Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi: Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance

The Ekadashi occurring during the Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon) of the Phalguna month, in the Hindu Calendar, is called Vijaya Ekadashi. Like all Ekadashis, Vijaya Ekadashi is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, with a specific focus on the Govinda form of the deity. In the Gregorian Calendar, Vijaya Ekadashi falls annually between February and March.

Observing the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat, as the name implies, is believed to bring success to any endeavour the devotee is undertaking. Additionally, followers can reap the rewards of achieving Moksha and attaining Lord Vishnu's divine abode, Vaikuntha, in the afterlife, as detailed in the Puranas. Vijaya Ekadashi is open to individuals of all ages, especially those seeking to overcome obstacles in various aspects of their lives.

Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi 2028 is on February 21 Monday

Important Timings On Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi 2028

Rituals of Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi:

The observance of Vijaya Ekadashi ritual involves the initiation of puja and fasting from Dashami tithi (the tenth day of the Hindu calendar) until Dwadashi tithi (the twelfth day of the Hindu calendar). Those partaking in this vrat are required to refrain from consuming Tamasic food and instead adhere to a Satvik diet. Additionally, participants are expected to abstain from all physical pleasures during this period.

Devotees are encouraged to maintain a positive mindset, offering prayers for their well-being to Lord Vishnu while presenting flowers and sweets to the image or idol of the deity.

Furthermore, as per the instructions provided in the Padma Purana by Rishi Bakadalbhya to Lord Rama, a specific fasting ritual is mentioned: On the onset of Dashami Tithi, adherents are instructed to fill an urn made of clay, copper, silver, or gold with water. Following this, they should place a twig bearing a newly sprouted leaf (Pallav) inside the urn and, on top of it, position an idol or photograph of Lord Vishnu.

Subsequently, on the day of Ekadashi, devotees are required to wake up early, take a bath, and perform puja on the urn using sandalwood and betelnut. The puja should involve placing Sapta Dhanya on the urn, consisting of seven types of grains – Jau (Barley), Til (Sesame), Dhaan (Rice), Kangani (Foxtail Millet), Moong (Green Gram), Chana (Chickpea), and Gehoon (Wheat). The puja should continue with the use of incense sticks and lamps (Diya).

Throughout the day, devotees should spend time near the urn reciting shlokas and stories of Lord Vishnu with positive thoughts, maintaining a night vigil in front of the urn. For the desired benefits of the vrat, it is recommended to light the diyas using Ghee (Clarified butter).

Finally, during the sunrise of Dwadashi Tithi, the urn should be brought to a water source such as a river or pond, and a puja for the urn should be performed before donating it to a knowledgeable Brahmin. Additionally, devotees are encouraged to donate useful items to the needy according to their capacity. By completing these rituals, the observance of Vijaya Ekadashi vrat is considered fulfilled.

Significance of Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi:

Brahma shared the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi with his son Narad, responding to Narad's inquiry about a fast ensuring success in every venture. According to Lord Krishna's revelation to Yudhishtira in the Padma Purana, observing this sacred Ekadashi and immersing oneself in the Vrat Katha of Vijaya Ekadashi promises blessings akin to those obtained through a Vajpayee Yagya. The devotee who observes this Vrat is destined to experience pleasure and triumphs throughout their present life, culminating the life's journey in the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, Vaikuntha. Furthermore, the devotee attains the ultimate liberation, Moksha, in the afterlife, completing the spiritual journey initiated by the observance of Vijaya Ekadashi.

Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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