Date and Time of Vijaya Ekadasi in Mumbai
This year Vijaya Ekadasi tithi begins on 12 Feb 2026 at 12:25 PM and ends on 13 Feb 2026, 02:29 PM . Thus Vijaya Ekadasi fast will be observed from 13 Feb 2026, 07:08 AM to 14 Feb 2026, 7:07 AM and Ekadasi fast needs to be broken on 14 Feb 2026 from 07:07 AM to 10:57 AM.
Click here to know more about Ekadasi Fasting Days Calculation Principles
Yudhisthira Maharaj Inquires About Vijaya Ekadasi
Yudhisthira Maharaj said,
“Oh Lord Sri Krishna, O glorious son of Vasudeva, please be merciful to me and describe the Ekadasii that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February–March).”
Lord Krishna Explains the Power of Vijaya Ekadasi
Lord Sri Krishna replied,
“Oh Yudhisthira, Oh king of kings, gladly I shall tell you about this great fast, known as Vijaya Ekadasii. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this Ekadasii and hears its sublime glories are eradicated.”
Narada Muni Questions Lord Brahma
Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma, who sits on a lotus flower, about Vijaya Ekadasii. Sri Narada said,
‘Oh best of all the demigods, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadasii.’
Lord Brahma Reveals the Victory-Bestowing Ekadasi
Narada’s great father then replied,
‘My dear son, this oldest of fasting days is pure, and it nullifies all sins. I have never revealed this to anyone until today, but you can understand beyond any doubt that this Ekadasii bestows the result indicated by its name—Vijaya, meaning victory.’
Lord Rama’s Exile and Separation from Sita
When Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, He, Goddess Sita, and His divine brother Lakshmana stayed at Panchavati as mendicants. Mother Sita was then kidnapped by the demon Ravana, and Lord Rama seemingly became bewildered like an ordinary man by distress.
While searching for His beloved consort, the Lord came upon the dying Jatayu and thereafter killed His enemy Kabandha. The great devotee-vulture Jatayu returned to Vaikuntha after telling Rama how His dear Sita had been abducted by Ravana.
Friendship with Sugriva and Hanuman’s Mission
Later, Lord Rama and Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, became friends. Together they amassed a grand army of monkeys and bears and sent Hanumanji, his minister, to Sri Lanka.
Hanumanji was able to see Janaki (Srimati Sita Devi) in an Ashoka grove garden. He delivered Lord Rama’s message and showed the ring proving his authenticity, rendering great service to the Supreme Lord Sri Rama.
The Challenge of Crossing the Ocean
With the help of Sugriva, Lord Rama proceeded toward Sri Lanka. Upon arriving at the shore of the ocean with the army of monkeys, He understood that the water was uncommonly deep and hostile.
Thus He said to Lakshmana,
“Oh son of Sumitra, how can We earn enough merit to cross this vast ocean, the unfathomable abode of Varuna Deva?”
Lakshmana Advises Approaching Bakad Albhya Muni
Lakshmana replied,
“Oh best of all beings, Oh origin of all the devas, the great sage Bakad Albhya lives on an island nearby. Let us go to him, take his darshan, and ask how We may safely reach Our goal.”
Lord Rama Meets Bakad Albhya Muni
Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the humble ashrama of Bakad Albhya Muni and offered respectful obeisances. Though appearing human, the sage understood Sri Rama to be the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Bakad Albhya said,
“Oh best of human beings, why have You come to my lowly abode?”
Lord Rama Seeks the Means to Victory
Lord Rama replied,
“Oh great brahmin, I have come to conquer Lanka and Ravana’s demoniac forces. Kindly tell Me how I may cross this vast ocean.”
Bakad Albhya Muni Prescribes Vijaya Ekadasi Vrata
The sage said,
“Oh Lord Sri Rama, I shall tell You of the most exalted of all fasts. By observing Vijaya Ekadasii, You will surely conquer Ravana and be eternally glorified. Please listen carefully.”
Detailed Procedure for Observing Vijaya Ekadasi
On the day before Ekadasii, one should prepare a water pot of gold, silver, copper, or clay, fill it with pure water, decorate it with mango leaves, and place it on a mound of seven grains.
After bathing, decorate the pot with flowers and sandalwood paste, place barley, pomegranate, and coconut on the lid, and worship it with devotion—offering incense, lamps, food, and prayers—remaining awake throughout the night.
Observance on Ekadasi and Offering on Dvadasi
On Ekadasii, one should again worship the pot after bathing and remain awake at night.
On Dvadasi, the pot should be taken to a holy river or pond and donated to a pure-hearted, learned brahmin. By this observance, victory is assured.
Lord Rama Observes Vijaya Ekadasi and Conquers Ravana
Lord Sri Ramachandra Bhagavan followed Bakad Albhya Muni’s instructions exactly and thus conquered all demoniac forces.
Similarly, anyone who observes Vijaya Ekadasii attains victory in this world and eternal residence in Vaikuntha.
Final Instruction and Conclusion
Lord Brahma concluded to Narada,
“This fast eradicates all sins, even the most abominable ones.”
Lord Sri Krishna concluded,
“Oh Yudhisthira, one who hears or reads these glories attains the merit of performing a horse sacrifice.”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Phalguna-Krishna Ekadasii, or Vijaya Ekadasii, from the Skanda Purana.
