Ekadashi 14 of 24
Nirjala Ekadashi (Bhima Ekadashi)
निर्जला एकादशी / भीम एकादशी
Paksha
Shukla
Masa
Jyeshtha
Window
June
Deity
Vishnu
Origin & story
Mahabharata (Bhima asked Vyasa for a single Ekadashi covering merit of all 24).
Bhima — strongest of the Pandavas — could not endure fasting on every Ekadashi due to his immense appetite. Vyasa told him: observe Nirjala Ekadashi (without water) in Jyeshtha-Shukla, and you receive merit equivalent to all 24 Ekadashis combined. Hence also called Bhima Ekadashi.
Worship mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Fasting rule
STRICTEST — no food AND no water from sunset previous day until sunrise next day (24+ hours). Falls in peak Indian summer.
Foods permitted
- ✓ NOTHING — not even water
Foods forbidden
- ✗ All food + all liquids including water
Benefits
- ◈Equivalent merit of all 24 yearly Ekadashis combined
- ◈Liberation from chain of births
- ◈Direct entry to Vaikuntha after death
Who should observe
Special note
Charity of water-pots (kalasha) and earthen pitchers + fans on this day is highly auspicious. NOT for elderly, ill, pregnant — they should observe regular phalahara fast.
Want Nirjala Ekadashi (Bhima Ekadashi) vrata guided by a qualified pandit?
Pandit-guided Vishnu puja, parana (fast-breaking) muhurat, and personalized sankalp ensure your vrata bears full merit.