Vijaya Ekadasi

According to the Vedic calendar, Vijaya Ekadasi falls on the 11th day of the month of Phalgun during the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight / waning phase) of the moon.

The significance of Vijaya Ekadashi has been described in several Vedic scriptures. The term "Vijaya" in literal meaning signifies victory. Observance of Vijaya Ekadashi and its fast offers success and victory to the observer in the difficult situations and circumstances of life. It helps in providing relief from all sorts of hurdles and obstacles. If people make donations and perform charities on this day, they get relieved from their past and present sins and also earn fruitful results.

It is an auspicious start for the rest of the year, and we encourage devotees reading this to kindly consider donating on this day.

The Glories of Vijaya Ekadasi

From the Skanda Purana

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "O Lord Sri Krishna, O glorious son of Vasudeva, please be merciful to me and describe the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March)."

Lord Sri Krishna replied, "O Yudhisthira, O king of kings, gladly I shall tell you about this great fast, known as Vijaya Ekadasi. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this Ekadasi and hears its sublime glories are eradicated."

"Narada Muni once asked lord Brahma about the Vijaya Ekadasi. Sri Narada said, 'O best of all the demigods, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadasi.' Narada's father replied, 'My dear son, this oldest of fasting days is pure, and it nullifies all sins. I have never revealed this to anyone until today, but you can understand beyond any doubt that this Ekadasi bestows the result indicated by its name (Victory).'"

Lord Ramachandra's Quest

"When Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, He, the goddess Sita, and His divine brother Lakshmana stayed at Panchavati as mendicants. Mother Sita was then kidnapped by the demon Ravana, and Lord Rama seemingly became bewildered by distress. While searching for His beloved consort, the Lord came upon the dying Jatayu, and thereafter killed His enemy Kabandha. The great devotee-vulture Jatayu returned to Vaikuntha after telling Rama how His dear Sita had been abducted by Ravana."

"Later, Lord Rama and Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, became friends. Together they amassed a grand army of monkeys and bears and sent Hanumanji to Sri Lanka, where he was able to see Janaki (Srimati Sita devi) in an Ashoka grove. He delivered Lord Rama's message and showed the ring proving his authenticity."

"With the help of Sugriva, Lord Rama proceeded toward Sri Lanka. Upon arriving at the shore of the ocean, He saw that the water was uncommonly deep and hostile. Thus, He said to Lakshmana: 'O son of Sumitra, how can We cross this vast ocean, the unfathomable abode of Varuna? I can see no easy way to cross it, teeming as it is with sharks and other ferocious aquatics.'"

"Lakshmana replied, 'O best of all beings, the great sage Bakad Albhya (Bakadbhya) lives on an island just four miles from here. He has seen many Brahmas come and go, so aged and wise is he. Let us go to him, take his darshan, and ask him how We can safely reach Our goal.'"

The Instructions of Sage Bakadbhya

"So Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the ashrama of Bakad Albhya Muni. Approaching him, the two Lords paid Their respectful obeisances. The sage immediately understood that Sri Rama was actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, acting like a human being."

"Rama said, 'O great twice-born brahmina, I have come here to the ocean shore with My monkey and bear warriors to cross the sea, conquer Lanka, and defeat Ravana. Please tell Me how I can cross this vast ocean.'"

"The sage replied, 'O Lord Sri Rama, I shall tell you of the most exalted of all fasts, observing which You will surely conquer Ravana. Kindly listen with full attention.'"

"On the day before Ekadasi (Dashami), fashion a water pot of gold, silver, copper, or clay. Fill it with pure water and decorate it with mango leaves. Place it near a holy altar upon a mound of seven grains (barley, wheat, rice, corn, chickpeas, kukani, and dahl). Worship the water pot with flower garlands, sandalwood paste, incense, a ghee lamp, and sumptious foods, placing a barley-filled lid on top with a golden murti of Lord Sri Narayana. Remain awake that night beside this sacred pot."

"'When Ekadasi dawns, take Your morning bath, decorate the water pot, and worship it again with sandalwood paste, incense, lamps, and flowers. Place cooked foods, pomegranate, and coconut before it, and remain awake overnight. When Dvadashi dawns, take the water pot to the bank of a holy river or pond, worship it again, and offer it to a pure-hearted brahmin expert in the Vedic sciences. If You and Your commanders observe the Vijaya Ekadasi in this way, You will surely be victorious.'"

"Lord Sri Ramachandra did just as Bakad Albhya Muni instructed, and thus He conquered all demoniac forces. Similarly, anyone who observes the Vijaya Ekadasi in this way will always be victorious in this mortal world, and after leaving this world, will reside forever in the anxiety-free realm of Vaikuntha."

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "O Yudhisthira, anyone who reads or hears this history will attain the same great merit as that which is earned by performing a horse sacrifice."