Vijaya Ekadashi

Story of Vijaya Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

When Lord Rama reached the shore of the ocean on his way to Lanka, the vast sea blocked the army of vanaras. Rama asked Lakshmana how they could cross. Lakshmana advised him to meet the sage Vakdalbhya nearby. The sage told Rama to keep Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi with all his companions, placing a pot with seven grains near Vishnu's image. Rama followed the vrat, built the bridge (Setu) over the sea and defeated Ravana. The day came to be called Vijaya, "the one that brings victory".

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi

Students, job seekers and anyone facing a big challenge keep Vijaya Ekadashi for success. It comes a little before Maha Shivaratri.

The tradition says that keeping Vijaya Ekadashi gives victory over obstacles and enemies. It falls in Phalguna Krishna Paksha (Purnimanta) · Magha Krishna Paksha (Amanta) and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Vijaya Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.