Vijaya Ekadashi
What is Vijaya Ekadashi?
Vijaya Ekadashi begins early in the morning of Ekadashi and ends with sunrise on ‘Devadashi'. Many aspirants start their fast by eating “sattvic food” before sunset on the 10th day. Consumption of cereals, rajma and rice is forbidden to any child on this day.
Devotees wake up before sunrise, take a bath and then worship Lord Vishnu in Brahma Muhurta. After completing the morning rituals, devotees worship Mata Ekadashi.
Devotees worship and pray to Lord Vishnu and offer Tulsi leaves, incense sticks, betel nuts and coconut to the idol. To
please the gods and get their blessings, they prepare special murs and offer them as sacrifices to the gods. Chanting Vedic mantras and singing devotional songs is very auspicious on this day.
Apart from this, believers should help the poor, as good deeds done on this day will be very fruitful. Depending on their means, believers can donate clothes, money, food and other necessary things.
Reciting “Vishnu Sahasranaam” on this day is considered very auspicious.
Vijaya Ekadashi: Time, Fast Story, Rituals and Meaning
According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna is called Vijaya Ekadashi. Like all Ekadashis, Vijaya Ekadashi is also a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, with special emphasis on the form of Lord Govinda. According to the Gregorian calendar, Vijaya Ekadashi falls between February and March every year.
As the name suggests, the brief observation of Vijaya Ekadashi brings success in all the tasks of the devotees. Additionally, devotees may also be rewarded with attaining Moksha and Vaikuntha, which is described in the Puranas as the divine abode of Lord Vishnu in the afterlife. Vijaya Ekadashi is open to people of all ages, especially those who are willing to overcome obstacles in various aspects of life.
Vijaya Ekadashi (Ekadashi) fasting story
When Ravana kidnapped Sita Mata and took her to Lanka, Shri Ram reached the seashore with the help of the monkey army. However, his task was to cross the vast ocean. Hanuman, becoming the son of wind, flew towards Lanka. After locating Sita Mata and burning Lanka, he returned.
However, Shri Ram's challenge was to cross the seven seas with the remaining monkey army. Shri Lakshman told Shri Ram that Lord Vakadaluy Rishi lives at a short distance from here. Lord, we should ask him for a solution. The sage told Lord Shri Ram that you should quickly observe Ekadashi fast with the entire monkey army and worship your beloved. Considering Lord Shiva as his Ishta, Shri Ram worshipped Lord Shiva and observed Ekadashi fast with Puri Venar following the fasting method told by the sage.
With the effect of the fast, the way across the sea was paved, the sea god proposed to build a bridge over the sea and with the effect of this fast, Shri Ram conquered Ravana. Therefore, this fast is called Vijaya Ekadashi. It is believed that if someone wants to achieve victory in any field, he should observe a fast on Vijaya Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu
is especially worshipped on this day.
What to do on Vijaya Ekadashi?
- The day should be started with meditation on Lord Vishnu.
- According to this, Shri Hari and Mother Lakshmi should be worshipped.
- Finally, offer specialty items.
- People should donate according to their devotion.
- Bhajans and Kirtans should be done during the fast.
What not to do on Vijaya Ekadashi?
- Rice should not be consumed.
- You should not argue with anyone.
- A person observing fast should not sleep during the day.
- Elders and women should not be insulted.
- Otherwise one should not speak ill about anyone.
- You should avoid wearing black clothes.
