In the diverse land of India, you come across multiple events and festivals signifying the country’s glorious past. From mythological beliefs to religious scenarios, many days in a Hindu calendar are worth knowing! One such beautiful day is the day of Jaya Ekadashi. Did you know it falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon)? That’s when devotees gather and celebrate the day with utmost devotion and love.
Considering the Hindu scriptures, Jaya Ekadashi falls in the auspicious month of Magh. The sacred Hindu month generally falls between January and February. You get an opportunity to dedicate this divine day to spiritual practices and self-discipline. If you wish to visit different temples, it is best to book affordable Treebo hotels for a comfortable stay.
Jaya Ekadashi has different names from region to region. It is also known as Vrat Ekadashi, as females observe a fast (vart) on this day. Bhoomi Ekadashi is another name emphasising this day’s connection with the earth. As it falls in the month of Magh on the Shukla day, it is also known as Magha Shukla Ekadashi. The day falls close to the Bhishma Panchaka; hence it gets the name Bhishma Ekadashi too.
Jaya Ekadashi 2025: Dates and Timings To Know
For most Hindu festivals and important days, a panchang (Hindu calendar) is used. For the year 2025, Jaya Ekadashi Tithi (date) of Shukla Paksha of Magh month starts on 7th February at 9:26 pm. Jaya Ekadashi continues on 8th February till 8:15 pm. Considering the timings, devotees can worship the lord on the 8th of February. As per the timings, you need to start the fast from the 7th of February and consume food after 8:15 pm on the 8th of February.
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Most auspicious days dedicated to gods and goddesses have different stories attached to their significance. It is interesting that you get to discover the mythologies in multiple ways through simplistic celebrations. One such day is Jaya Ekadashi. According to the legend, this story begins in the heavenly abode. Gods and goddesses once resided in the beautiful forests and lush greenery of heaven. Everyone was dedicated to their roles and responsibilities towards maintaining the beauty of their home.
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Malyavan and Pushpavati’s Love
The heaven consisted of Gandharvas, who were great musicians and Apsaras, who were celestial dancers. Lord Indra was the king of the gods and he ruled the heavens. Once a grand celebration was organised where Gandharvas and Apsaras performed gracefully. Malyavan was one of the highly talented musicians who adored an Apsara named Pushpavati. While performing, he could not concentrate on his art and kept falling in love with Pushpavati. Both had eye-to-eye contact and they were lost in love.
Lord Indra’s Curse
Lord Indra’s court was all about peace and perfection. Due to their love, both artistic souls were distracted, leading to a massive disturbance in the performance. As soon as Lord Indra noticed the fault of the two performers, he was in a rage. They were out of focus, leading to a complete imbalance in dance and music. This incident infuriated Lord Indra and he cursed the two.
“You have disrespected this sacred gathering by indulging in desires. As punishment, you shall be banished from Swargaloka and fall into the mortal world, where you will take the form of terrible demons!”
Due to their lack of discipline and Lord Indra’s curse, Malyavan and Pushpavati lost their celestial forms. They lost everything they had. Did you know what happened next? They fell from heaven onto the forest grounds of the mortal world.
Malyavan and Pushpavati’s Life of Misery
According to the curse, Malyavan and Pushpavati turned into dangerous demons who led a miserable life. They did not have the basic facilities required for a healthy life. From the comfort of heaven, they wandered in the eerie forests filled with darkness. To add to their sadness, they did not have any food and suffered from hunger and thirst. They had to bear extreme weather conditions with no support from anyone. Living such a miserable life made them realise their mistake. They constantly missed being in their celestial forms and prayed for redemption. Despite being in the bodies of demons, all they longed for was their life back in the Swargalok.
Jaya Ekadashi: The Day That Changed Their Lives
As they roamed the forest, it happened to be the day of Jaya Ekadashi. It was the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magh. Interestingly, Pushpavati and Malyavan did not know its importance while wandering in the forests. On that specific day, they could not find any food or water.
Due to extreme hunger and thirst, they could not even sleep at night. The entire night they remembered their days in heaven and kept praying for relief from the vulnerable life in the forests. As the day was all about fasting, staying awake and praying to the lord, both unknowingly observed the Jaya Ekadashi vrat.
Lord Vishnu’s Grace and Liberation
It was the 12th day of Dwadashi when Lord Vishnu decided to appear in the forest. He was pleased by the unintentional fasting of Malyavan and Pushpavati. Their devotion and prayers made Lord Vishnu appear before them. It was the day of Jaya Ekadashi when their lives were changed. Lord Vishnu uttered his powerful words.
“Your suffering is now over. The power of Jaya Ekadashi has purified you. You are freed from Indra’s curse and you may now return to Swargaloka in your divine forms.”
Instantly after the blessing, Malyavan and Pushpavati lost their demon forms. They were transported back to heaven in their pure celestial bodies. As they ascended to heaven, they showcased utmost gratefulness to Lord Vishnu.
Significance of Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat is observed to please Lord Vishnu and gain his blessings on this auspicious day. It is also believe that observing fast on this day, even if it is unintentional, leads to purification of soul and heart. You get a great opportunity to eliminate sins by observing fast on this day.
