Vijaya Ekadashi: Timings, Vrat Katha, 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.

Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 is on February 24 Monday

9 months and 24 days to go for the event

Important Timings On Vijaya Ekadashi 2025

Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The Vrat Katha of Vijaya Ekadashi, as mentioned in the Padma Purana, is as follows.

Yudhishthira inquired, "O Vasudeva! Which Ekadashi occurs in the Krishna Paksha of the Phalgun month? Kindly provide me with details about it."

Lord Sri Krishna responded, "Yudhishthira! Once, Narada asked Brahmaji, who was seated on a lotus throne, 'O best among the gods! Please elucidate the merits of the Ekadashi named 'Vijaya' that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Falguna.'"

Brahmaji explained, "Narada! Listen to this exceptional story that purges vices. This vow is ancient, pure, and a cleanser of sins. The Ekadashi named 'Vijaya' ensures victory for kings, and there is no doubt about it. This is a tale from ancient times."

Lord Sri Ram Chandra, during his fourteen years in exile, Vanvas, in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman in Panchavati, faced the cunning tactics of Ravana. Due to Ravana's deceit, Sita, the virtuous wife of Sri Ram, was abducted. Distraught, Ram searched for Sita in the forest and encountered Jatayu, whose life had ended. Subsequently, Ram defeated the demon Kabandha within the forest and formed an alliance with Sugriva, the king of Vaanars. Following this, an army of Vaanar gathered for Ram. Hanuman went to Lanka, saw Sita in the garden, and presented her with Ram's signet ring, accomplishing a great deed. Upon returning, Hanuman informed Sri Ram Chandra about Lanka, and on hearing Hanuman's account, Ram, with Sugriva's approval, contemplated departing for Lanka to end Ravana's evil rule with the help of Vaanarsena. Standing at the ocean shore, he asked Lakshman, "O Sumitranandan, by what means can this vast ocean be crossed? It is filled with terrifying aquatic creatures, and I see no easy way to cross it."

Lakshman replied, "O King! You are the Puranpurush Purushottam. Nothing is hidden from you. On this island, there is a sage named Bakadalmya. His hermitage is half a yojana away. Raghunandan, go and seek guidance from that ancient sage."

Following Lakshman's suggestion, Sri Ram Chandra met the great sage Bakadalmya, bowing his head in reverence. Upon seeing him, the sage recognized that this was Purushottam Sri Ram, incarnated in human form for a purpose. Sri Ram's arrival filled the sage with joy. Bakadalmya asked, "Sri Ram, why have you come here?"

Sri Ram said, "Brahmin, seeking your benevolence, I have come to the shore of the ocean with my army to conquer Lanka. Please guide me on the method to cross the ocean. Shower your grace upon me."

Bakadalmya replied, "Sri Ram! In the Phalgun Krishna Paksha, there comes an Ekadashi called 'Vijaya' Ekadashi'. Observing this fast with due rituals will ascertain your victory. By observing this fast, without a doubt, you will be able to cross the ocean with your Vanara army."

Brahmaji narrates, "Narada! Hearing this, Sri Ram Chandra observed the 'Vijaya' Ekadashi fast as per the sage's instructions. By observing this fast, Sri Ram emerged victorious, defeated Ravana in battle, and was united with Sita. Whoever observes this fast attains victory in this world, and their glory remains eternal in the afterlife."

Bhagavan Sri Krishna adds, "Yudhishthira! For this reason, one should observe the 'Vijaya' Ekadashi fast. Reading or listening to this narrative yields the same benefits as performing the Vajapeya Yagya."

Rituals of Vijaya Ekadashi:

The observance of Vijaya Ekadashi involves the initiation of puja and fasting from Dashami tithi (the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month) until Dwadashi tithi (the twelfth day). 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 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 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.

Vijaya Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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