Vijaya Ekadashi is of great importance in Padma Purana and Skanda Purana. It is considered that by keeping fast this day, one can attain Moksha and liberation from worldly desires and contemplate the path of spirituality. The व्रत is related to Lord Vishnu and it is believed that whosoever keeps विजय एकादशी व्रत, attains the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu.
This year, we will celebrate the Ekadashi on the 23rd of Feb, and the right "मुहूर्त" to start is 1:55 pm. The fast will be completed on the 24th of February 2025 at 1:44 pm. However, if someone believes in Udhaya Tithi, then the Vijaya Ekadashi will be completed on the 24th of February, 2025.
Let’s check out the auspicious time of Vijaya Ekadashi Puja
Brahma Muhurta: from 5:11 am to 6:01 am
Vijay Muhurata: from 2:29 pm to 3:15 pm
Twilight time: from 6:15 pm to 6:40 pm
Nishita Muhurta: from 12:09 am to 12:59 am
Abhijeet: 12:11 pm to 12:57 pm
What’s the Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi in Hindy Mythology?
विजय एकादशी is for inner soul purifying, which also helps in one’s destruction of sins or the past wrong Karmas. It’s believed that whoever keeps this fast tends to get their celestial bodies influenced, primarily the moon, which ultimately grants positive and blissful results in life.
In addition, it is considered, as per Hindu mythology, that Pandavas were in exile once and were facing numerous challenges, including a severe drought. So, to seek help and relief, they approached Lord Krishna ji and it was then that Lord Krishna asked them to observe Vijaya Ekadashi so that they could get rid of their obstacles and achieve victory over their adversities.
Some also say that Vijaya Ekadashi also has another mythological story when Mata Sita was abducted by Ravana. At that time, Lord Rama and Lakshmana were completely devastated. Luckily, Jatayu was there to save Sita Mata, but he was mortally wounded during the process.
However, Lakshmana sought the valuable advice of a sage named Bakadalbhya, who revealed that observing Vijay Ekadashi is a sacred ritual to get relief from Ravana’s trap.
Following the sage’s instructions, Lord Rama observed the विजय एकादशी fast with devotion, which helped him defeat Ravana and save beloved Sita Mata.
Puja Vidhi For Vijaya Ekadashi
- Start the day with a purifying bath during Brahma Muhurta.
- Wear clean attire; choose a yellow color for the पूजा
- Meditate on Lord Vishnu, and take Sankalp in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol or picture that you are observing this fast to attain the divine blessings of the deity.
- Keep the images of Lord Vishnu and also Maa Lakshmi in the puja area.
- Offer fruits, tulsi leaves, and sandalwood paste to the deity.
- Chant mantras like
"ॐ श्री विष्णुं पदं वन्दे संसार दु:ख नाशनम्।"
during the worship or chant विष्णु सहस्त्रनाम too because it contains 1000 names of Lord Vishnu.
- While chanting, wear Crystal Sphatik Diamond Cut Mala, as it has the divine power of connecting you deeply with Lord Vishnu.
- During fasting, refrain from having grains, beans, cereals, or certain vegetables throughout the day and also on the night of Ekadashi.
- Visit the temple as well for special rituals or ceremonies on this day.
- The fast is broken on the morning of Dwadashi, the day following Ekadashi, when the prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu. A meal of fresh fruits, milk, and potatoes is offered that does not contain excess oil and spices.
Recipes You Can Have For The Feast
Kuttu Paratha: Kuttu Paratha is made by mixing the kuttu flour with water. Also, a pinch of rock salt is added to make a dough. Then with the dough, make as many parathas as you want and eat with plain yogurt or cucumber raita.
Sabudana Khichdi: It’s made with soaked sabudana, potatoes, peanuts, sendha namak, ghee, and curry leaves. The contents are added to a pan with ghee. Salt is added as per taste.
Fruit Salad and Yogurt: The fasters can eat fruits too, like apples, bananas, pomegranates, papaya, and watermelon with yogurt. Also, one can add a little bit of honey to fruits.
Makhana Kheer: Roast Makhana in ghee until it gets crispy and then add milk and sugar to the boil. You can also put cardamom powder, saffron strands, and more ghee into it to make it more tasty.
Aloo & Paneer Tikki: Mash the boiled potatoes and mix them with grated paneer. Add coriander, black pepper, and other spices you want to make the tikkas. Shallow fry them until they turn golden brown. Serve hot with mint chutney.
To Conclude
Hence, this was somewhat about what Vijay Ekadashi is. To observe this fast, follow the guidelines carefully to attain the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu. Fasting always helps cleanse the soul and renew the body to connect with the high divine, so keep it carefully, following all the rituals rightly.
