the fearsome Yamadutas.
Instead, Lord Hari’s messengers arrive on a Pushpaka Vimana to take them to heaven.”
Vyasa Ji emphasized:
“This is the greatest Ekadashi in all three worlds.
One should observe it with complete devotion.
On this day, chant ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’, worship Lord Vishnu, and donate a water-filled pot covered with cloth, along with gold, to a deserving person.”
He further added:
“Bathing, penance, yajnas, and homas performed on this day yield incomparable merit.
Those who observe this fast attain Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.”
Vyasa Ji also stated:
“Anyone who eats food on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi becomes like a Chandal and falls into hell.
But even sinners such as those who harmed Brahmins, consumed alcohol, stole, or lied can attain heaven by following this Ekadashi sincerely.”
Vyasa Ji’s Final Instructions to Arjuna
Vyasa Ji addressed Arjuna:
“Those men and women who observe this fast should worship Lord Vishnu first and then donate a cow.
On this day, one should give food, clothing, umbrellas, and other essentials to Brahmins.
Even listening to or reading the story of Nirjala Ekadashi grants divine merit and makes one eligible for heaven.”
Synopsis (Katha Saar)
- One should never hide personal weaknesses from teachers, gurus, or elders.
- Bhima openly expressed his limitations and received a powerful, divine solution.
- When one follows guidance with faith and devotion, obstacles disappear and spiritual success is guaranteed.
- Nirjala Ekadashi teaches that sincere intention, devotion, and discipline lead directly to divine blessings and liberation.
- ISKCON Official Website
https://www.iskcon.org - Wikipedia – Ekadashi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekadashi
Panditji On Way
Book Pandit for Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Puja, Hawan & Vishnu Seva
https://www.panditjionway.com
FAQ for Nirjala Ekadashi 2026
1. What is the exact date of Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026?
Nirjala Ekadashi in 2026 will be observed on Thursday, June 25, 2026, during Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha. It is considered the most powerful Ekadashi of the year.
2. What is the Parana time for Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 in New Delhi?
The Parana time for Nirjala Ekadashi 2026 in New Delhi is June 26, from 05:25 AM to 08:13 AM, after Hari Vasara ends. Parana must be done within Dwadashi Tithi.
3. Why is Nirjala Ekadashi the most important Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi is the most important because observing it once gives the spiritual merit of all 24 Ekadashis, according to Hindu scriptures like Padma Purana.
4. What makes Nirjala Ekadashi fasting different from other Ekadashis?
Nirjala Ekadashi requires a strict fast without food and water, making it the toughest and most spiritually potent Ekadashi compared to the others.
5. Can drinking water break Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat?
Yes. Strict observance of Nirjala Ekadashi does not allow any water or food. Drinking water breaks the vrat, but medically unfit individuals may follow a simple Ekadashi fast.
6. Who should not observe strict Nirjala Ekadashi fasting?
Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and individuals with medical conditions should avoid the strict Nirjala fast and instead observe phalahar or normal Ekadashi fasting.
7. Why is Nirjala Ekadashi also called Bhimseni Ekadashi?
It is called Bhimseni Ekadashi because Bhima, unable to fast on all Ekadashis, was advised by Maharishi Vyasa to observe this single Ekadashi for all benefits.
8. What are the benefits of observing Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat?
Observing Nirjala Ekadashi brings sin removal, protection, prosperity, health blessings, and the merit of all Ekadashis, along with divine grace from Lord Vishnu.
9. What should I avoid during Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat or fasting?
Avoid food, water, grains, lentils, alcohol, anger, negative speech, and breaking the fast during Madhyahna. Parana should be done only after sunrise.
10. What can I eat if I cannot keep Nirjala Ekadashi strict fasting?
Those unable to do a Nirjala fast may consume fruits, milk, nuts, sabudana, rock salt, and water. However, this does not count as strict Nirjala fasting.
11. How to do Parana correctly on Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat?
Parana is done after sunrise, after Hari Vasara ends, and within Dwadashi Tithi. Offer water and food to Brahmins or cows before breaking your own fast.
12. Does Nirjala Ekadashi provide the same benefits as all Ekadashis?
Yes. Scriptures state that fasting on Nirjala Ekadashi grants the punya of all 24 yearly Ekadashis, making it spiritually equivalent and highly rewarding.
13. What is the connection between Ganga Dussehra and Nirjala Ekadashi?
Nirjala Ekadashi falls just after Ganga Dussehra in Jyeshtha month. In some years, both festivals may fall on the same day, depending on Tithi timings.
14. When does Ekadashi Tithi start and end for Nirjala Ekadashi 2026?
For New Delhi: Tithi begins June 24 at 18:12 and ends June 25 at 20:09. Fast is observed on June 25.
15. What is Hari Vasara and why is it important for Parana?
Hari Vasara is the first quarter of Dwadashi Tithi. Parana must not be done during this period, as breaking the fast early is considered inauspicious.
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