What is a nirjalā fast, and should I keep one?

a fast without even water, kept by some on Nirjalā Ekādaśī; it is optional and only for those in good health.

Nirjalā means ‘without water’. The best-known nirjalā fast is Nirjalā Ekādaśī, the bright-fortnight Ekādaśī of Jyeṣṭha (May–June), also called Bhīmasenī Ekādaśī. Some women also keep Karvā Cauth or Haritālikā Tīj without water, following family custom.

It falls in the hottest part of the year, so care is essential. Tradition itself treats it as an act of great austerity, not a duty for everyone. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with diabetes, blood-pressure, kidney or heart conditions should not keep it; a fruit-and-water fast with prayer is a fully valid alternative.

If you are healthy and choose to keep it, rest during the day, avoid the sun, and break the fast gently the next morning with water, fruit or a light meal after offering it to God.

Tradition says the mighty Bhīma could not bear to fast on every Ekādaśī like his brothers. The sage Vyāsa told him to keep just one — the Jyeṣṭha Ekādaśī — without even water, and that this single austere fast would bring the merit of all.

Jyeṣṭha śukla Ekādaśī (Bhīmasenī) · Source: Purāṇic vrata-kathā tradition

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