"The name of the Ekadashi that falls in the bright fortnight of Magha month is 'Jaya'. It is an excellent day for dispelling all sins. It is considered a sacred day that destroys sins and bestows enjoyment and liberation upon humanity. Learn about the significance and worship procedure of this day."

Writer:- Ruchi Tewari

Jaya Ekadashi

"The significance of ‘Jaya’ Ekadashi in the month of Magha during the bright fortnight; (Between January and February)

Yudhishthira asked, "Lord! please tell me which Ekadashi falls in bright fortnight? What is the procedure for it, and which deity is worshipped during it?"

Lord Shri Krishna said, "O king! Listen, I will tell you. The Ekadashi which falls in the month of Magha during the bright fortnight is called Jaya. It is an excellent date that destroys all sins. It is pure and destroys all sins and gives humans both enjoyment and salvation. Not only that, it destroys sins like Brahma-hatya (slaughter) and possession by evil spirits. Therefore, O king, one should observe the fast of Jaya Ekadashi with effort, so that one never has to suffer the fate of being a ghost."

"The story of Jaya Ekadashi fast-

Once upon a time, Devraj Indra ruled in the heavenly realm. The divine beings were enjoying their time in the Nandan forest, which was filled with the Parijat tree (night jashmine) and the apsaras. Devraj Indra arranged a grand dance celebration, where fifty crore Gandharvas led(A being in the intermediate state between death and rebirth) by Pushpadant, Chitrasen, and his son were singing and dancing. Chitrasen's wife's name was Malini, and she gave birth to a girl who was famous as Pushpavanti. Pushpadant was a son of a Gandharva, whom people called Malyavan. Malyavan was highly infatuated with Pushpavanti's beauty. Both came to dance at Indra's behest, but due to their mutual attraction, they were overwhelmed and could not sing pure songs. Indra was offended and angry, so he cursed them and said, "Oh fools! You are shameful! You are sinners and disobeying my orders. Therefore, become a demon couple and live together." "Indra's curse caused great distress to both of them. They went to the Himalayan mountains and suffered terrible pain upon encountering the demons. Afflicted by the physical heat produced by sin, both continued to wander amidst the mountain peaks. One day, the demon said to his wife, 'What sin have we committed to deserve this demonic birth? The torment of hell is extremely terrible, and the demonic birth is also very painful. Therefore, we should make every effort to avoid sin.'" "They were both drying up due to the cause of their sorrow, being completely absorbed in thought. Through divine intervention, they received the auspicious eleventh day of the Magha month, which is renowned as the Jaya Date, the best among all Dates. On that day, they gave up all kinds of food and did not even drink water. They did not cause harm to any living being and did not even eat fruit. Continuously engrossed in sorrow, they sat near a (Ficus religioso) Peepal tree. Sunset arrived, and the dreadful night that takes away one's breath arrived. They could not sleep, nor could they experience any other pleasure. Sunrise occurred, and the twelfth day arrived. They successfully observed the excellent Jaya Fast through the grace of Lord Vishnu's power and the support of the vampire. They even kept vigil during the night. Due to the influence of the fast and Lord Vishnu's power, their vampire’s nature was eradicated. The forest became full of flowers and garlands as before, and the old affection resurfaced in their hearts. Their bodies were already adorned with decorations. They assumed enchanting forms and boarded an airplane, flying to heaven. They met Devraj Indra and greeted him with great happiness. Indra was amazed to see them in this form." He asked, "Tell me, by the influence of what merit both of you were freed from your demoniac form? You had received my curse, so which deity has given you liberation from it?"

Malwana replied, "My lord! It is by the grace of Lord Vasudeva and the observance of the Ekadashi fast named 'Jaya' that our demoniac state has been eliminated."

Indra said, "Now both of you should follow my command. Those who are dedicated to the observance of Ekadashi fast and surrender to Lord Shri Krishna are also worthy of our worship."

Lord Shri Krishna says, "O King! Therefore, one should observe the Ekadashi fast. O best among kings! The observance of 'Jaya' Ekadashi also absolves one from the sin of Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin). One who observes this fast and gives all kinds of donations and performs all kinds of yajnas receives the fruits of an Agnistoma yajna just by reading or hearing its significance.

Worship method of Jaya Ekadashi

The sage said, "Listen Rajendra! I will tell you the auspicious rituals of this fast. On the auspicious day of the tenth day of the waxing moon of magh month, take a holy bath in the morning with a focused mind, accompanied by devotion, and perform the daily rituals of Ekadashi. Then have a meal at once with a focused mind at noon and sleep on the ground at night. When dawn breaks on the day of Ekadashi, take a holy bath and observe the fast with devotion, reciting the following mantra:

"Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogavivarjitah

Shavo bhoksye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavachyuta"

"O lotus-eyed Lord Narayana, today I will abstain from all food and tomorrow I will break my fast. O Achyuta, please protect me." Following these rules, for the happiness of the ancestors, perform prayer ceremony for your ancestors (Shraddh) in front of a Shaligram stone with devotion to appease your ancestors in the noon time, and serve food to Brahmins as a donation from the south. After serving the otherworldly Pindas to your ancestors and having the learned man feed cow with it, worship Lord Hari Kesha with incense, sandalwood paste, and other offerings at night, and stay awake near him. On the day of Dwadashi, after performing puja with devotion, have a meal with your brothers, relatives, and sons in silence. Rajan!

Verified from Puran................

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About this Article

Discover the significance, mythological story, and worship method of Jaya Ekadashi Vrat, which removes sins and grants salvation and prosperity.