Jaya
Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha during Magh month as per
Hindu calendar. Devotees celebrate the day in different parts of India as per
the local traditions.
Though
it is known as Jaya Ekadashi in North India, people in South India celebrate it
as Bhisma Ekadasi in Andhra Pradesh. The same festival is treated as Bhishma
Ekadashi in Karnataka where huge number of worshipers of Lord Vishnu throng the
temples on the day. People observe fast on the auspicious day as part of
offering their prayers to the deity. Special pujas too are performed dedicated
to Lord Shiva on the same day. Hence, the fast is held in high esteem regarded
as doubly beneficial.
Legend Behind Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya
Ekadashi is also known as Bhishma Ekadashi because of the historical facts
associated with it. According to the legend, the term got coined so because
Bhishma considered this day to reach heavenly abode with Brahman, the Supreme
Soul.
Post
Mahabharata, Bhishma rendered Vishnu Sahasranama Stothra to Pandavas on the
same day while still being on the bed of arrows. This is one reason why the
entire Hindu community all over the world regards the day in the most
respectful manner. All the Hindu devotees begin the day with fast and continue
it throughout the day to cleanse themselves of the sins committed by them.
How to Observe Jaya Ekadashi
Attaining
salvation (Moksha) is one of the primary objectives for others to observe fast
on Jaya Ekadashi. People are left with the choice of observing a full or
partial fast on the day as per their convenience and capacity. Preparations for
the fast begin a day before Jaya Ekadashi with the consumption of a single meal
alone. Ardent devotees begin their day early by waking up early and taking a
bath before dedicating their time to Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi Parana (fast
breaking ritual) is followed once the fast has been completed successfully.
There
are also suggestions for observing the fast on two consecutive days. Firstly,
it is regarded as Smartha meant for
people to attend with their family, which coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi. The other is for those who are single, widowed
or aged planning to attain Moksha.
During
the fast of 24 hours, people abstain themselves from food completely. However,
the intake of fruits, vegetables, milk and dry fruits is allowed. Staunch
devotees pay due respect to Lord Vishnu and throng temples in large numbers to
sing hymns and to listen stories about Vishnu.
People observing Jaya Ekadashi continue praying to God till the next day morning. Breaking the fast is performed in the most sacred manner, which is done by taking a holy bath and then lighting a lamp before God. This will officially mark the breaking of Vrata. Reaching the abode of Lord Vishnu will be materialized in the most sacred manner. Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is also worshiped as part of the ritual of clearing their sins and attaining salvation.