Jaya Ekadashi

Like all other Ekadashis ensuing in a year, 'Jaya Ekadashi' is also equally important. According to Hindu calendar, it arises on the 11th day (Ekadashi) in Magha month during Shukla Paksha. And, as per the Gregorian calendar, its appearing month is either January or February. This year, it's on the 1st Feb 2023. This day is solely dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in the form of Jagdishwar- Lord of the Universe.

Jaya Ekadashi finds its extensive superiority in Bhavishyottara Purana, Padma Purana & many Vedic scriptures. It is also known as 'Bhishma Ekadashi.' The reason behind this is that the celibate Gangaputra Bhishma was given a boon by his father Shantanu to choose the day of his demise on his own. And, people say that he had chosen the day of Jaya Ekadashi to depart his mortal body. Also acknowledged by the name 'Bhoomi Ekadashi' in South India, this propitious event provides redemption from Brahma Hatya, the worst among all heinous sins.

Vrat Katha of Jaya Ekadashi:

Long ago, Lord Indra organized a festival in Nandanvan where many saints, demigods, and deities were also present. He was consuming ambrosia while enjoying the company of more than 50 million apsaras. Gandharvas were singing and Gandharva girls (apsaras) were dancing there. An incredible singer named Pushpadanta was also present there with his daughter, Pushpavati. And Chitrasen, the chief musician of Lord Indra was also there with his wife, Malini and their son, Malyavan. When Pushpavati had an eye contact with Malyavan, both of them immediately got attracted towards each other. And when their turns came to dance and sing, they couldn't please the Lord of Heaven & ultimately he got angry with them. Due to this, Lord Indra cursed them with a life full of hardships & sent them onto the Himalayan peak on the earth as a couple. They lost all of their senses and started wandering here and there on the earth repenting about their bad deeds. One day, Jaya Ekadashi arrived and because of no food, they stayed hungry the whole day & even couldn't sleep at night due to cold & died the next morning. Unknowingly, they kept Jaya Ekadashi fast due to which they were sent again to Indra Lok (Swarg). Lord Indra was amazed to see them & asked about the early redemption from his curse. They told him the whole story about how they kept Jaya Ekadashi fast and Lord Vishnu showed his mercy over them. Since the same day, Jaya Ekadashi has been celebrated with utmost devotion.

Fasting on Jaya Ekadashi holds an extraordinary significance. The devotees keep dry rapid fast (Nirjala Vrat) starting from the early morning of Ekadashi. Grains, pulses, rice and beans are prohibited on this day. In Brahma Muhurta, the prayers are offered to Lord Vishnui. Many Vedic mantras are also recited. The fast-keepers don't sleep the whole night. The fast completion transpires by offering meals to the Brahmans on Dwadashi. Consuming food after fasting is known as "Parana." Parana is taken on the next day of Jaya Ekadashi, i.e., Dwadashi mostly in the early morning. Bhavishyottara Purana depicts the saying by Lord Krishna that 'keeping the fast of Jaya Ekadashi is believed to witness the preserver of the world, Lord Vishnu himself.' Also, in the earlier times, the fast of Jaya Ekadashi was considered over all sacrifices or charity to the needy.

The most essential part of Jaya Ekadashi is 'donating to the poor' which is believed to absolve all past & present sins of devotees. This holy day also washes away all the sins, provides victory (Jaya) over enemies, desires fulfillment, overcomes financial difficulties, bestows with abundant wealth and happiness, & free the fast observers from negative forces and leads to liberation (Moksha).