Vijaya Ekadashi is a special day observed by Hindus. It happens on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, according to the Hindu calendar. This usually falls in February or March each year and is also called Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi.
The word “Vijaya” means victory. People who fast on this day believe they will be blessed with success and victory in their endeavors. Ekadashi is considered an auspicious day for Hindus, occurring twice a month during the waxing and waning phases of the moon.
Vijaya Ekadashi is very important for Vishnu devotees. They might fast all day, not eating or drinking anything (Nirjala), or they might follow a pure and fasting-friendly diet (Sattvic and Vrat). This helps them cleanse their body and mind.
Observing rituals and fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi is believed to bring spiritual purification and blessings from Lord Vishnu. It’s a time for reflection, prayer, and seeking divine guidance for success and victory in life.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time
| Event | Date | Parana Time (Breakfast) |
| Sunrise | March 07, 2024 | 6:46 AM |
| Sunset | March 07, 2024 | 6:28 PM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | March 06, 2024 | 6:31 AM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | March 07, 2024 | 4:14 AM |
| Parana Time (Break fast) | March 08, 2024 | 6:45 AM – 9:06 AM |
On March 7, 2024, the sun will rise at 6:46 AM and set at 6:28 PM. During this time, devotees will observe Vijaya Ekadashi, which begins on March 6, 2024, at 6:31 AM, and ends on March 7, 2024, at 4:14 AM.
For those who fast on Vijaya Ekadashi, the Parana Time, when they can break their fast, is on March 8, 2024, from 6:45 AM to 9:06 AM. This is an important moment for devotees as it marks the completion of their fasting period.
During the Parana Time, devotees can consume food and water, bringing an end to their fasting and fulfilling their religious observance. It’s a significant moment for those who have diligently fasted, symbolizing the completion of their spiritual practice and their prayers for blessings from Lord Vishnu.
Vijaya Ekadashi Rituals
To observe Vijaya Ekadashi rituals, start by preparing a pot filled with water. You can use a pot made of gold, silver, copper, or a new clay pot. Decorate it with mango leaves and place it in your puja area on a mound of seven grains like wheat, rice, barley, corn, and chickpeas, a day before Ekadashi. Worship the pot by offering flowers, sandalwood paste, lighting a ghee lamp, and offering Naivedyam.
On the day of Ekadashi, wake up at dawn and take a bath. Then, replace the flowers, sandalwood paste, and other puja items, and worship the pot again. Place a golden idol of Lord Vishnu on top of the pot to symbolize his presence during the ritual.
On Dwadashi, the day after Vijaya Ekadashi, take the pot to a river bank or water body and worship it again. Afterward, offer the pot to a Brahmin as a gesture of respect and gratitude. Throughout the rituals of Vijaya Ekadashi, keep Lord Vishnu in your thoughts and prayers. Focus on worshiping him and seeking his blessings during each step of the observance.
Vijaya Ekadashi Significance
Brahma explained the importance of Vijaya Ekadashi to his son Narad when Narad asked about a fast that guarantees success in all endeavors. According to Lord Krishna’s revelation to Yudhishtira in the Padma Purana, observing this sacred Ekadashi and listening to the Vrat Katha of Vijaya Ekadashi brings blessings similar to those received from a Vajpayee Yagya.
Those who observe this fast are promised joy and victories throughout their current life, and ultimately, they will reach the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, Vaikuntha. Additionally, they will attain the ultimate liberation, Moksha, in the afterlife, completing the spiritual journey initiated by observing Vijaya Ekadashi.
1. What is the story behind Vijaya Ekadashi?
The story behind Vijaya Ekadashi is that before going to war against Lanka, Lord Rama observed the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi. This resulted in his victory over Ravana. It is believed that listening to the story of Vijaya Ekadashi during the fast brings blessings similar to those obtained from performing a Vajpayee Yagya.
2. What is Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi?
Vijaya Ekadashi happens on the eleventh day of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Phalguna, as per the Hindu calendar. It typically occurs in February or March and is also called Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi.
3. What is the other name for Vijaya Ekadashi?
Lord Shri Krishna said, “Oh Yudhishthira, anyone who reads or hears this story will receive the same great merit as performing a horse sacrifice in ancient times.” This concludes the tale of the virtues of Phalguna-krishna Ekadashi or Vijaya Ekadashi, as narrated in the Skanda Purana.
Also Read: Maha Shivratri Fasting 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Puja and Fasting
