Yudhishthira asked: “O Vasudeva! What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month (or Magha month according to Gujarat and Maharashtra)? What is the procedure for observing its fast? Please kindly explain.“
Lord Shri Krishna said: “Yudhishthira! Once, Narada Ji asked Lord Brahma about the merits of observing the ‘Vijaya Ekadashi’ fast. Vijaya Ekadashi is also known as “Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi” because it falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month. Lord Brahma then narrated a story and the procedure of this fast to him. Listen carefully:
Lord Brahma said: ‘Narada! This fast is very ancient, sacred, and capable of destroying sins. It undoubtedly grants victory to kings.
During the Treta Yuga, when Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram reached the seashore with the intention of attacking Lanka, he could not find a way to cross the ocean. He asked Lakshmana: “Son of Sumitra! By what means can we cross this vast ocean? It is extremely deep and filled with fearsome aquatic creatures. I see no easy way to cross it.”
Lakshmana replied: “O Lord! You are the eternal Supreme Being and the greatest of all. What is hidden from You? However, about half a yojana from here, in Kumari Dweep, resides a sage named Bakadalbhya. Please go to that ancient sage and seek his guidance on this matter.”
Shri Ram then went to the hermitage of the great sage Bakadalbhya and offered his salutations. The sage, pleased, inquired about the purpose of his visit.
Shri Ram replied: “O Brahman! I have come here with my army to wage war on Lanka. O Sage! Please guide me on how I can cross this vast ocean.”
The sage Bakadalbhya said: “O Shri Ram! The ‘Vijaya Ekadashi’ fast, which falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month, will ensure your victory. By observing this fast, you and your army will certainly be able to cross the ocean.”
O King! Now listen to the method of this highly rewarding fast:
On Dashami (the day before Ekadashi), establish a sacred pot (kalash) made of gold, silver, copper, or clay, fill it with water, and place fresh leaves in it. Then install a golden idol of Lord Narayana on top of the kalash.
On Ekadashi morning, take a holy bath and reinstall the kalash. Worship it with garlands, sandalwood, betel nuts, and coconuts. Place seven types of grains and barley on top of the kalash. Offer incense, lamps, and various types of food offerings. Spend the entire day listening to divine stories and engage in spiritual discussions. Stay awake throughout the night, keeping a lamp burning continuously for the success of the fast.
On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), at sunrise, take the kalash to a nearby water body (river, lake, or pond) and place it there. Perform a final ritualistic worship and donate the kalash along with the deity’s idol to a learned Brahmin. Additionally, offer other generous donations.
Shri Ram! If you and your commanders observe this fast with dedication, you will be victorious in battle.”
Lord Brahma continued: “Narada! Upon hearing this, Shri Ram observed the ‘Vijaya Ekadashi’ fast as instructed by the sage. By doing so, he achieved victory—he defeated Ravana in battle, conquered Lanka, and was reunited with Sita.
O dear one! Those who observe this fast as per the prescribed method attain victory in this world and secure an eternal place in the afterlife.
Lord Shri Krishna concluded: “Yudhishthira! Therefore, one must observe the Vijaya Ekadashi fast. Merely reading or listening to this sacred narration bestows the merit equivalent to performing a Vajapeya Yajna.”
When is the Ekadashi Date?
Vijaya Ekadashi falls on Monday, February 24, 2025.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: February 23, 2025, at 01:55 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: February 24, 2025, at 01:44 PM
- Parana (Breaking the Fast): February 25, 2025, between 07:05 AM and 09:24 AM
Some devotees observe a waterless fast (Nirjala Upvas), while others may consume fruits (Phalahar).
In the evening, a lamp should be lit near a Tulsi plant to maintain a flow of positive energy.
Next-day Parana: On Dwadashi Tithi, it is essential to offer food to Brahmins and donate to them before breaking the fast.
Why is Rice Not Eaten on Ekadashi?
On Ekadashi, rice is not consumed because it is believed that grains, especially rice, absorb negative energies and tamasic influences on this day. According to Hindu scriptures, Ekadashi is a highly sattvic (pure) day, and eating rice may increase laziness and hinder spiritual progress. Additionally, it is said that on Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu rests, and consuming grains is considered disrespectful to the sacred fasting tradition. Hence, devotees avoid rice and opt for sattvic foods like fruits, nuts, and dairy products.
