Nirjala Ekadashi is one of the most sacred and powerful days in the Vaishnava tradition. The word “Nirjala” means without water. On this day, devotees fast completely—without food or water for the whole day, offering their complete surrender and love to Shri Krishna. This holy day is completely dedicated to worship Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Nirjala Ekadashi holds a special place in the hearts of ISKCON followers. It is believed that observing this fast brings the blessings of all Ekadashis throughout the year. It purifies the soul, and deepens one’s devotion. ISKCON temples from all over the world celebrate Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 with heartfelt prayers, kirtans, and spiritual discourses.
When is Nirjala Ekadashi 2025?
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 date falls on Friday, 6th June.
It is observed on the Ekadashi tithi (11th lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Jyeshtha, according to the Hindu calendar.
Fasting begins at sunrise on and ends after the parana time on Dwadashi (next day). This is a powerful day to purify the heart and offer sincere devotion to Shri Krishna.
The Story of Nirjala Ekadashi
The origin of Nirjala Ekadashi is completely told in the scripture. Among the Pandavas, Bhima, the mighty, found it difficult to observe a fast on Ekadashi twice a month like his brothers. He loved food and could not stay hungry.
He was troubled by this, therefore Bhima approached Sage Vyasa and asked for a solution that could give him the benefit of all 24 Ekadashis in one. Sage Vyasa then advised Bhima to observe Nirjala Ekadashi fasting completely without food or water for just one day in the year.
Bhima accepted the challenge and observed the Nirjala Ekadashi with great difficulty. But his sincere surrender pleased Lord Vishnu so much that He granted Bhima the fruits of observing all Ekadashis.
Thus, this Ekadashi is also called Bhima Ekadashi and is celebrated as the most potent and spiritually rewarding.
Significance of Nirjala Ekadashi in ISKCON
Within ISKCON, Nirjala Ekadashi is a divine opportunity to purify the soul. The devotees believe that by surrendering their senses and focusing on the Holy Name, one can destroy lifetimes of karma and come closer to Shri Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, emphasized the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, reading Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and performing seva (devotional service) on this day.
ISKCON teaches that Nirjala Ekadashi is not a punishment for the body, but a feast for the soul. It is a chance to show our love to Shri Krishna by controlling the tongue, the mind, and the senses, offering our time, our thoughts, and our hearts to him.
How ISKCON Celebrates Nirjala Ekadashi
At ISKCON temples around the world, Nirjala Ekadashi is observed with intense devotion and celebration:
1) Fasting without water begins at sunrise.
2) Mangala Aarti (early morning worship) starts the day with glorious kirtan.
3) Devotees chant 16 rounds or more of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
4) The temples are decorated beautifully, and Shri Krishna and Lord Vishnu are offered special bhoga and adorned with silk and flowers.
5) Discourses and readings from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita focus on the glories of Ekadashi and the importance of surrender.
6) In the evening, harinaam sankirtan fills the air with divine vibration.
The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, after proper parana timing.
Even young devotees and newcomers are inspired to observe this Ekadashi with sincerity, often for the first time in their lives. The entire temple community becomes spiritually charged.
Importance of Donation on Nirjala Ekadashi
Fasting is important, but so is charity. According to the Bhagvat Gita, donating on Nirjala Ekadashi gives blessings hundred times more than on any regular day.
In ISKCON, devotees offer their time, resources, and efforts in the service of Shri Krishna. It is said;
(Bhagavad Gita 9.27).
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्॥
Transliteration:
yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi
yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya
tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
Meaning: Whatever you do, eat, offer in sacrifice, or give away, you do that as an offering to me.
What can one donate?
- Water pots: to quench the thirst of others.
- Clothes: especially for temple priests or the poor.
- Cow seva: it is also known as gauseva, as cows are dear to Shri Krishna.
- Scriptural books, such as Bhagavad Gita.
- Annadanam: giving food to the hungry the next day after fasting is considered highly auspicious.
How to Celebrate Nirjala Ekadashi at Home
If you can’t visit an ISKCON temple, don’t worry. Shri Krishna accepts heartfelt devotion from anywhere. You can still observe Nirjala Ekadashi sincerely at home.
1) Begin your day early with a bath during Brahm Muhurat and clean your altar.
2) Offer Mangala Aarti to Shri Krishna with a ghee lamp and bell.
3) Chant 16 rounds of Shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra with devotion.
4) Read Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam and reflect deeply.
5) Observe a full fast without water, if health permits.
6) Offer sattvic bhoga (no onion or garlic) to Krishna.
7) Donate or help someone in need as charity pleases Shri Krishna.
By following these steps, your home becomes a temple and your heart, Shri Krishna’s throne.
Conclusion
Nirjala Ekadashi 2025 is a sacred chance to surrender fully to Shri Krishna. Whether at home or in an ISKCON temple, observing this fast with devotion brings immense spiritual rewards.
Fasting without water symbolizes complete surrender, and charity done on this day pleases Shri Krishna deeply.
Let this Ekadashi be the turning point where your heart becomes His forever.
