Vijaya Ekadashi is one of the most observed and celebrated fasting days in Hinduism. Ekadashi fasting originates from attempting to get closer to Lord Vishnu. Though there are many Ekadashis, this particular ‘Ekadashi tithi is believed to hold the most fasting significance. In 2025, Vijaya Ekadashi will be observed on February 24, which is a Wednesday. This fasting day is marked by complete fasting, daily prayers, and worship of Lord Vishnu seeking His blessings for victory, prosperity, and spiritual development.
Vijaya Ekadashi Puja Importance
Vijaya Ekadashi is special and perhaps so because it is supposed to offer the best results out of obliterating barriers and obstacles in one’s life. Just like in Hindu lore, even Rama used to fast for Vijaya Ekadashi. He believed fasting on this day would bring about supremacy over Ravana when he sails to Lanka. As the term “Vijaya” refers to victory, people say this “Ekadashi” brings resolve to all personal and professional battles.
What Is the Reason Behind the Fasting of Vijaya Ekadashi?
- To Achieve Success—Devotees of Lord Vishnu fast to seek success in all their work areas.
- For Progress in Life—This particular Ekadashi helps in gaining peace of mind and in receiving godly grace.
- To Remove Past Bad Deeds—Fasting on this day is said to cleanse away past wrong deeds and grant moksha.
- To Promote Overall Well-being—Howbeit, most followers adopt fasting in this tradition for better physical and mental health.
- To Overcome Obstacles: It is said that Vijaya Ekadashi is of great assistance in overcoming challenges in life.
Upavaasa Vidhis (Puja Vidhi) on Vijaya Ekadashi is as follows:
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Early Rising and Bathing
- Devotees wake up before dawn and have a bath.
- If possible, many people also go for a dip in a sacred lake.
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Sankalp (Vow for fasting)
- A vow is taken before Lord Vishnu promising that a fast will be kept in all earnestness.
- Vishnu is offered a prayer for success, tranquility, and the cessation of obstacles.
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Pooja for Lord Vishnu
- A clean altar is prepared with an image or statue of Lord Vishnu.
- Lamps, incense sticks, fruit, flowers, and Tulsi leaves are placed on the altar.
- Chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or saying the Vishnu Sahasranama is beneficial.
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Deregulated Feeding (Upavas)
- From the next day’s sunrise to the one after, a fast is kept without feeding for the entire duration.
- Some devotees observe a Nirjala fast (no food and liquid), while others take fruit, milk, and water.
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Listening or Reading Vijay Ekadashi Katha
To gain value through listening to the Vijaya Ekadashi Katha, the story should either be read or it should be listened to.
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Night Vigil (Jagran) and Bhajan Kirtan
A lot of devotees keep chanting Lord Vishnu’s name while singing bhajans throughout the night.
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Breaking the Fast (Parana)
- The fast is broken on Dvadashi Tithi (the next day after dawn) with Satvik food.
- Offering a meal to the Brahmins or giving something to eat to someone hungry is said to be extremely beneficial.
Vijaya Ekadashi Fasting Benefits
The Vijaya Ekadashi fast is quite different from most other fasts and has its own set of physical and mental benefits.
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Spiritual Benefits
It is said that it helps devotees attain Moksha (liberation).
- Cleanses negative karma and all past sins.
- Increases inner devotion and peace.
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Health Benefits
- Fasting helps in the cleansing of the body and digestion.
- Aids in weight loss and strengthens the immune system.
- Encourages reduction of stress and enhances mental clarity.
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Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Creates a feeling of self-control and discipline.
- Fosters a strong concentration and focus.
- Helps in managing violence and anxiety.
What to Avoid on Vijaya Ekadashi?
To properly observe Vijaya Ekadashi, the devotees must refrain from:
- Breaking their fast with non-vegetarian dishes that contain onions, garlic, and the like.
- Engaging in any harmful thoughts and actions, such as arguing or fighting.
- Deceitfully talking negatively about or to other people, or simply lying.
Conclusion
Vijaya Ekadashi remembers and worships Lord Vishnu, and for this reason, it is a day of great blessings for success, uplifting spirituality, and so much more. Failing to undertake this Ekadashi with the needed devotion ensures loss in many parts of life, including personal, professional, and spiritual. Devotees looking for success in their endeavors, peace, or blessings have another chance to clear their minds and souls on this day.
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