# Nirjalā Ekādaśī > The waterless Ekādaśī — most auspicious of all **Also known as:** Pāṇḍava Nirjalā, Bhīma Ekādaśī **Observed:** Ekādaśī of the waxing moon in Jyeṣṭha (May-June) --- ## Significance Nirjalā Ekādaśī is considered the most powerful of all Ekādaśīs. *Nirjalā* means "without water"—on this day, devotees observe a complete fast from both food and water for the entire day and night. This Ekādaśī is named after Bhīmasena (one of the Pāṇḍava brothers), who was granted a special benediction: by observing this single Ekādaśī strictly, one receives the benefit of all 24 Ekādaśīs of the year. --- ## The Story of Bhīma Bhīmasena was known for his tremendous appetite and could not fast on every Ekādaśī. When he approached Vyāsadeva for guidance, the sage advised him to observe just this one Ekādaśī with complete fasting (without even water), and he would receive the accumulated merit of all Ekādaśīs. --- ## Observance - **Complete fast:** No food or water for 24 hours - **Break fast:** Next day (Dvādaśī) within the prescribed time - **Charity:** Donations of food and water to brāhmaṇas - **Worship:** Extra japa and reading of scriptures ### Caution Those who are elderly, ill, or unable to observe complete fast may drink water. The spirit of devotion is more important than austerity. > One should not take up austerities beyond one's capacity. The goal is to increase devotion, not to damage one's health. > > — Śrīla Prabhupāda --- ## Special Merit The scriptures state that observing Nirjalā Ekādaśī with devotion: - Bestows the merit of all 24 Ekādaśīs - Removes the reactions of all sinful activities - Grants liberation at the time of death --- ## Related - [[wiki/events/ekadasi|About Ekādaśī]] - [[wiki/articles/bhima|Bhīmasena]] - [[wiki/events/gita-jayanti|Gītā Jayantī (Mokṣadā Ekādaśī)]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*