About Vijaya Ekadashi:
Ekadashi (eleventh day) in the lunar month of Magh is known as Vijaya Ekadashi because it occurs during Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the Lunar cycle. Vijaya Ekadashi is observed in the month of Phalguna by people who follow the Purnimant calendar. It’s interesting that the date stays the same even though the months have different names.
Similar to how Jaya Ekadashi honours one of Lord Vishnu’s Vaikuntha’s doorkeepers, Vijaya Ekadashi celebrates one of the day’s namesakes (heavenly abode). The Ekadashi fast is kept by devotees, and it is traditionally from the evening of the Dashami Tithi to the morning of the Dwadashi Tithi. This year Vijaya Ekadashi will be observed on 16th February 2023, Thursday.
What is The Significance Of Vijaya Ekadashi?
Vijaya Ekadashi, as its name suggests, is a day that celebrates success (Vijaya in Sanskrit is victory). Those who want Lord Vishnu’s favour and success in life should follow this vrat. In addition, this is the day that allows genuine seekers to shed their past selves and become new people. Vijaya, interestingly, is one of the dwarpalas (gatekeepers) of Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode, Vaikuntha. Vaikuntha is protected by him and his brother, Jaya. The Ekadashi Vrat is a Hindu religious fast in which followers make offerings to Lord Vishnu in exchange for a happy and prosperous life on Earth. Also, they hope to guarantee themselves a spot in Vaikuntha Dham after their time here on Earth is done.
Therefore, redemption from the cycle of birth, life, and death, known as Moksha, is the primary motivation for following the Ekadashi vrat, which can only be achieved by the purging of one’s sins. For this reason, the spiritual meaning of the Ekadashi Vrat stresses the importance of mental and spiritual purification and freedom from the consequences of sin.
Rituals And Rules For Vijaya Ekadashi:
The health risks of prolonged fasting are well-documented. As a result, it is important to take stock of your health before beginning the vrat. If you are currently receiving treatment or taking medication, it is very important that you speak with your doctor to minimize any unwanted side effects. If you are otherwise healthy and physically able, however, you can observe the vrat.
- Ekadashi Tithi calls for an early rise (ideally during Brahma Muhurat – roughly two hours before sunrise).
- Put on clean clothes and get a head start on your morning shower.
- In preparation for meditation (Dhyana) and the subsequent Sankalpa (a conscious decision to connect one’s mind with the divine), relax and breathe deeply. It’s also important to make a commitment to the vrat’s observance.
- If you are going to be fasting, you should be celibate.
- The following foods should be avoided at all costs: onions, garlic, beef, rice, wheat, lentils, and beans.
- Avoid both alcohol and smoking at all costs.
- Fruits, milk, sabudana khichdi, vada, kuttu, singhare ki puri, paratha, etc., are all acceptable options. Picking the right vrat recipes will help you get the rest your digestive system needs while also providing it with the nutrients it needs.
- Give necessities to those in need.
- Daily recitation of the “OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” mantra.
After doing your puja on Ekadashi Tithi, it is recommended that you read the Vishnu Sahasranam (hymns to Vishnu) and the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Vrat katha For Vijaya Ekadashi:
On Vijaya Ekadashi, fasting is a time-honored tradition. In the Treta Yug, when Maryada Purushottam Shri Ramchandra was in exile for 14 years, and Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, the events of the Vijay Ekadashi Vrat Katha took place (Lanka king). Ram and Lakshman reached the shore while looking for Sita, but they were unable to go to Lanka. Therefore, Sage Vakdalabhya suggested Ram observe a fast on the Falgun Krishna Paksha’s Vijaya Ekadashi in order to appease Lord Sea. In accordance with the sage’s counsel, Ram fasted on Vijaya Ekadashi and then defeated Lanka, bringing Sita back to safety.
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