According to the Hindu calendar, Jaya Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) in the month of Magha during Shukla Paksha. As per the Gregorian calendar, the eve of Jaya Ekadashi happens in the period from January to mid-February and is celebrated to worship Lord Vishnu.
Fasting on this Hindu date is thought to cleanse followers of all their sins, both past, and present, according to Hindu mythology and religious tradition. Feeding the underprivileged and worshipping Lord Vishnu are essential aspects of this celebration since they bring good fortune and happiness to the followers.
Jaya Ekadashi 2023 Date
Wednesday, 01 February 2023
Rituals of Jaya Ekadashi
- After sunrise on ‘Dwadashi,’ the day after Jaya Ekadashi, the fasting period ends. Some devotees begin their fast on the tenth day, eating only “saatvik food” before sundown. On this day, you shouldn’t eat any cereals, legumes, or grains like rice or lentils.
- Worshippers of Lord Vishnu rise before daybreak, take a bath in preparation for the Brahma Muhurta puja and then adore him. Mata Ekadashi is worshipped and prayed to after the morning’s rites have been performed.
- To appease the gods and secure their favor, a special bhog is cooked. On this day, it is highly beneficial to recite Vedic mantras and devotional songs.
- Any good deed performed on this day has a greater chance of success, thus devotees should use the day to aid the impoverished and disadvantaged as well. As they are able, devotees can give monetary contributions, food, clothing, and other necessities.
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Many sages, gods, and deities were reportedly present at a festival held at Nandanvan in ancient times, as described in Hindu texts. At the event, the Gandharva sang, and the Gandharva girls danced. Malyavan was a Gandharva, and he was the greatest vocalist of all time. Pushyavati was a Gandharva dancer who, upon seeing Malyavan, went completely insane.
When Malyavan also observed Pushyavati’s dance, he also lost his concentration from his singing and therefore lost the beat. An enraged Lord Indra saw this and cursed them both to become vampires and cast them out of paradise. As a result of the curse, they both descended to Earth and settled in the jungles near the Himalayas.
He was suffering from the consequences of his actions and felt guilty about them. It was the Magha month’s Ekadashi day on Shukla Paksha, and he had only eaten once that day. They spent the night praying and fasting since it was too chilly to sleep. By daybreak, both were no longer with us. As a result of unwittingly fasting on Ekadashi and chanting the Lord’s name, he was transported to the heavenly realms.
Lord Indra, taken aback by his appearance, enquired how he had been able to overcome the curse. He then went on to explain all that had happened and how delighted Lord Vishnu was with him for keeping the Ekadashi fast. It was on this day that Lord Vishnu miraculously lifted the curse, and ever since then, it has been recognized as Jaya Ekadashi to commemorate his liberation.
Significance of Jaya Ekadashi Fast
Several Hindu scriptures, including the Bhavyottara Purana and the Padma Purana, recount a discourse between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira, in which they discuss the importance of Jaya Ekadashi.
The significance of the holiday is comparable to that of other holy days, on which believers gain merit via selfless deeds. Lords Brahma, Mahesh, and Vishnu benefit from your fasting efforts on this day. Therefore, the devotees receive heavenly favor if the fast is maintained with the utmost seriousness.
