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Ekadashi fast is considered to have great importance in Hindu religion, but Nirjala Ekadashi falling in the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is something different. This fast is considered the most difficult and sacred among all the 24 Ekadashis of the year. The biggest reason for this is that when there is severe heat in the entire country including North India, during that time devotees sacrifice not only food but even a drop of water for 24 hours. Devotees of Lord Vishnu follow this difficult rule with full devotion. In religious texts it is also called as Bhimseni Ekadashi.
Know when the fast of Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed in the year 2026
If you are confused about the exact date of Nirjala Ekadashi fast this year, then it is important to understand the calculations of the Panchang. This year, the Ekadashi tithi of Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month is starting on 24th June, Wednesday evening at 6.13 pm. This date will last till 8:10 pm the next day i.e. Thursday, June 25. In Sanatan Dharma, Udaya Tithi i.e. the date present at the time of sunrise is considered important for fasting. Therefore, according to the rules of Udaya Tithi, this year the main fast of Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on 25th June only. After this, the fast will be broken the next day on Dwadashi Tithi.
After all, why is this fast considered the best among all Ekadashis?
There is a very beautiful description of the glory of this special fast in Padma Purana. According to the scriptures, even the biggest sins of a person who worships Lord Vishnu with devotion and follows the law of water on this day are washed away and he attains salvation. The results of bathing in the holy river, charity and chanting of mantras done on this day never end. It is believed that if a person is not able to fast on the remaining Ekadashis of the whole year due to some reason, then by fasting only on this one Ekadashi, he can achieve the virtuous results equal to all the Ekadashis of the year.
When this Mahavrat started due to Bhimsen’s hunger
There is a very interesting mythological story behind this Ekadashi being called Bhimseni Ekadashi. According to Padma Purana, once among the five Pandavas, Bhimsen presented a big practical problem to Maharishi Ved Vyasji. Bhimsen said that a fire called ‘Vrik’ always burns in his stomach, due to which he feels hungry all the time. He cannot remain hungry, hence he has not observed any fast in his life till date. He requested Vyasji to tell him one such fast, by observing it only once in a year, he would be saved and could go to heaven.
Then Maharishi Ved Vyasji, understanding the problem of Bhimsen, advised him to fast on this Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Jyeshtha month without drinking water i.e. by remaining dehydrated. Vyasji explained that this is the hottest month of the year and it is very difficult to live without water, but if you do this difficult penance, you will get the virtue of fasting on all the Ekadashis of the year at once. On the advice of Vyasji, Bhim observed this fast with full devotion, after which it also came to be known as Bhimseni Ekadashi.