As the day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is believed that anyone who observes fast on this day receives divine protection from him. You can even observe this fast if you wish to sincerely repent for your mistakes. As per the legend, a lot of celestial beings also observe the fast. Lastly, you can get rid of negative karmas and evil energies by observing this fast.
Important Rituals of Jaya Ekadashi
1. Preparations Before the Day
The rituals for Jaya Ekadashi begin a day before its date. Most devotees prepare simple vegetarian food without onion and garlic for this auspicious day. Devotees also engage in prayers to seek forgiveness from Lord Vishnu. Then comes the day of Jaya Ekadashi, which is the time for fasting.
Most devotees observe a Nirjala fast (waterless fasting). You can consume fruits, milk and nuts to gain the required nutrition for the day. Anything other than these food items is strictly prohibited. You can also opt for a partial fast where you can consume food once a day and then only eat fruits throughout the day.
2. Brahma Muhurat Prayers and Holy Bath
Some devotees in different parts of India also wake up in the Brahma muhurat (before sunrise). They take a holy bath in a river and then take a pledge before Lord Vishnu to observe the fast with devotion. This practice is called Sankalp. After the holy bath, devotees visit any Vishnu or Krishna temples to offer their prayers. They might also engage in bhajans and divine aartis for the day.
3. Pooja at Home
Worshipping Lord Vishnu at home is also a common practice among devotees. Along with temples, many devotees decorate their house temples and offer basil leaves to Lord Vishnu. Flowers, incense sticks and ghee lamps are generally used for doing the pooja. Devotees also offer bhog (food), including fresh fruits, sweets and coconuts.
Panchamrit (divine prasad) is also offered to the lord. It is a mixture of milk, curd, honey and sugar. After all the preparation of the pooja, the Jaya Ekadashi vrat katha of Malyavan and Pushpavati is recited in front of Lord Vishnu. Some devotees also chant Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu). This chanting is considered extremely auspicious and pleases the Lord. Some chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are also read on this day.
4. Jagran
After the temple visit and pooja, it’s time for Jagran. Jagran is staying awake throughout the night. Devotees gather in good numbers to sing bhajans (devotional songs) appreciating Lord Vishnu.
They also sing bhajans of Lord Krishna throughout the night. Many temples in different parts of the country organise special kirtans and spiritual gatherings to celebrate the occasion. The environment is filled with powerful and divine blessings of the lord.
5. Breaking the Fast
The next day is called Dwadashi tithi, which is the 12th lunar day for breaking the fast. The fast has to be broken only with Satvik food. You can eat fruits, nuts and a simple vegetarian meal. Many devotees engage in charity and donation, as it is considered auspicious. You can donate food, clothes or food to needy people. Some even donate money to Brahmins. Even feeding cows or other animals is considered divine on this day.
Temple Celebrations on Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi is observed with great devotion and reverence in famous temples of India. You can visit any of the Vishnu, Krishna or Narayana Temples, as the celebrations are all grand at these places of worship. The day is generally marked with special pooja and bhajans organised by the temple committee. Grand offerings by devotees can be seen on this day. One of the major celebrations includes Vishnu pooja and abhishekam. In this process, the main deity of the temple is bathed with sacred items like milk, honey, ghee and holy river water. The deity is then adorned with silk garments and flower garlands.
In small villages and other parts of the country, many temples organise the Rath Yatra. Lord Vishnu’s idol is taken out for a grand procession in a chariot. You must have heard of the holy Jagannath Rath Yatra. The yatra on this day is also similar, as devotees gather in large numbers. The chariot is decorated with flowers and incense sticks. Devotees chant the prayers and pull the chariot across the city. These processions are common in South India, as Lord Vishnu is highly revered in that part of the country.
After the procession comes the time for prasad distribution. Most temples distributed fruits, sweets and dishes prepared with sabudana. You can even find milk-based preparations being distributed among devotees. In this way, every devotee receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Temples To Visit for Divine Blessings on Jaya Ekadashi
Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh is specifically known for a grand Abhishekam of Lord Venkateswara (another form of Lord Vishnu). On this divine day, thousands of devotees gather at this temple for just one sight of the lord. It is best to book affordable hotels in Tirupati to witness this holy event. You might as well explore some of the best places in Tirupati after the darshan.
The Jagannath temple is another renowned temple where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshipped with special rituals. On the day of Jaya Ekadashi, devotees observe a strict fast and participate in bhajans throughout the day. If you wish to witness this beautiful site, it is best to book affordable hotels in Puri for a comfortable stay.
Along with these temples, all ISKCON temples across the country celebrate the day with vibrant colours. You can indulge in bhajans and aartis at your nearest Krishna temple as well. Make sure to taste the prasad and seek blessings by observing meditation in the temple. You can truly benefit from these practices on the day of Jaya Ekadashi.
Receive Blessings on Jaya Ekadashi!
Jaya Ekadashi is a grand day for observing a fast and receiving blessings from Lord Vishnu. Even on the physical front, fasting helps you eliminate the toxins. The day of spiritual purification is extremely important to protect yourself from negative energies and evil forces. It is best to indulge in some kind of religious activity, whether it is fasting or simply visiting a nearby temple. As the day reinforces material well-being and peace, you get a great opportunity to walk on the path of divine upliftment.
