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Nirjala Ekadashi: This is the only Ekadashi in the year where both food and water are strictly prohibited, making it the most difficult among all 24 Ekadashis observed annually
If a person observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast consumes water, even by mistake, the fast is considered broken and fruitless. (News18 Hindi)
Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most significant and challenging fasts in the Hindu calendar. This year, it falls on June 6 and 7. On June 6, householders will observe the fast, while Vaishnav devotees will observe it on June 7.
Many devotees often wonder whether water can be consumed during Nirjala Ekadashi fast. According to Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava, an astrologer from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, the answer lies in the name itself — ‘Nirjala’ means ‘without water’.
This is the only Ekadashi in the year where both food and water are strictly prohibited, making it the most difficult among all 24 Ekadashis observed annually.
What Happens if You Drink Water During Nirjala Ekadashi?
If a person observing the Nirjala Ekadashi fast consumes water, even by mistake, the fast is considered broken and fruitless. Legend has it that even Bhimsen, one of the five Pandavas known for his immense appetite, observed this waterless fast. This is why Nirjala Ekadashi is also referred to as ‘Bhimaseni Ekadashi’.
It is believed that by observing this fast with full discipline and devotion to Lord Vishnu, one can wash away sins and attain salvation. In fact, scriptures suggest that even if someone does not observe any other fast throughout the year, keeping Nirjala Ekadashi once in a lifetime is equivalent to observing all 24 Ekadashis and grants entry to heaven.
When Can Water Be Used?
Although drinking water is strictly not allowed, water is used only twice during the fast:
- While bathing during Brahma Muhurta on the day of Nirjala Ekadashi.
- During achamana (a ritual cleansing) while taking the fast’s resolution.
Even in achamana, the quantity of water should not exceed six ‘masey’ (a traditional unit of measurement), as advised by Ved Vyas to Bhimsen. Consumption of food, fruits, juices, or any form of liquid is completely prohibited.
When Can You Drink Water?
People observing the Nirjala fast often drink water the next day after sunrise, but this can break the fast if done before Hari Vasara ends. For those fasting on June 6, Hari Vasara ends at 11:25 AM on June 7. Water can only be consumed after this time.
The Parana (breaking of the fast) time for householders is between 1:44 PM and 4:31 PM on June 7. Drinking water or eating before 11:25 AM will invalidate the fast.
For Vaishnavs observing the fast on June 7, water can be consumed after sunrise on June 8. Since Hari Vasara ends on June 7, Parana should be done between 5:23 AM and 7:17 AM on June 8, before the end of Dwadashi Tithi.
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