Date and Time of Bhaimi (Jaya) Ekadasi in Mumbai
This year Bhaimi Ekadasi, also know as Jaya Ekadasi, tithi begins on 28 Jan 2026 at 04:39 PM and ends on 29 Jan 2026, 01:58 PM . Thus Bhaimi (Jaya) Ekadasi fast will be observed on from 29 Jan 2026 07:14 AM to 30 Jan 2026 7:13 AM and Ekadasi fast needs to be broken on 30 Jan 2026 from 07:13 AM to 10:58 AM.
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Bhaimi Ekadasi (Jaya Ekadasi) – Bestower of Vaikuntha
Bhaimi Ekadasi (Jaya Ekadasi)
It is said that if one observes upavasa on this day then one receives entrance to Visnu's abode, even though one has not performed the other vratas of the year.
Note: The half-day fast (vrata) for the appearance of Lord Varahadeva is also observed on this Ekadasi day, and the utsav (festival celebration)—pujas and feasting—is observed on the Dvadasi, which is when He appeared.
Yudhishthira Maharaja Glorifies the Supreme Lord
Yudhisthira Maharaj said,
"Oh Lord of the lords, Sri Krishna, all glories unto You! Oh Master of the universe, You alone are the source of the four types of living entities—those born from eggs, those born from perspiration, those born from seeds and those born from embryos. You alone are the root cause of all, Oh Lord, and therefore You are the creator, maintainer and destroyer.
"My Lord, You have so kindly explained to me the auspicious day known as Sat-tila Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Magha (January-February). Now please explain to me the Ekadasi that occurs in the light fortnight (shukla or Gaura paksha) of this month. By what name is it known, and what is the process for observing it? Who is the presiding Deity that is to be worshipped on this sublime day, which is so very dear to You?"
Lord Sri Krishna Explains the Power of Jaya Ekadasi
Lord Sri Krishna replied,
"Oh Yudhisthira, I shall gladly tell you about the Ekadasi that occurs during the light half of this month of Magha. This Ekadasi obliterates all kinds of sinful reactions and demoniac influences that may be affecting the spirit soul. It is known as Jaya Ekadasi, and the fortunate soul who observes a fast on this sacred day is relieved of the great burden of ghostly existence.
"Thus there is no better Ekadasi than this, for it truly bestows freedom from birth and death. It is to be honoured very carefully and diligently. So listen to Me attentively, Oh Pandava, as I explain a wonderful historic episode regarding this Ekadasi, which I have already related in the Padma Purana."
Life in the Heavenly Kingdom of Indra
Long, long ago in the heavenly planets, Lord Indra ruled his celestial kingdom very nicely, and all the devas living there were very happy and content. In Nandana Forest, beautifully graced with parijata flowers, Indra drank ambrosia and enjoyed the service of millions of apsaras.
Many singers, led by Pushpadanta, sang in sweet voices beyond compare. Chitrasena, Indra’s chief musician, was there with his wife Malini and his handsome son Malyavan.
Cupid Strikes: Malyavan and Pushpavati Become Enchanted
An apsara named Pushpavati became deeply attracted to Malyavan. Cupid’s arrows pierced her heart. Her beauty—her arms, face, eyes, ornaments, waist, hips, garments, and lotus-like feet—completely bewitched Malyavan.
Seeing Pushpavati in her full heavenly beauty, Malyavan became enchanted.
Failure in Service and Indra’s Fierce Curse
They had come to please Lord Indra with song and dance, but because they were overwhelmed by lust, their singing and dancing became faulty. Their pronunciation was wrong, and their rhythm careless.
Lord Indra immediately understood the cause. Offended, he angrily cursed them to become pisachas (ghostly beings) and fall to the earthly regions to suffer the reactions of their offense.
Fall from Heaven and Suffering in the Himalayas
Struck dumb, Malyavan and Pushpavati fell from Nandana Forest to a Himalayan peak on Earth. Their celestial intelligence diminished, their senses weakened, and they suffered terribly from cold, fear, and misery.
Though sheltered in a cave, they trembled continuously as snow fell around them.
Realization Born from Suffering
In desperation, Malyavan said to Pushpavati,
“What sinful acts have we committed to deserve such suffering? This is worse than hell. Therefore, one should never commit sins.”
Thus the forlorn couple wandered through snow and ice in utter misery.
Unknowingly Observing Jaya (Bhaimi) Ekadasi
By great fortune, that very day was Jaya (Bhaimi) Ekadasi, the Ekadasi of the light fortnight of Magha. Because of their suffering, they neither ate nor drank anything and thus unknowingly observed a nirjala Ekadasi fast.
Collapsing beneath a peepal tree, they remained awake all night, embracing only to keep warm, unable to sleep or enjoy sense pleasure.
The Miracle of Ekadasi Observance
"Oh Yudhishthira," Lord Krishna said,
"By the mercy of unknowingly observing Jaya Ekadasi and remaining awake all night, they were blessed."
Deliverance on Dvadasi Morning
As Dvadasi dawned, Malyavan and Pushpavati gave up their ghostly forms and regained their celestial bodies. A divine vimana arrived, and heavenly beings sang their praises as they returned to the celestial realm.
They soon arrived at Amaravati, Indra’s capital, and offered their respectful obeisances.
Indra Acknowledges the Supremacy of Ekadasi
Astonished, Indra asked how they were freed so quickly.
Malyavan replied that it was by the mercy of Lord Sri Krishna and the power of Jaya Ekadasi, even though it was observed unknowingly (ajnata-sukriti).
Indra declared that devotees of Lord Hari become worshipable even by the devas.
The Supreme Result of Observing Jaya Ekadasi
Lord Sri Krishna concluded,
"Therefore, Oh Yudhishthira, one should strictly observe Jaya Ekadasi. It frees one from even the sin of killing a brahmana. One who observes this fast has performed all charities, sacrifices, and pilgrimages.
"Such a person attains Vaikuntha and eternal happiness. One who hears or reads these glories receives the merit of performing an Agnishtoma yajna."
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Magha-shukla Ekadasi, Jaya (Bhaimi) Ekadasi, from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.
