Vijaya Ekadashi, a revered Hindu observance, is observed during the dark fortnight of the auspicious month of Phalguna, falling typically between February and March in the Gregorian calendar. This sacred day is celebrated as a great fast, aptly named Vijaya Ekadashi, symbolizing victory and triumph.
According to ancient scriptures and spiritual teachings, those who faithfully observe this Ekadashi are promised success in the present life and the hereafter. It is believed that the merits accrued by adhering to the rigorous fast and immersing oneself in the sublime glories of Vijaya Ekadashi are unparalleled, with the potential to cleanse one’s soul and eradicate sins.
Referred to as the oldest of fasting days, Vijaya Ekadashi is revered for its purity, believed to nullify all past transgressions. The very name of this sacred day, “Vijaya,” meaning victory, encapsulates the profound spiritual significance and the promises of triumph for its devotees.
Vijaya Ekadashi in 2024
Vijaya Ekadashi Tithi Begins on March 6, 2024, at 06:30 AM and ends on March 7, 2024 at 4:13 AM.
| Vijaya Ekadashi | March 6, 2024, Wednesday | Phalgun Krishna Paksha Ekadashi |
Story about Vijaya Ekadashi
Once upon a time, in the ancient land of Ayodhya, the divine saga of Lord Rama unfolded amidst the lush greenery of Panchavati, where the ethereal beauty of nature provided solace to the exiled prince, his beloved consort Sita, and his devoted brother Lakshmana. It was during their exile in the forest, under the guise of mendicants, that fate dealt its cruel blow – the demon king Ravana, driven by his insatiable greed and lust, abducted the virtuous Sita, plunging Lord Rama into the depths of despair.
Amidst the turmoil of emotions, as Rama embarked on his relentless quest to rescue his beloved, he encountered the valiant Jatayu, a noble vulture on the verge of departing for the celestial abode. With his last breaths, Jatayu revealed Ravana’s heinous act and urged Rama to pursue his righteous path with unwavering determination.
Guided by fate and propelled by the bonds of friendship, Rama crossed paths with Sugriva, the exiled monkey king, whose allegiance and loyalty became unwavering pillars of support in Rama’s pursuit of justice. Together, they faced formidable challenges, including the fateful encounter with Bali, Sugriva’s tyrannical brother, whose defeat paved the way for their alliance.
But the ultimate test of their resolve awaited them in the distant land of Lanka, where Sita languished in captivity within the confines of Ravana’s palace. Here, the heroic Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and courage, emerged as the beacon of hope, infiltrating the enemy’s stronghold and delivering Rama’s message of love and reassurance to his beloved Sita.
As Rama stood on the shores of the vast ocean, his heart heavy with the burden of the impending battle, he turned to his ever-faithful brother Lakshmana for guidance. Lakshmana, the epitome of loyalty and wisdom, suggested seeking the counsel of the venerable sage Bakadalbhya, whose wisdom transcended mortal understanding.
With humility and reverence, Rama and Lakshmana approached Bakadalbhya Muni’s humble abode, where the air was pregnant with the fragrance of devotion and the echoes of sacred chants. Recognizing Rama’s divine presence, the sage offered his sage advice, revealing the ancient and holy fast of Vijaya Ekadashi, a potent ritual capable of bestowing victory over all obstacles.
Following the sage’s instructions meticulously, Rama observed the sacred fast with utmost devotion, invoking the blessings of the divine and the auspices of the celestial realm. Thus, fortified by the power of righteousness and the sanctity of the fast, Rama embarked on his epic journey across the treacherous ocean, leading his army of monkeys and bears toward the ultimate confrontation with evil.
Through trials and tribulations, victories, and defeats, the saga of Vijaya Ekadashi resonated as a testament to the indomitable spirit of righteousness and the boundless power of devotion. And as the echoes of the ancient tale faded into the annals of time, it left behind a timeless legacy of faith, courage, and the eternal triumph of good over evil.
Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat
Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat’s prescribed observance assures victory in the mortal realm and eternal residence in the anxiety-free sphere of the Kingdom of God, known as the Vaikunthas.
This narrative underscores the significance of adhering to the Ekadashi fast with utmost sincerity, as it can cleanse one’s soul from all sinful reactions, no matter how grievous. Moreover, disseminating this sacred history ensures that those who read or hear it accrue merits akin to those earned through ancient rituals like horse sacrifice.
Thus concludes the illustrious narration of the glory of Phalguna-krishna Ekadashi, imparting timeless wisdom from the Skanda Purana.