Vijaya Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Mythology Behind the Sacred Fast

Vijaya Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Mythology Behind the Sacred Fast

Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, February 24, offering an opportunity for devotees to seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu. A significant fasting day observed on the Ekadashi tithi (11th day of the waning moon) in Phalguna month, this day is known for its spiritual power to help overcome obstacles and attain victory. While confusion has arisen about whether the fast should be kept on February 23 or February 24, it is confirmed that the fast should be observed on February 24, aligning with the Ekadashi tithi.

Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timings

To ensure proper observance of the fast, here are the key dates and timings for Vijaya Ekadashi 2025:

• Vijaya Ekadashi Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 01:55 PM on February 23, 2025
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 01:44 PM on February 24, 2025
• Parana (Breaking the Fast): Tuesday, February 25, 2025
• Parana Time: 06:50 AM to 09:07 AM on February 25, 2025
• Dwadashi End Time: 12:47 PM on February 25, 2025

The fast is observed from sunrise to the following morning, ensuring that February 24 is the appropriate date for fasting.

Mythological Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi holds deep mythological importance in Hinduism, with its roots in several sacred stories. One well-known myth involves the Pandavas, who were in exile and facing numerous challenges, including a severe drought. Seeking relief, they approached Lord Krishna, who advised them to observe Vijaya Ekadashi to remove their obstacles and attain victory. Through devotion to Lord Vishnu on this day, the Pandavas overcame their struggles and emerged victorious.

In another legend, during the abduction of Sita by Ravana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana were devastated. It was the advice of Sage Bakadalbhya that led Lord Rama to observe the fast, resulting in victory over Ravana and the eventual rescue of Sita. This myth highlights the power of Vijaya Ekadashi to conquer adversity.

Rituals and Celebrations of Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi is a day of devotion, fasting, and worship. Devotees observe several rituals to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings. Here’s how the fast is traditionally celebrated:

1. Early Morning Rituals:

• The day begins with a holy bath during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours) to purify the body and mind.
• Devotees wear clean attire, preferably yellow, and meditate on Lord Vishnu in front of an idol or image, taking a vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast with full devotion.

2. Fasting and Prayer:

• A strict fast is observed, with many opting for nirjala (waterless fasting), while others may consume fruits and milk.
• During the fast, grains, lentils, and certain vegetables are avoided. Devotees offer fruits, tulsi leaves, and sandalwood paste to Lord Vishnu’s idol.

3. Chanting and Worship:

• Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu) is considered highly auspicious.
• Devotees may also chant the mantra:
  “Om Sri Vishnu Padam Vande samsara dukkha Nashanam”

4. Breaking the Fast (Parana):

• The fast is broken on the Dwadashi tithi (the 12th day after Ekadashi), falling on February 25, 2025.
• Parana should occur between 06:50 AM and 09:07 AM on February 25. Fresh fruits, milk, and potatoes are typically consumed for the fast-breaking meal.

Puja Vidhi (Rituals) for Vijaya Ekadashi

For the observance of Vijaya Ekadashi, here’s a step-by-step guide to the puja vidhi:

1. Early Morning Bath: Begin the day with a Brahma Muhurta bath to cleanse the body.
2. Sankalp (Vow): Take a vow in front of Lord Vishnu’s image to seek divine blessings.
3. Offerings: Offer fruits, tulsi leaves, and sandalwood paste to Lord Vishnu.
4. Chanting: Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
5. Fasting: Refrain from consuming grains, beans, cereals, or certain vegetables. Stick to fruits, milk, and other permissible foods.
6. Breaking the Fast (Parana): On Dwadashi, break the fast with a meal of fruits, milk, and simple dishes like Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Paratha, and Makhana Kheer.

Delicious Recipes for the Feast After Fasting

After a day of fasting, devotees indulge in simple yet delicious meals. Some recommended dishes for the feast after Vijaya Ekadashi fast include:

• Kuttu Paratha: Made from kuttu flour, water, and rock salt, served with yogurt or cucumber raita.
• Sabudana Khichdi: Prepared with soaked sabudana, potatoes, peanuts, and ghee, flavored with sendha namak (rock salt).
• Fruit Salad and Yogurt: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, papaya, and pomegranate, served with yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
• Makhana Kheer: A delicious sweet dish made with roasted makhana (fox nuts), milk, sugar, and cardamom.
• Aloo & Paneer Tikki: Boiled potatoes mixed with paneer, coriander, and spices, shallow-fried, and served with mint chutney.

Conclusion

Vijaya Ekadashi 2025, falling on February 24, offers an opportunity for spiritual growth and victory. Through fasting, devotion, and prayer, devotees can seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings to overcome obstacles and attain success in life. Whether following the rituals or engaging in prayers, Vijaya Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance and unity among the Hindu community.