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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: Malyavan and Pushpavati
In Indra's court the Gandharva Malyavan and the apsara Pushpavati were singing and dancing. Both, infatuated with each other, forgot the rhythm and the tune.
Part 2: Indra's Curse
In anger Indra cursed them to go into the pishacha birth. They began to live in suffering on the Himalaya.
Part 3: A Vrat Done Unknowingly
On Magha Shukla Ekadashi they unknowingly ended up fasting and keeping a vigil. By this merit they were freed from the curse and returned to heaven. Lord Vishnu said that whoever keeps this vrat with faith is freed from fear.
Thus ends the complete Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• When: Magha Shukla Ekadashi
• Fast: Fruit diet or according to capacity
• Parana: On Dwadashi after sunrise
• Main lesson: Freedom from a curse and faith
Introduction and significance
The Ekadashi vrat is kept on the eleventh tithi of every paksha for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Jaya Ekadashi is also called Bhishma Ekadashi. It is believed that this vrat removes the fear of birth as a ghost or spirit.
The vrat is regarded less as strict rules than as a practice of restraint, good conduct and devotion.
When it is observed
• Magha Shukla Ekadashi.
• See the Panchang for the tithi and the parana time.
Puja samagri
• An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu
• Yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, akshat
• Incense, lamp, panchamrit
• Fruit and sweets
Vrat vidhi
1. Take sattvik food on Dashami and make the resolve for Ekadashi in your mind.
2. On the morning of Ekadashi bathe and worship Vishnu Ji, offering tulsi and yellow flowers.
3. Chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.
4. Listen to the katha and perform the aarti.
5. Keep a fruit diet or fast according to capacity through the day and do bhajan.
6. On Dwadashi do the parana after sunrise and give charity to someone in need.
Do's
• Stay sattvik and do bhajan-kirtan.
• Offer water to tulsi.
• Give charity and do service.
• Follow the parana time.
Don'ts
• Avoid grain and rice (tradition).
• Avoid anger, slander and lies.
• Do not eat tamasic food.
Benefits (as believed)
It is believed that the Ekadashi vrat helps in purifying the mind and in restraint. Do not take it as a guarantee of any result; faith and good conduct are the main thing.
Mantras and aarti
• Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
• Aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-jagdish-hare
• Vishnu Sahasranama: https://divyavani.app/stotra/vishnu-sahasranama
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does this Ekadashi come?
A: Magha Shukla Ekadashi. See the Panchang for the tithi.
Q: What can one eat during the vrat?
A: Fruit, milk, sabudana, kuttu and water chestnut. Avoid grain and rice. Keep the fast only according to your health.
Q: When should the parana be done?
A: On the Dwadashi tithi after sunrise, within the parana time given in the Panchang.
Q: Can everyone keep this vrat?
A: Yes, anyone can keep it with faith. The sick, the elderly and pregnant women should keep it on a doctor's advice.
Q: Why is Jaya Ekadashi called Bhishma Ekadashi?
A: In some traditions this tithi is linked with Bhishma Pitamah. The names change by region.
Precautions
Take care of your health while fasting and consult a doctor if needed. This katha is a retelling of a traditional story. The method and the form of the katha differ by region.