Vijay Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious fasts
for the Hindu religion. The fast is observed for prosperity. The Vijay Ekadashi
has a story attached to it like all other Ekadashi’s celebrated by Hindus.
Vijaya
Ekadashi Vrata Katha
The Vijay Ekadashi Vrata Katha is based during the Treta
Yuga. The story revolves around Maryada Purushottama Shri Ramchandra
who was in exile for fourteen years accompanied by his brother, Lakshman and
wife, Sita. But after some days, due to certain turn of events, Ram and
Lakshman were searching for Sita. Ram arrived at the seashore but could not
cross over to Lanka. Lakshman advised him to seek help from the sage Bakdalabhya
who lived some distance away.
When Ram approached the sage, the latter advised
him to fast on the Vijaya Ekadashi which falls on the Phalguna Krishna Paksha.
Observing this fast would definitely bring Ram victory against the demon king,
Ravan and also help him cross the sea to Lanka. Taking the sage’s advice, Ram
fasted on Vijaya Ekadashi and conquered Lanka rescuing Sita. This is the Vijaya
Ekadashi Vrata Katha.
Vijaya
Ekadashi’s importance
As mentioned in the story, Vijaya Ekadashi is observed on the Phalguna Krishna Paksha. Vijaya Ekadashi is dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu. To worship Lord Vishnu on Vijaya Ekadashi one must place the Sapta paddy on an altar. They must also out an urn of water on the altar decorated with mango and Ashoka leaves. An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu must also be placed on the altar and offered flowers. Lastly, one must recite the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrata Katha and perform arti and light a lamp of ghee to mark the end of the Vijaya Ekadashi fast.