Yudhishthira said: "O Lord of the poor... O protector of the helpless! Please tell me about the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Jyeshtha."
Shri Krishna replied: "Dear King! The significance of this Ekadashi will be explained by the great and righteous sage Vedavyasa, who is well-versed in all the scriptures and the essence of the Vedas and Vedanta."
Then Vedavyasa began to speak:
"On the day of Ekadashi, whether it falls in the bright or dark fortnight, one should not eat. On Dashami (the 10th day), after bathing in the morning and purifying oneself, one should worship Lord Keshava with flowers. After completing daily rituals, a meal should first be offered to a Brahmin, and only then may one eat.
O King! Even during periods of birth or death in the family, one should avoid eating on Ekadashi."
Upon hearing this, Bhimasena spoke:
"O revered grandfather! Please listen to me. King Yudhishthira, Mother Kunti, Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva – none of them ever eat on Ekadashi.
They always say to me: 'Bhima! You too should observe fasting on Ekadashi.'
But I always reply that I cannot tolerate hunger."
Listening to Bhima’s words, Vedavyasa said:
"If you wish to attain the heavenly realms, you must avoid eating on both Ekadashis (bright and dark fortnight)."
Bhimasena replied:
"But Grandfather! I am speaking the truth — even with one meal, I cannot handle a fast. Then how can I remain without food at all? There is a fire named Vrika (meaning "wolf") constantly burning in my stomach. It is only when I eat in large quantities that it becomes calm.
So O great sage! If nothing else, I can observe only one fast in the entire year. Please tell me of such a vrata (vow) that grants the merits of all Ekadashis, leads to heaven, and ensures my welfare. I promise to follow it faithfully."
Vedavyasa said:
"O Bhima! When the sun is in Vrishabha Rashi (Taurus) or Mithuna Rashi (Gemini) during the month of Jyeshtha, and the Ekadashi falls in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha), then you should observe that Ekadashi with strict austerity — Nirjala (without water).
Only minimal water may be taken for achamana or mouth rinsing, but no other intake of water is allowed. Otherwise, the fast is broken.
If one avoids water from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi, the fast is considered complete.
Then, on the morning of Dwadashi, take a bath and give donations of water and gold to Brahmins as per proper rites.
After completing all these duties, a self-controlled person should break the fast with Brahmins and then eat.
The merits of all the Ekadashis observed throughout the year are attained by observing this single Nirjala Ekadashi.
Lord Vishnu, the wielder of conch, discus, and mace, has said:
"If a person renounces everything and surrenders at my feet and remains fasting on Ekadashi, he becomes free of all sins."
A person who observes Ekadashi will never be approached by the fierce messengers of Yama (death god) who hold nooses and rods.
At the end of life, gentle and divine messengers of Lord Vishnu — dressed in yellow garments and holding Sudarshana Chakra — come and take that soul to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.
Therefore, on Nirjala Ekadashi, one must fast diligently and chant the names of Lord Hari.
Even if a man or woman has committed the most terrible sins, they will be destroyed through this vrat.
Whoever observes the water-restriction rule on this day becomes a recipient of immense merit and divine blessings."
Hearing this, Bhimasena began observing this sacred Ekadashi fast, and from that time onward, this Ekadashi became known as Pandava Ekadashi or Bhima Ekadashi.
