Vijaya Ekadashi is the eleventh day from the Pournami day (Krishna Paksha Ekadashi) which occurs on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi Tithi of the Magha month as per Amantha and the Phalguna month as per Purnimantha Calendars.
Vijaya Ekadashi occurs on Wednesday, 6th March 2024. The exact duration of the Ekadashi Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Legend
It is believed to be mentioned in Skanda Purana as the subject of conversation between Sri Brahma and Sage Narada.
As per the legend, Vijaya Ekadashi is associated with Bhagwan Rama.
Sri Rama’s mission
Sri Rama and His army came to the point at the seashore to cross over to Srilanka. They had to go there to fight and defeat Ravan and retrieve Sri Sita Devi who was held captive.
The ocean situation
When they saw the ocean, it was full of crocodiles. They sensed it to be dangerous. Sri Rama was worried about the safety of His army during the cross-over. Seeing Sri Rama’s plight, His brother Sri Lakshmana said “Oh Ram Prabhu! Please do not worry. In the nearby Kumari island, a Sage is living; If we approach him, he may guide us as to how we can cross the ocean”.
Meeting of the Sage
Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana reached the island and consulted the Sage. The Sage was pleased to welcome them.
After hearing their worries, the Sage said
“Sri Rama, a ritual has to be followed before embarking on the sea voyage. The name of the ritual is Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat. I will tell you the procedure”.
The Sage also said “Sri Rama, If you observe the Vrat as directed, surely you will attain victory in all your endeavours”.
Vijaya Ekadashi – Dashami (previous) day
The Sage said,
“Sri Rama, make a pot or kalash in gold or silver or copper or mud. Fill it up with pure water. Decorate it with mango leaves.
Place seven types of grains in the holy alter or puja sthaan in your abode. On the grains, place the water filled decorated pot.
On the top of the pot, put a concave shaped lid. In the lid, put some barley, coconut and pomegranate. On the top, keep the small statue or vigraha of Sri Narayana.
Light lamps and dhup. Offer some food as Neivedyam. Sit near the puja place for the whole night without sleeping”.
Procedure on Vijaya Ekadashi day
The Sage continued,
“Sri Rama, on the next day, take a holy dip and do puja to the kalash.
Light lamps and dhup. Apply Chandan and flower garlands to the kalash. Offer simple food as Neivedyam. Do not partake any food on the day. Keep doing prayers for the whole day. Do not sleep at night”.
Procedure on Dwadashi (next) day
The Sage concluded,
“Sri Rama, on Dwadashi day, complete your morning bath and puja. Take the Kalash alongwith the grains with you. At the bank of either a river or a pond, donate the Kalash to a brahmin who is well versed in Vedas. This constitutes the completion of the Vrat.
The observation of this Vrat shall help you to not only cross the ocean, but also to conquer and defeat Ravan”.
Sri Rama had listened to the procedure narrated by the Sage. He then proceeded to do the same.
Other names
-Pankodhar Ekadashi.
-Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi
Rituals
The general rituals followed for Ekadashi Vrats are given below:
-The exact time of dawn of Ekadashi tithi is ascertained either from family elders / astrologers. It is mentioned in the Holy Almanac (Panchang) as well. Even daily Calendars provide the information.
-The idol or picture of Sri Vishnu is decorated with flowers. Incense sticks are lit. Diyas are lit with ghee. Pujas are done with tulsi leaves.
– The items such as Jambira fruit (goose berry), Pomegranate, Mangoes, Guava, Betal nuts and leaves, Coconut, Varieties of nuts and Cloves and other aromatic spices are offered in Puja subject to availability.
Slokas or stotras of Sri Maha Vishnu including Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama are recited with devotion. Srimad Bhagavad Gitaa is also recited.
-Special Puja is done for Sri Lakshmi Devi as well.
-The Vrat Katha is read and recited.
-At the end of the puja, aarti is done. Prasad is distributed to the family members.
-Devotees of Bhagwan Maha Vishnu observe strict fasting from the dawn of Ekadashi.
-They do not sleep on the night of Ekadashi. At this time, tales of Sri Maha Vishnu are recited by the elders. Others listen to the stories.
-Various bhajans and kirtans are held.
-The fast shall continue till the sunrise of the next day, i.e., Dwadashi.
-Those devotees who cannot do fasting due to medical or other reasons can take sattvic food. Mostly prasadams and fruits are partaken.
-Making daan / donation to the needy on Ekadashi day is believed to please Sri Maha Vishnu.
-On Dwadashi day, unless it happens to be another Vrat day, a nutritious meal is partaken to balance the internal physical effects of fasting on the previous day. It is considered pious to forego eating of brinjal on Dwadashi day.
Special Rituals
Apart from the above, especially for Vijaya Ekadashi, it is believed that
-offering seven anjeer / fig fruit as Neivedyam to Sri Narayana may bring success in all ventures;
-lighting eleven lamps with ghee and kesar may fulfill wishes related to work and the family; and
-offering roti smeared with honey to Sri Hari as Neivedyam may alleviate the effects of bad luck; It may bring auspiciousness in life.
Benefits
-Removal of sins of past and present births
-Success in all endeavours
Even listening to the merits of Vijaya Ekadashi bestows the same benefits as observing the Vrat.
Importance should be given to the sincere prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu.
The synopsis of Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Kamika Ekadashi, Sravana Putrata Ekadashi, Aja Ekadashi, Parivarthini Ekadsshi, Indra Ekadashi, Papankusha Ekadashi, Rama Ekadashi, Dev Uttanna Ekadashi, Uthpanna Ekadashi, Mokshada Ekadashi, Saphala Ekadashi, Shattila Ekadashi and Bhishma Ekadashi are narrated in the previous articles. The rest of the Ekadashi Vrats shall be dealt with in the subsequent articles of the series.
