Vijaya Ekadashi

Yudhishthira asked, "Lord Vasudeva, in the Krishna Paksha of the Falgun month, which Ekadashi is celebrated? Please tell me."

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "Yudhishthira, once Narada Ji asked Lord Brahma, who was seated on a lotus throne, Surashreshtha (the best among the gods), to describe the significance of the Ekadashi named 'Vijaya' that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Falgun month."

The story of Ekadashi :

Brahma said, "Listen! I tell you an excellent story, which will remove sins. This fast is very ancient, sacred and destroyer of sins. This Ekadashi named Vijaya grants victory to the kings. It is also known as Vaishnav Vijaya Ekadashi. There is not the slightest doubt about this.

It is a matter of past times. Once, Lord Sri Ramachandra went to the forest for fourteen years, along with Sita and Lakshman. They resided in the Panchavati grove. During their stay there, Ravana, driven by his fickleness, abducted Sita, the devoted wife of Lord Rama. This sorrow left Lord Rama deeply perturbed. In search of Sita, he wandered through the forest. He encountered Jatayu, whose life had come to an end. Following this, he killed the demon named Kabandha, who resided within the forest. Later, he formed a friendship with Sugriva.

Subsequently, with Sugriva's help, an army of monkeys was gathered. Hanuman went to Lanka's garden, where he had the vision of Sita and received Lord Rama's signet ring as a token. Returning from there, he met Lord Ramachandra and conveyed all the information about Lanka to him. Upon hearing Hanuman's account, Lord Rama obtained Sugriva's permission and contemplated leaving for Lanka. Arriving at the seashore, he instructed Lakshman, "O son of Sumitra, with what virtue can we cross this ocean?"

Lakshman said, "Oh, King! You are the original deity, the supreme among beings, and the Purushottama. What can be hidden from you? Just half a league away from here is the hermitage of sage Bakadalbhya. Seek the solution from him."

Impressed by Lakshman's eloquence, Lord Sri Ramachandra went to meet the great sage Bakadalbhya. Upon arriving, they bowed their heads in reverence to the sage. Recognizing Lord Rama instantly, the sage understood that this was Lord Ramachandra, the Purushottama, who had incarnated in a human form for a certain reason. Bakadalbhya said, "Shri Ram! How did you come here? Please tell me."

Lord Rama replied, "Brahmin sage! By your grace, I have come with an army, including the vanaras, to conquer Lanka along with the demons. Now, please reveal the method by which we can cross this ocean. Bless me with your guidance."

Bakadalbhya spoke, "Shri Ram! During the dark fortnight of the month of Falgun, there is an Ekadashi called 'Vijaya'. Observing its fast will ensure your victory. Without a doubt, you will be able to cross the ocean with your vanara army. O King, Brahma has said that by following this method, you shall certainly be victorious. Upon hearing this, Lord Rama observed the Vijaya Ekadashi fast as per the sage's instructions. As a result, Lord Rama achieved victory. He defeated Ravana in battle, conquered Lanka, and obtained Sita. Those who observe this fast in the prescribed manner attain victory in this world and eternal glory in the afterlife."

Now, let me explain the beneficial method of observing this fast. On the day of the Ekadashi, establish a kalash (ritual pot). The kalash can be made of gold, silver, copper, or even clay. Fill the kalash with water and place tender leaves inside it. Then, install a golden idol or image of Lord Narayana on top of the kalash. On the morning of Ekadashi day, take a bath and place the kalash in a stable position. Keep grains and barley on top of the kalash. Perform worship with sandalwood paste, incense, lamps, and various types of offerings.

Sit in front of the kalash and spend the entire day engaged in reciting and listening to divine stories and discourses. Also, stay awake during the night and continue the vigil. Light a ghee lamp. On the Dwadashi day, when the sun rises, take the kalash to the bank of a river and perform its proper worship. Then, along with an image of a deity, donate the kalash to a knowledgeable Brahmin as per the prescribed rituals. Your majesty, alongside the kalash, it's also recommended to give significant donations and charities.

This way, by following the rituals mentioned above and observing the Vijaya Ekadashi fast with devotion, you can attain victory and prosperity in this world as well as everlasting blessings in the divine realms.

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

Vijaya Ekadashi

The Ekadashi occurring in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of the Falgun month is known as Vijaya Ekadashi or Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi. This fast is very ancient, sacred, and capable of dispelling sins. It symbolizes the victory of kings.

Vijaya Ekadashi

The story of Ekadashi :

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