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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: Shri Ram on the Seashore
Shri Ram was on the seashore to go to Lanka. Worried about the way, he asked Sage Vakadalbhya for a remedy.
Part 2: The Sage's Remedy
The sage told him to keep the vrat of Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi and to worship with a kalash holding seven kinds of grain.
Part 3: Victory
According to the katha, Shri Ram kept the vrat by the method and later built a bridge over the ocean and won victory over Lanka. From that time it is called Vijaya Ekadashi.
Thus ends the complete Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• When: Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi
• Fast: Fruit diet or according to capacity
• Parana: On Dwadashi after sunrise
• Main lesson: Firm resolve and patience
Introduction and significance
The Ekadashi vrat is kept on the eleventh tithi of every paksha for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Vijaya means the one who gives victory. There is a tradition of keeping this vrat with faith before beginning a difficult task.
The vrat is regarded less as strict rules than as a practice of restraint, good conduct and devotion.
When it is observed
• Phalguna Krishna 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: Phalguna Krishna 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: What is the importance of the kalash in Vijaya Ekadashi?
A: The katha mentions installing a kalash before crossing the ocean, which is why a kalash is kept in tradition.
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.