Vijaya Ekadasi is a significant fasting day in the Vaisnava calendar. It falls on the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February-March). Lord Sri Krishna describes the significance of observing this fast, stating that it leads to success in this life and the next and eradicates all sins. Narada Muni also inquires about the merits of observing Vijaya Ekadasi, to which Lord Brahma responds that it is the oldest of fasting days, pure, and nullifies all sins. The fast bestows victory, as indicated by its name.
The history of Vijaya Ekadasi is narrated, involving Lord Rama's search for Sita, his friendship with Sugriva, and Hanuman's assistance in finding Sita in Sri Lanka. The sage Bakadalbhya instructs Rama to observe the fast properly, which involves creating a water pot, decorating it, and worshipping it with various offerings. Following these rituals ensures victory over all obstacles.
The text concludes with Lord Sri Krishna stating that anyone who reads or hears this history will attain great merit, equivalent to performing a horse sacrifice in ancient times. The stories have been summarized and adapted from the book "Ekadasi: The Day of Lord Hari 1986" by HH Krishna Balaram Swami. (Vaisnava Calendar)
“Vijaya Ekadasi - ISKCON / Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services.” ISKCON / Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services, 8 Aug. 2011, www.vaisnavacalendar.info/i/fasting-for-vijaya-ekadasi.html.
Rules for Fasting and Miscellania
Vaisnava Calendar. www.purebhakti.com/resources/vaisnava-calendar.
Bhagavat Dharma Samaj, Est. 1990. “Vijayā Ekādaśī Vrataṁ – Phālguna-kṛṣṇa Pakṣa – Bhagavat Dharma Samaj | Est. 1990.” Bhagavat Dharma Samaj | Est. 1990, 29 Dec. 2023, www.krsna.org/event/vijaya-ekadasi-vrata%E1%B9%81-k%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a-pak%E1%B9%A3a.
Bhagavat Dharma Samaj, Est. 1990. “Ekadasi, the Day of Lord Hari; Bhagavat Dharma Samaj | Est. 1990.” Bhagavat Dharma Samaj | Est. 1990, 29 Jan. 2024, www.krsna.org/product/ekadasi-the-day-of-lord-hari.
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