Significance And Rituals Of Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi occurs during the waning phase of the moon in Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar; and this year it is to fall on 22^nd February. The significance and prominence of this Ekadashi is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. King Yudhishtira was seen to ask Lord Krishna about the significance of this remarkable Ekadashi, and also Lord Brahma was seen to give the same understanding to Narada. They both taught the same thing that Vijaya Ekadashi is the greatest of all the Ekadashis observed throughout the year, and observing fast on this day and worshipping Lord Vishnu brings great benefits.

Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi

The legend of Vijaya Ekadashi is related to Lord Rama. As per the legend, when Lord Rama was heading towards Lanka to free Sita from the abduction of Ravana, he confronted a huge sea and didn’t know how he would cross the water. It was Lakshmana who then took him to Sage Bakadalabhya, who advised Lord Rama to observe a fast, and told him that observing this fast will help him to be victorious over the evil powers of Ravana. Thus, Lord Rama observed the fast and successfully rescued his wife Sita. Ever since, the Vijaya Ekadashi fast is observed by devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu with tremendous zeal, faith and enthusiasm. It is believed that this fast helps to remove all guilt associated with sins committed in the past and also helps in attaining victory by removing all obstacles.

How to observe Vijaya Ekadashi?

The Vijaya Ekadashi fast is observed just like any other Ekadashi fast by following the same rules, customs and rituals. Devotees are required to fast for 24 hours, wherein they are allowed to eat only one meal in the entire day. They are refrained from consuming grains, rice and honey. Fruits, vegetable, nuts and milk products can be consumed. The fast begins from the night before Ekadashi and is broken on the morning after Ekadashi, after praying to Lord Vishnu and lighting a lamp.

Why should you observe Vijaya Ekadashi?

There are many incidents and qualities of Lord Rama’s life that inspire devotees to learn how to lead a life. And, this should be just one of them. Lord Rama had observed this fast to defeat the demon Ravana. Similarly, we must observe this fast to defeat the demons sitting within our mind, which are lust, greed, anger, ego, attachment and fear of death. We need to overcome these demons to attain peace and joy in our life, and salvation after death. Observing Vijaya Ekadashi and performing all the rituals in the right way is one step in helping  you achieve all of this and success in every phase of life. There are many other rituals, customs and Pujas that Hindus can perform to get rid of worldly problems and attain peace and success in life. For any kind of Puja or assistance regarding what kind of Puja you must perform for your individual benefit, you can get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you.

Website: https://www.makemypuja.com/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makemypuja/

Vijaya Ekadashi

Lord Vishnu is one of the most significant Gods worshipped by the Hindus during Magha Maas that falls between January-February every year. People take dips during early mornings in the holy river of Ganga during these months, and especially on Magha Purnima. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in this holy river during this auspicious time and blesses all those who bathe there to get rid of their sins. After Magha Purnima comes Vijaya Ekadashi, another auspicious day when Lord Vishnu is worshipped. Vijaya Ekadashi as known in North India is known as Pankoddhar Ekadashi in Orissa, Mukkoti Ekadashi in Andhra Pradesh, and Baikuntha Ekadashi in South India.

Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the day of the waning phase of the moon in Krishna Paksha; and this year it is to fall on 22^nd February. Millions of Hindus fast on this day to please Lord Vishnu. It is believed that those who perform Vijaya Ekadashi can overcome their fears and conquer their senses. It strengthens individuals to overcome any kinds of difficulties. It is also believed that those who fast on this day are blessed to enter Vishnulok – the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi

It is believed that Lord Rama, before marching towards Lanka with his 'vaanar sena', observed this Vijaya Ekadashi fast. When Lord Rama could see no means to cross the mighty ocean to reach Lanka, he began praying and decided to observe fast, as advised by sage Bakadalabhya. The sage also told Lord Rama that his fast would be a source of inspiration for millions of Vishnu devotees, and that his victory will be for sure. Also, in Skanda Purana, Lord Brahma narrated to sage Narada the importance of fasting and praying on Vijaya Ekadashi.

How to perform Vijaya Ekadashi?

Vijaya Ekadashi is to be strictly followed for 24 hours. Devotees are advised to take bath with coconut oil and turmeric. People take bath in the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Padma and Mahanadi early morning on this day to begin their fast. Fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the other 23 Ekadashis of the Hindu calendar. This fasting liberates an individual from the cycle of birth and death. Due to this, it is also known as Mokshadeyi Ekadashi. Devotees chant the Gayatri Mantra and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Lamps of ghee are lit. The Vishnu Sahashranama is recited. Fasting includes abstinence from evil actions, bad thoughts and worldly pursuits. Brahmins are offered food and alms to get rid of past sins. Devotees who observe this fast are only allowed to consume fruits, nuts and milk on this day. Also, chick peas and jaggery are allowed. The fast is broken at dawn by consuming cereal and jaggery.

Vijaya Ekadashi ensures purity of mind, body and soul in various ways. If you are looking for such kind of peace and purity in life, you must also perform this fasting and prayer. Not only Lord Vishnu, but whichever God and Goddess you worship and whichever kind of Puja you are looking for, you can always rely on MakeMyPuja to help you with any kind of assistance. You can also hire MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you perform all sorts of Pujas in the most appropriate manner to help bring the best outcomes.

Website: https://www.makemypuja.com/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makemypuja/