Nirjala Ekadashi 2025: A Day of Ultimate Devotion and Purification Nirjala Ekadashi, considered the most significant and rigorous of all 24 Ekadashis in a year, falls on June 6th and 7th, 2025. This sacred day, observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, is a powerful occasion dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The term "Nirjala" literally means "without water," signifying the extreme austerity of this fast. Devotees undertaking this Vrat (vow) abstain from both food and water for a full 24 hours, from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi (the twelfth day). This makes it a particularly challenging fast, especially as it occurs during the peak of the Indian summer. Significance and Story Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as "Pandava Bhima Ekadashi" or "Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi." The legend associated with it, narrated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, tells of Bhima, the mighty Pandava brother, who, despite his immense appetite, wished to observe all Ekadashi fasts. Sage Vyasa advised him that by observing a single Nirjala Ekadashi with complete devotion, he could attain the merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis throughout the year. It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi with sincerity and adherence to the prescribed rituals can cleanse one of all sins, grant divine blessings, ensure happiness, prosperity, and even lead to liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. The austerity of the fast is seen as a profound act of surrender and devotion to Lord Vishnu.