Vijaya Ekadashi Vrata

What is an Ekadashi?
In Sanskrit, Ekadashi means the eleventh day. Let me bring the lunar manifestation of the calendar where a month is composed of two fortnights, waxing and waning moon. Each of these fortnights has one Ekadashi on their part, one is the Krishna paksha Ekadashi and another is Sukla Paksha Ekadashi. Bhagwat Geeta narrates the words of Krishna to Arjuna about the importance of these Ekadashi and their significance in the spiritual awakening and purification of souls.

जयं ददाति विजयं नृणा चैव न संशयस् ।
पुरातनं व्रतं ह्येतत् पवित्र पापनाशनम् ।।

This Ekadashi calls for the worship of all living beings on earth as well as the special demand for basil leaves. On this Ekadashi, which showers the grace of Shri Hari of Golok Dham, those who fast, eat only fruits, and do kirtan devotion are determined to achieve victory.

Normally Ekadashi fast is observed for one day however ancient scriptures states that Ekadashi fast spans for three days. On the tenth day (Dashami), a day before fast devotees obtain a singular meal during afternoon hours to ensure that there will be no residual food particulars in the body. On Ekadashi, fast is observed and the food shall be obtained only after the sunrise on the twelfth day (Dwadashi).

Bijaya Ekadashi from Ramayana and Mahabharat anecdotes
Upon the question of Yudhistira Krishna elaborates on the importance of Vijaya Ekadashi. Whoever observes the fast of this auspicious Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna, certainly achieves success in this life and next. Vijaya means victory and this Ekadashi empowers the one to gain victory against all external and internal factors and distractions. This Ekadashi is mentioned in Skanda Purana and in Ramayana, Lord Rama was in distress in finding a way to cross the ocean and reach Sita. Unaware of his further route towards Sri Lanka, Lord Rama was prescribed to observe this fast by Saint Balada vaya. Lord Rama is the first one to observe the fasting of this Ekadashi. Devotees wake up early, perform the bathing rituals and worship Lord Vishnu by chanting Vishnu Sahastranam.

Lord Krishna elaborates on the importance of this Ekadashi to Yudhistira and a similar elaboration is done by Lord Bramha to Narad Muni. May all be happy and sustain their smiles, may peace prevail.

- Suyog Dhakal