Jaya Ekadashi: Timings, Vrat Katha, Significance, and Rituals

Jaya Ekadashi is a fasting practice that is observed on the ‘Ekadashi’ tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Magh’ in the Hindu calendar. If you follow the Gregorian calendar it falls between the months of January-February. It is believed that if this Ekadashi falls on a Thursday, it is even more auspicious. This ekadashi is also celebrated in the honour of Lord Vishnu, one of the three main Hindu deities.

The Jaya Ekadashi fast is observed by almost all Hindus, especially Lord Vishnu followers to receive His divine blessings. It is also a popular belief that by keeping this ekadashi fast, all the sins get washed away and the person will attain salvation. Jaya Ekadashi is also popularly referred as ‘Bhoumi Ekadashi’ and ‘Bhishma Ekadashi’ in some Hindu communities of South India, particularly the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Jaya Ekadashi 2025 is on February 08 Saturday

9 months and 8 days to go for the event

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Listen to Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English

The Vrat Katha for Jaya Ekadashi, as mentioned in the Padma Puran, is as follows.

Yudhishthira asked, "Lord! You described the 'Shattila' Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. Now, please kindly explain which Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha? What is its procedure, and which deity is to be worshipped on that day?"

Lord Sri Krishna said, "O king! I will tell you, listen. In the Shukla Paksha of the month of Magha, there is an Ekadashi called Jaya! This day is the best for eliminating all sins. It is sacred and not only purifies but also destroys sins. It bestows both worldly enjoyment and liberation upon humanity. Not only that, it annihilates sins like brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin) and pishachatva (becoming a demon). Observing this fast ensures that a person does not have to go to the realm of ghosts after death. Therefore, O king! One should observe the fast of Jaya! Ekadashi with great devotion."

Once upon a time, in the heavenly abode of Swargaloka, Lord Indra ruled as the king of the gods. The divine beings were enjoying their leisure time alongside the apsaras (celestial nymphs) in the Nandanvana, filled with celestial Parijata trees. Indra, the leader of fifty crore Gandharvas and the valorous king of the gods, spontaneously organized a grand celebration in the forest. Filled with immense joy, he arranged a dance performance. In this celebration, the Gandharvas were singing melodious tunes, and among them, the prominent ones were Pushpadanta, Chitrasena, and his son, who were the main performers. Chitrasena's wife was named Malini, and from her, a daughter, renowned by the name Pushpavanti, was born.

Pushpadanta, the Gandharva, had a son known as Malyavan. Malyavan was deeply enamoured by Pushpavanti's beauty. Both of them had come to dance for the pleasure of Lord Indra. As they were singing and dancing, accompanied by celestial nymphs, mutual attraction deepened, and they became infatuated with each other. Their minds were clouded with confusion.

Unable to sing pure tunes anymore and facing disruptions in their dance and songs, they realized the impact of their actions. Overwhelmed with shame, they could not continue their pure performance. Frustrated and feeling insulted by their behaviour, an infuriated Indra cursed them, saying, "O fools! You have defied my command and violated my order. Due to your impure actions, you shall transform into Pishachas (demons) while remaining as husband and wife."

After receiving Indra's curse, both of them experienced great sorrow. They went to the Himalayan mountains, where, in their demon forms, they suffered immensely, roaming within the caves of the mountains, tormented by the physical discomfort of the frigid environment.

One day, in the midst of their agony, the male demon spoke to his demon wife, "What sin have we committed that has led us to this wretched Pishacha existence? This torment is hellish and extremely frightening, and the Pishacha yoni (species) also brings much suffering. Therefore, we must sincerely repent and strive to be free from sin."

In this way, deeply immersed in their concerns, both of them were withering away due to their suffering. Through divine providence, they reached the Ekadashi day of the month of Magha, known as Jaya, which is considered the best among all tithis. On that day, they renounced all kinds of food, abstaining even from water. They refrained from causing harm to any living being, to the extent of not consuming even fruits. Continuously afflicted by sorrow, they sat near a peepal tree.

As the sunset, the dreadful night, filled with the breath of life-taking entities, approached. Sleep eluded them, and they found no comfort or pleasure. The dawn arrived, and the twelfth day, Dvadashi, came. The Pishachas observed Jaya's excellent vow. They had also stayed awake during the night. Due to the influence of this vow and the divine power of Lord Vishnu, their state of being Pishachas was dispelled.

In the blooming garden, Pushpavanti and Malyavan returned to their former selves. In their hearts, the same old affection was welling up. Adorned with ornaments that already graced their bodies, they sat on a celestial chariot, donning enchanting forms, and soared towards the heavenly realms.

There, before the king of gods, Indra, they approached with great joy and respectfully greeted him. Seeing them in this divine form, Indra was greatly astonished. He inquired, "Tell me, by what virtuous influence have both of you been freed from your demonic state? You were under my curse, and now, which deity has granted you liberation?"

Malyavan spoke, "Lord! Due to the grace of Lord Vasudev and observing the Ekadashi vow named Jaya, our demonic affliction has been dispelled."

Indra replied, "Now, both of you, follow my advice. Those who are dedicated to the Ekadashi vow and take refuge in Lord Shri Krishna should be honoured, just as they are worshipped by us."

Lord Shri Krishna added, "O King! Therefore, one should observe the Ekadashi fast. The Jaya fast also cleanses the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin). Whoever observes the Jaya fast has performed all kinds of charity and has completed the entire yajna. Reading and hearing the glory of this fast yields the fruit of performing an Agnishtoma yagya."

Rituals on the Jaya Ekadashi:

• The main observer on the day of Jaya Ekadashi is the vrat. The devotees observe fasting for the whole day, without eating or drinking anything. In fact the vrat begins from the ‘dashami’ tithi (10th day). No food is eaten on this day after sunrise to ensure that complete fast is kept on ekadashi. Hindu devotees keep waterless fast from the sunrise of ekadashi until the sunrise of ‘dwadashi’ tithi (12th day). While fasting, the person must not let the feelings of anger, lust or greed enters their mind. This vrat is meant to purify both the body and the soul. The observer of this vrat must offer foods to respected Brahmins on the dwadashi tithi and then break their fast. One who keeps the vrat should not sleep all night and sing bhajans praising Lord Vishnu.
• For people who cannot observe complete fasting, can even keep partial fast on milks and fruits. This exception is meant for elderly people, pregnant women and for those suffering from serious body ailments.
• Even those who do not wish to fast on Jaya Ekadashi must abstain from eating food made from rice and all forms of grains. Applying oil on body is also not allowed.
• Lord Vishnu is worshipped with complete dedication on Jaya Ekadashi. Devotees get up at sunrise and take an early bath. A small idol of Lord Vishnu is kept on the place of worship and the devotees offer sandalwood paste, sesame seeds, fruits, lamp and dhoop, to the lord. Reciting ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam’ and ‘Narayan Stotra’ is considered propitious on this day.

Important Timings On Jaya Ekadashi 2025

Significance of Jaya Ekadashi:

The importance and story of Jaya Ekadashi is mentioned in the ‘Padma Purana’ and ‘Bhavisyothara Purana’. Sri Krishna also described the greatness and way of observing this auspicious ekadashi vrat to King Yudhisthira, the eldest of the five Pandav brothers. Jaya Ekadashi vrat is so powerful that it can free the person from the most heinous sins committed, even ‘Brahma Hatya’. Jaya Ekadashi vrat holds double significance for the fact that ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the month of ‘Magh’ in which it falls is auspicious for Lord Shiva puja. Therefore this ekadashi is very important for devotees of both, Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Jaya Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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