Nirjala Ekadashi 2027: date, vrat vidhi and parana

About Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala means without water. Nirjala Ekadashi, in the bright half of Jyeshtha, is the strictest Ekadashi, kept without food and water. It is also called Bhimseni or Pandava Ekadashi, because Bhima, who found it hard to fast, is said to have kept this one alone. Tradition holds that it carries the merit of all the Ekadashis of the year.

How to keep Nirjala Ekadashi

The waterless fast is hard in summer heat. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone ill should keep a lighter fast of fruit and water, and take medical advice first.

1. Wake before sunrise, bathe and take a sankalp to keep the Ekadashi vrat.
2. Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, incense and a lamp. Read the Ekadashi katha or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
3. Keep the fast through the day, in the way you are able, and avoid anger and harsh speech.
4. Stay awake with bhajans or reading in the evening if you can.
5. Break the fast the next morning, on Dwadashi, after sunrise and within the parana time.

What to eat and avoid

Fruit, milk, curd, nuts, sabudana, potatoes, sweet potatoes and rock salt (sendha namak) are commonly taken. Many keep a full fast, or only water or fruit.

Rice, wheat and other grains, beans and lentils are avoided on Ekadashi. Many also avoid onion, garlic and regular salt, and do not eat non-vegetarian food on this day.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with a health condition or on medicine should fast only as far as is safe, and take a doctor's advice. A lighter fast of fruit and milk is fully accepted.

Breaking the fast (parana)

Parana, breaking the fast, is done on Dwadashi, the day after Ekadashi, after sunrise and before Dwadashi ends. It is traditionally avoided in the first part of Dwadashi called Hari Vasara. The exact window depends on your city, so check your local panchang. Break the fast with a simple sattvic meal, and begin with a Tulsi leaf or water offered to Vishnu.