Nirjala Ekadashi

The history of this Ekadashi is described in the Mahabharata and various Puranas through a conversation between Bhimasena and Srila Vyasadeva.

Among the five Pandava brothers, Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, along with Mother Kunti and Draupadi, strictly observed every Ekadashi fast. They understood the importance of Ekadashi and faithfully followed its regulations. However, there was one exception—Bhimasena, the mighty son of Vayu. Bhima possessed extraordinary strength and a powerful digestive fire known as Vrik-agni. Because of his enormous appetite, he found it extremely difficult to fast. Although he respected the Ekadashi vrata, he simply could not tolerate going without food.

One day, Bhima approached his grandfather and spiritual guide, Srila Vyasadeva, and humbly said:
“My dear grandfather, my brothers and family members faithfully observe every Ekadashi, but I am unable to do so because of my intense hunger. Is there any single vrata that can grant me the benefits of all Ekadashis?”

Understanding Bhima’s sincerity, Vyasadeva compassionately replied:
“If you desire liberation and wish to attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu, then observe the Ekadashi that occurs during the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha. On this day, you must abstain completely from food and even water from sunrise on Ekadashi until sunrise on Dwadashi.”

Vyasadeva further explained that by properly observing this one strict fast, a devotee would receive the benefits obtained by observing every Ekadashi throughout the year. Determined to follow his spiritual master’s instruction, Bhima accepted the challenge. When the sacred day arrived, Bhima observed the fast without consuming food or water. Throughout the day and night he tolerated intense thirst, hunger, and physical discomfort while remembering Lord Krishna.

By the following morning, he was extremely weak due to the severity of the fast. After completing the observance on Dwadashi, he broke the fast according to scriptural regulations. Pleased by his sincerity and determination, Lord Vishnu bestowed His mercy upon Bhima. From that time onward, this Ekadashi became famous as Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi.

The scriptures declare that one who faithfully observes this sacred fast receives the accumulated merit of observing all Ekadashis and becomes freed from countless sinful reactions.