Vijaya Ekadasi: The path to victory and spiritual purity
It is said that even hearing or reading about this Ekadasi gives the same merit as performing a great ritual sacrifice.
Hyderabad: Today marks the sacred occasion of Vijaya Ekadasi, a highly auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observed on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna Masam (February-March), this Ekadasi is believed to bestow success, spiritual merit and the removal of past sins. The word “Vijaya” means victory, and devotees observe this fast with deep faith to attain glory in life’s challenges.
Significance of Vijaya Ekadasi
Vijaya Ekadasi is known for its ability to remove sins, provide clarity of thought and strengthen spiritual and emotional well-being. It is said that even hearing or reading about this Ekadasi gives the same merit as performing a great ritual sacrifice.
How to observe Vijaya Ekadashi?
Devotees observe Vijaya Ekadashi by fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. They wake up early, clean their homes and take a bath, after which they set on an intense fast. During the day, they perform puja by offering fruits, flowers, tulsi leaves while chanting Vishnu mantras.
People who are on fast must avoid grains, pulses and tamasic foods like meat, spicy and fried food, while some follow a complete fast without food or water.
Devotees spend the day in prayer, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama and listen to the Ekadashi Katha.
The fast is broken the next day (Dwadashi) after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Acts of charity and annadanam are also performed on Dwadashi.
A Short Story of Vijaya Ekadasi
One day, King Yudhishthira asked Lord Sri Krishna, “O Lord, please be kind and tell me about the Ekadasi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March).”
Lord Krishna smiled and said, “O King Yudhishthira , I am happy to tell you about this great fast called Vijaya Ekadasi. Whoever observes it will be successful in this life and the next. This fast washes away all sins and brings great merit to those who follow it.”
Then, Lord Krishna shared a story from ancient times. The great sage Narada once asked his father, Lord Brahma, about the benefits of observing Vijaya Ekadasi. Lord Brahma said, “My dear son, this Ekadasi is the oldest and purest of all fasting days. It removes all sins and brings victory to those who observe it. I have never shared this secret before, but now I will tell you its true power.”
Lord Brahma continued, “During his exile, Lord Rama faced the challenge of crossing the vast ocean to reach Lanka and rescue Sita from Ravana. Seeking guidance, he approached a great sage Bakadalbhya, who advised him to observe Vijaya Ekadasi. Lord Rama followed the fast with complete devotion and soon after, he successfully built the bridge to Lanka and won the battle against Ravana.”
This Ekadasi is a powerful day of devotion, faith and victory, bringing divine blessings to those who observe it with sincerity.