Nirjala Ekadashi 2027
निर्जला एकादशीNirjala Ekadashi is the strictest Ekadashi, kept without water in Jyeshtha. Tradition says it equals the merit of all 24 Ekadashis; it recalls Bhima's fast.
Next: Monday, 14 June 2027
Quick answer
Nirjala Ekadashi 2027 falls on Monday, 14 June 2027 (Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi).
Dates follow the Delhi panchang and can shift by a day in your region, so confirm the muhurat with a local panchang.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2027 falls on Monday, 14 June. It is the Ekadashi of the bright half of Jyeshtha, and the strictest of the 24 Ekadashis of the year: “nirjala” means “without water”, and devotees keep it without food or a drop of water from sunrise until the next morning, in the hottest part of the Indian summer. Tradition holds that this single fast carries the merit of all the year’s Ekadashis. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is also called Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi.
Nirjala Ekadashi 2027 date and parana
Nirjala Ekadashi 2027 is on Monday, 14 June 2027 (Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi). The fast is broken (parana) on Tuesday, 15 June, after sunrise and within the Dwadashi tithi. Check a local panchang for the exact parana window in your city.
The story of Bhima’s Ekadashi
The Ekadashi mahatmya texts tell how Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas, found it impossible to fast on every Ekadashi as his brothers and mother did, because his hunger was as great as his strength. He asked the sage Vyasa whether there was any way he could earn the same merit. Vyasa told him to keep just one fast, on the Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Shukla, but to keep it completely, without food or water. Bhima did so, and the day became known as Bhimseni Ekadashi. The story is told in the Ekadashi mahatmya tradition linked to the Padma and Brahma Vaivarta Puranas.
How Nirjala Ekadashi is kept
- The fast: no food or water from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi; those who cannot, because of health, age or pregnancy, keep a lighter fast as tradition allows.
- Worship: Vishnu is worshipped with tulsi, yellow flowers and the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, and many recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Charity of water: giving water, pitchers, fans, umbrellas and fruit is especially meaningful in the summer heat; many set up water stalls for passers-by.
- Parana: the fast is broken the next morning after offering food to Vishnu and to the needy.
The meaning of Nirjala Ekadashi
Nirjala Ekadashi is about wholehearted effort: one fast kept with full sincerity, and the thirst it brings turned into compassion for others through the gift of water. Its merit is described as tradition holds it. The next major Ekadashi is Devshayani Ekadashi. See every date on the Hindu festival calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nirjala Ekadashi in 2027?
Nirjala Ekadashi 2027 is on Monday, 14 June, with parana on Tuesday, 15 June after sunrise.
Why is it called Bhimseni Ekadashi?
Because the sage Vyasa advised Bhima, who could not fast on every Ekadashi, to keep this one fast without food or water instead.
Can I drink water on Nirjala Ekadashi?
Tradition allows the elderly, the ill and pregnant women to keep a lighter fast with water or fruit.
Aartis for the day
Sources and further reading
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