Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Janārdana, O master of the three worlds, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeṣṭha (May–June). What are its glories, and what is the procedure for observing it? Kindly explain this in detail.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O king, this most sacred Ekadasi is known as Nirjalā Ekadasi. It is the best of all Ekadasis and is especially dear to Me. By observing it, one attains the results of observing all other Ekadasis combined.
This day is also known as Bhīma Ekadasi because the mighty Bhīmasena, one of your brothers, observed it. Now hear attentively how this Ekadasi came to be established and what benefit is gained by observing it.”
Bhīmasena’s Difficulty
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “Once, Bhīmasena approached the great sage Vyāsadeva and said, ‘O revered grandfather, my brothers Yudhiṣṭhira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and even our mother Kuntī-devī strictly observe every Ekadasi by fasting from all grains and eating only once at night.
However, O great sage, I am unable to observe such fasting. My hunger is unbearable. My body burns like fire when I go without food, and I cannot control my appetite. Please tell me how I can obtain the same merit as my brothers without undergoing such suffering.’”
The Instruction of Vyāsadeva
“Sage Vyāsadeva smiled and said, ‘O Bhīma, listen carefully. There is one Ekadasi that grants the merit of all twenty-four Ekadasis combined. It falls during the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeṣṭha and is known as Nirjalā Ekadasi, meaning “the waterless fast.”
On this day, one must abstain completely from food and even from water. You should neither eat nor drink anything from sunrise on Ekadasi until sunrise on Dvādaśī. By doing so, you will attain the results of observing all other Ekadasis throughout the year.
If one breaks this vow by drinking even a drop of water, the merit is lost. Therefore, remain firm and fast without food or drink, dedicating your mind to Lord Viṣṇu and chanting His holy names.’”
Bhīmasena’s Vow
“Bhīmasena, hearing the sage’s words, bowed down with respect and said, ‘O grandfather, I will try to observe this fast with full determination. Although I may suffer from hunger and thirst, I will do it once a year so that I can gain the merit of all Ekadasis.’
Sage Vyāsadeva blessed him, saying, ‘O Bhīma, by observing Nirjalā Ekadasi faithfully, you will be freed from all sins, and when your life ends, you will ascend to the spiritual world, free from all suffering.’”
The Observance of Nirjalā Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa said, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, one should rise early in the morning on Nirjalā Ekadasi, bathe in a sacred river or at home with pure water, and perform worship of Lord Viṣṇu with full devotion.
One should offer incense, lamps, fruits, flowers, and tulasī leaves to the Lord while chanting His holy names. Throughout the day and night, one should abstain completely from food and drink, not even taking water.
One should spend the night awake, singing hymns and glories of the Lord, and on the next day, Dvādaśī, one should feed the brāhmaṇas, offer charity, and then break the fast with water sanctified by tulasī leaves.”
The Glories of Nirjalā Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O king, whoever observes this fast with faith attains immense merit. The merit obtained by fasting on this one day equals that of all other Ekadasis observed throughout the year.
By keeping this vow, one’s sins are burned to ashes, and one is freed from the reactions of even the most grievous offenses. One who fasts completely on Nirjalā Ekadasi becomes free from the fear of death and never sees the abode of Yamarāja, the god of punishment.
Even if a person accidentally or unknowingly breaks other Ekadasi vows during the year, all such faults are forgiven by the observance of Nirjalā Ekadasi.”
The Deliverance of Sinners
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, by observing this Ekadasi even once, one attains the merit of visiting all sacred pilgrimage sites, performing all sacrifices, and giving charity equal to the weight of the earth.
At the time of death, messengers of Lord Viṣṇu come to the devotee who has observed Nirjalā Ekadasi and take him to Vaikuṇṭha, My eternal abode.
This Ekadasi destroys the influence of material desires, cleanses the heart, and bestows spiritual strength. It is so powerful that it delivers even the most sinful persons, such as those who lie, cheat, steal, or commit violence against others.”
The Rewards of Fasting
“O King, those who fast on Nirjalā Ekadasi with devotion enjoy long life, health, prosperity, and spiritual progress.
If one donates water, food, clothes, or gold on this day, such charity becomes inexhaustible and yields countless blessings. Whoever offers even a pot of water to a devotee or a traveler on this day gains the merit of giving all kinds of charity.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, one who observes Nirjalā Ekadasi with sincerity and devotion attains the result of performing all other Ekadasis.
Simply by hearing its glories with faith, one is freed from all sins and gains residence in the spiritual world. This day is very dear to Me, for on it I personally bestow My mercy upon those who surrender to Me completely.”
The Example of Bhīmasena
Lord Kṛṣṇa concluded, “Since Bhīmasena observed this Ekadasi strictly, abstaining from all food and water, it is also known as Bhīma Ekadasi. He attained great merit and liberation by observing this fast once every year.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, you should also observe Nirjalā Ekadasi faithfully and instruct others to do the same. Whoever observes this sacred day with devotion will surely attain the supreme goal of life.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Nirjalā Ekadasi is found in the Padma Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the history of Bhīmasena and the establishment of this powerful fast.
Observance of Nirjalā Ekadasi grants the combined merit of all twenty-four Ekadasis, destroys all sins, and ensures entrance into the eternal abode of the Lord.
