"Jaya Ekadashi" is a sacred day observed with great reverence by devotees of Lord Vishnu. It falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either January or February.
This year, Jaya Ekadashi is on the 8th of February 2025.
As per "Drik Panchang", the "tithi" for Jaya Ekadashi in 2025 is as follows:
Jaya Ekadashi on Saturday, February 8, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 09:26 PM on Feb 07, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 08:15 PM on Feb 08, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 08:15 PM on Feb 08, 2025
This auspicious day is believed to absolve all sins, bestow divine blessings, and lead the devotee toward spiritual elevation. The significance of Jaya Ekadashi is profound—it is a vrata (fast) that cleanses the soul, enhances devotion, and grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
"Jaya Ekadashi" is not just about fasting; it is an opportunity to align oneself with divine consciousness. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu showers his devotees with immense grace, freeing them from the burdens of past karma. Those who sincerely observe this Ekadashi with faith and devotion are granted peace, prosperity, and ultimately, liberation (moksha). The fast undertaken on "Jaya Ekadashi" is particularly powerful in removing even the gravest sins, including Brahmahatya (the sin of killing a Brahmin). It purifies both the body and soul, allowing the devotee to experience divine bliss. The significance of this Ekadashi has been mentioned in the Padma Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana, where Lord Krishna explained its greatness to King Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas.
The Story of Malyavan and Pushpavati
The texts narrate a compelling tale about Jaya Ekadashi that illustrates its transformative power. In the celestial kingdom of Indra, a grand festival was being celebrated. The heavenly dancers (Apsaras) performed, and the Gandharvas (celestial musicians) sang melodiously. Among them was a Gandharva named Malyavan, whose voice was mesmerizing, and an Apsara named Pushpavati, who danced with divine grace.
However, as fate would have it, Pushpavati became enamored by Malyavan, and in turn, he was captivated by her beauty. Lost in each other, they faltered in their performance, disrupting the sanctity of the celestial celebration. Lord Indra, displeased by their distraction, cursed them to be reborn as Pishachas (demon-like beings), doomed to live a wretched existence in the earthly realm.
Bound by the curse, Malyavan and Pushpavati found themselves in a forsaken state, suffering the torments of the lower worlds. Wandering in misery, they repented for their past actions and sought redemption. By divine grace, they unknowingly observed Jaya Ekadashi, abstaining from food and remaining awake throughout the night. This unconscious observance purified their souls.
On the following day, due to the merit of their accidental vrata, their demonic forms were shed, and they regained their divine celestial bodies. They ascended to the heavenly realms, where Lord Indra, astonished by their transformation, inquired about their liberation. They revealed that their salvation came through the grace of Lord Vishnu and the observance of "Jaya Ekadashi".
Hearing this, Lord Indra proclaimed the supreme importance of Jaya Ekadashi and encouraged all celestial beings to observe it with devotion.
The Symbolism of the Story
The story of Malyavan and Pushpavati is a powerful metaphor for human life. Just as they fell from grace due to momentary distraction, we too, in our worldly existence, are often led astray by desires and attachments. Jaya Ekadashi serves as a reminder that no matter how deeply we are entangled in our past karma, sincere devotion and the observance of divine practices can lead us back to the path of righteousness.
Fasting and Spiritual Discipline
Fasting on "Jaya Ekadashi" is not just about abstaining from food but about purifying one’s thoughts, speech, and actions. Devotees observe a strict fast, refraining from grains, lentils, and certain vegetables. Many choose to undertake a nirjala vrata (waterless fast), while others consume only fruits and milk.
The vrata begins on the Dashami Tithi (the tenth day), where devotees eat only satvik food before sunset. On the day of Ekadashi, they completely abstain from food, engaging in bhajans, kirtans, and scriptural readings. The fast is broken, i.e. Parana is done on Dwadashi Tithi (the twelfth day) after offering food to Brahmins and the needy.
As per "Drik Panchang", the Parana timings for "Jaya Ekadashi" in 2025 are as follows:
Jaya Ekadashi on Saturday, February 8, 2025 On 9 th Feb, Parana Time - 07:05 a.m. to 09:23 a.m. On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 07:25 p.m.
The Worship of Lord Vishnu Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath, preferably in a sacred river or by adding Tulsi leaves to their bathing water. They then offer prayers, flowers, sandalwood, incense, and lamps to Lord Vishnu, reciting sacred hymns like the Vishnu Sahasranama and Narayan Stotra. The worship is performed with deep bhakti (devotion), as it is believed that Lord Vishnu bestows immense blessings on those who surrender to him on this day.
Charity and Acts of Kindness
An essential part of "Jaya Ekadashi" is daan (charity). It is highly meritorious to donate food, clothes, money, or other essentials to the needy. Feeding the poor, offering support to the underprivileged, and performing acts of kindness amplify the spiritual benefits of the fast.
Observing Jaya Ekadashi bestows numerous spiritual and material benefits
The fast cleanses the soul of past karma and sins, including even Brahmahatya dosha.
Devotees who sincerely observe this vrata attain Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.
It shields the observer from evil influences and negative energies.
Those who seek worldly prosperity, health, and success are blessed by Lord Vishnu.
It strengthens faith, devotion, and inner tranquility, bringing one closer to divine realization.
Jaya Ekadashi is more than just a ritual—it is a spiritual doorway to divine consciousness. It teaches us that sincere devotion, discipline, and faith can free us from the bondage of material existence. Just as Malyavan and Pushpavati were liberated, we too can rise above our limitations through the grace of Lord Vishnu. Let this sacred day be a time for introspection, devotion, and spiritual renewal. May we surrender to the divine lotus feet of Lord Vishnu, seeking his eternal protection and grace. "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" – One of the beautiful mantras for happy and meaningful life May the observance of Jaya Ekadashi lead us all to peace, prosperity, and eternal bliss in the shelter of the Supreme Lord.
A period of darkness doesn’t prevail throughout. Instead, it is replaced by a bright sunrise the next day. Our lives make a compilation of these dark and brighter days, helping us learn and grow with our experiences. Vedic Astrology, spirituality, numerology and coaching enable you to hone the power of optimism and triumph the darkness with a positive stride.
Apt No. 301, 3rd Floor, Akshay Vaibhav building, next to Solaris Gym, Baner, Pune - 411045
Copyright © 2025 Ekohumm. All Rights Reserved. Powered By: DigiHost Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.