Vijaya Ekadashi

After hearing the story of Jaya Ekadashi, Arjuna asked, "O Pundarikaksha! What is the name of Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month and what is the rule of its fast? Please tell me in detail about it also."

Shri Krishna said, "O Arjuna! The name of Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month is Vijaya Ekadashi. Because of its fast, a person gets Vijayashree. All sins are eliminated by listening and reading the glorification of this Vijaya Ekadashi."

The same question had once been put by Devarshi Narada to Brahmaji, who answered, "O son! Fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi destroys past and present sins. Till now I have not told the rules and procedure of this Ekadashi to anyone, but I will tell you now, the Vijaya Ekadashi grants victory to all the people who keep fast on this day."

When Shri Rama was given fourteen years of exile he lived at Panchavati with Lakshmana and Devi Sita, and there Ravana carried Sita away. Rama and Lakshmana wandered from forest to forest searching for her. They found Jatayu dying; he told them the whole account of the abduction and breathed his last in Rama's lap, attaining heaven. Afterwards they befriended Sugriva and killed the vicious Bali. Hanuman went to Lanka, found Mata Sita in the Ashok Vatika, and returned to tell Rama all that had passed.

With Sugriva's consent Rama set out for Lanka with the army of monkeys and bears. Reaching the shore and seeing the vast sea full of crocodiles, he said to Lakshmana, "O Lakshman! How will we cross this vast sea full of uncountable crocodiles and predatory creatures?"

Lakshmana answered, "Brother! You are Purana Purushottama Adipurusha. Nothing is hidden from you. Half a Yojana away from here is the Ashram of Vakdalbhya Muni on Kumari Island. He is the knower of Brahmas of many names. Only they can tell you the solutions to your victory."

Rama went to the ashram and bowed. Seeing him, Maharishi Vakdalbhya asked, "O Shri Ram! For what purpose have you sanctified my hut, please tell me your purpose, Lord!"

Rama said, "O Rishivar! I have come here with my army and am going to Lanka with the desire to conquer the demon king Ravana. Please tell me some way to cross the sea. This is my purpose in coming to you."

The sage replied, "O Ram! Let me tell you a very good fast. By doing this you will definitely get Vijayashree."

"What kind of fast is this, Munishrestha! By doing which one achieves victory in all fields?" asked Rama.

Vakdalbhya said, "O Shri Rama! By fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month, you will certainly cross the ocean and will be victorious in the war also." He prescribed the rite: on Dashami make a kalasha of gold, silver, copper or clay, fill it with water, set the pancha pallava upon it and install it on the vedika, placing satanja — seven mixed grains — beneath it and barley above, and upon it a golden image of Lord Vishnu. On Ekadashi, after bathing, worship Shri Hari with incense and the rest, and keep vigil.

Rama observed the fast as instructed, crossed the ocean, and was victorious in the war. Whoever keeps this fast with faith is granted victory, and all sins are destroyed by hearing or reading its mahatmya.