"Vijaya Ekadashi" : Attaining Victory Through Devotion

All Ekadashis find an extensive significance in Hindu culture. Similarly, 'Vijaya Ekadashi' is also considered as an auspicious occasion according to Sanatan Dharma. This holy occasion occurs on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of Krishna Paksha (Lunar fortnight) in Phalgun month. As per Gregorian calendar, it lies in the month of February or March.

This year, it is on '6th March 2024.'

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Vijaya Ekadashi” in the year 2024 is as follows:

Vijaya Ekadashi on Wednesday, March 6, 2024

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 06:30 AM on Mar 06, 2024
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 04:13 AM on Mar 07, 2024

As Vijaya Ekadashi comes in Phalgun month, it is also known by the name "Phalgun Ekadashi" in many scriptures.

Here, 'Vijaya' stands for its literal meaning- 'victory.' Hence, this sacred Ekadashi is solely dedicated to win over all kinds of negativities, enemies and hurdles of life. And to gain this, the devotees worship Lord Vishnu on Vijaya Ekadashi. The greatness and purity of this Ekadashi is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana. According to so many scriptures and beliefs of Hindus, 'Vijaya' was one of the main gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu's abode Vaikuntha. 'Jaya' & 'Vijaya', the two brothers, used to guard the kingdom of heaven.

The greatest legend of all times- the legend of Vijaya Ekadashi was narrated very first by Brahma Ji to Narad Muni. Second, when Yudhishthir, the eldest among Pandavas, asked Lord Krishna about the significance of the Ekadashi lying in Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. Then, Shri Krishna started by saying, 'the story is of Treta Yuga when Lord Vishnu was born on the earth in the form of a human, Shri Ram. He, his wife, Sita Mata & his brother, Lakshmana were exiled for 14 years because of his father's promise to Rani Kaikayi. During their stay in Panchavati, one day, the King of Lanka- Ravana abducted Sita Mata. Apparently, Lord Rama became so anxious about losing his only wife. Then to conquer Ravana and get Sita back, he met the king of Vaanar- Sugriva. They made vaanar sena and reached the shore of an ocean amidst their journey to Lanka. Worried with how to cross the ocean, Lord Rama asked Lakshmana about the same. Then Lakshmana suggested to visit Rishi Bakadalabhya who possessed the advantage of Brahma Ji's darshan. Both of them went to the sage and enquired about their problem. Then, Rishi advised them to keep Vijaya Ekadashi fast along with their whole army. Thanking him, Lord Rama & Lakshaman returned to their pavilion and informed everyone about the Vijaya Ekadashi's Vrat. Ultimately, all of them kept the fast with whole devotion following all the rituals properly. And as a result, Sugriva remembered about Nal & Neel in his army who had the power to throw the stones and big rocks in the ocean. They did the same by writing the name of 'Shri Ram' over the stones. And the stones started floating over the ocean and ultimately a bridge was made which is known by the name 'Ram Setu' today. The army crossed the bridge & reached Lanka. Not only this, but they were also successful in achieving victory over Ravana in the war. Shri Ram got his wife, Sita Mata back. And all this happened due to the fruitful effects of Vijaya Ekadashi's fast. Since that day, people keep a devoted fast on the day of Vijaya Ekadashi as per the rituals followed by Shri Ram.'

Shri Ram was the first to observe this fast. Hence, this sacred day is considered very auspicious in Puranas. On Vijaya Ekadashi, the devotees keep a fast the whole day after getting up early, taking ritual baths and worshipping Lord Vishnu. The fast initiates from Ekadashi tithi and lasts till Dwadashi's sunrise. It is prohibited to consume rice, pulses and grain on this day. Offering Tulsi leaves, incense sticks, betel nuts and coconut to the idol of the deity by chanting Vishnu Sahasranama is also considered fruitful. Vedic Mantras are also recited on this holy day. Preparing a special bhog for the Lord and donating money, food items, clothes and other relevant materials to the needy add a plus to the Vijaya Ekadashi's fast. The fast is completed on Dwadashi by consuming Satvik meal. This is known as 'Parana'.

As per Drik Panchang, the “Parana timings” for “Vijaya Ekadashi” in the year 2024 are as follows:

• On 7th Mar, Parana Time - 01:43 PM to 04:04 PM
• On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment - 09:30 AM

It is generally believed that not doing Parana within Dwadashi tithi may be equal to performing sins and bad deeds. Many are involved in performing Kirtans as well as chanting (naamsmaran).

People suffering from health problems can also be relieved on this day by receiving the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Apart from this, Vijaya Ekadashi also rewards one with the removal of all guilt associated with the sins committed, achievement of success in all endeavours, desiring fulfillment, removing all forms of inauspiciousness and bad luck from life, and providing victory in difficult circumstances of life in all phases. Moreover, the attainment of Moksha (salvation) can also be achieved.