Benefits of Fasting on Ekadashi
Spiritual Growth – Fasting on Ekadashi helps in spiritual purification, increases devotion, and brings one closer to Lord Vishnu.
Karma Cleansing – It is believed that observing Ekadashi fast helps wash away sins and negative karma from past lives.
Physical Detoxification – Avoiding heavy food gives the digestive system a break, helping in detoxification and better metabolism.
Mental Clarity – Fasting enhances focus, mental peace, and emotional balance by reducing stress and anxiety.
Energy Conservation – By consuming light sattvic food or observing a complete fast, the body conserves energy and promotes inner healing.
Self-Discipline – It teaches self-control, reduces cravings, and encourages a disciplined lifestyle.
Positive Vibrations – Fasting and engaging in prayers create a positive aura, attracting divine blessings.
Longevity & Health Benefits – Many believe that regular fasting on Ekadashi can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Observing Ekadashi with sincerity brings spiritual rewards, mental peace, and physical well-being.
Vijaya Ekadashi Worship Procedure
- Bathing and Purification: Wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and purify the place of worship with Ganga Jal (holy water).
- Lighting the Lamp: Light a lamp in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol or picture.
- Offerings: Offer sandalwood (chandan), flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, lamps, and fruits to Lord Vishnu.
- Chanting and Recitation: Recite Lord Vishnu’s mantras and chant the Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Lord Vishnu).
How to Break the Ekadashi Fast
The Ekadashi fast should be broken (Vrat Parana) on Dwadashi Tithi (the next day after Ekadashi) within the prescribed time(February 25, 2025, between 07:05 AM and 09:24 AM). Here’s the proper way to break the fast:
Check the Parana Time: The fast should be broken during the Dwadashi Tithi within the given time window. Delaying beyond this time is considered inauspicious.
Offer Prayers: Before breaking the fast, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and seek His blessings for spiritual and physical well-being.
Donate to Brahmins: It is considered auspicious to offer food, clothes, and donations to Brahmins or the needy before breaking the fast.
Break the Fast with Sattvic Food: Start by consuming Tulsi water, milk, or fruits, followed by a light meal consisting of satvik food like rice, moong dal, and vegetables (avoiding onion and garlic).
Avoid Heavy or Spicy Food: After fasting for a whole day, it is recommended to eat light food to allow the digestive system to adjust gradually.
By following this proper method of breaking the fast, devotees can attain spiritual merit (punya) and maintain the benefits of the Ekadashi vrat.
What to Do and What to Avoid on Ekadashi?
✅ Things to Do on Ekadashi:
- Observe Fasting (Vrat): Avoid grains and pulses; some devotees keep a complete nirjala (waterless) fast, while others observe a phalahar (fruit-based) fast.
- Wake Up Early: Take a holy bath and wear clean clothes.
- Worship Lord Vishnu: Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, sandalwood, fruits, incense, and lamps to Lord Vishnu.
- Chant Mantras & Recite Scriptures: Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, or any devotional prayers.
- Practice Meditation & Charity: Engage in spiritual activities like meditation, bhajans, and kirtans. Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy.
- Maintain Purity: Keep a sattvic (pure) mind and body by avoiding negative thoughts, anger, and gossip.
❌ Things to Avoid on Ekadashi:
- Do Not Eat Grains & Pulses: Avoid rice, wheat, lentils, and beans, as they are believed to absorb negative energies on this day.
- Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food & Onion-Garlic: Only sattvic food should be consumed if fasting is partial.
- No Alcohol, Tobacco, or Addictive Substances: These disturb mental peace and go against the spiritual essence of Ekadashi.
- Avoid Sleeping During the Day: It is believed that staying awake and engaging in devotional activities brings greater benefits.
- Do Not Lie, Gossip, or Hurt Others: One should practice truthfulness, kindness, and self-control.
- Avoid Cutting Hair & Nails: Many believe it is inauspicious to cut hair and nails on Ekadashi.
By following these do’s and don’ts, devotees can fully benefit from Ekadashi vrat and seek divine blessings from Lord Vishnu.