Vijaya Ekadashi, the auspicious day observed during the Krishna Paksha of Falgun month, holds great significance for Hindu devotees, promising success and triumph over adversaries. This year, the fast and worship will commence on February 23, 2025, at 1:55 PM and conclude on February 24 at 1:44 PM, making the 24th the primary day for rituals.
This celebration is deeply rooted in the lore of the Ramayana. According to the religious scholar Namrata Purohit, "Vijaya Ekadashi is pivotal for overcoming obstacles and ensuring success." The festivities revolve around worshiping Lord Vishnu, who is believed to provide blessings to those who follow the fasting and rituals sincerely.
The rituals on this day are steeped in tradition and protocol. It is recommended to wake up during Brahma Muhurta, which will be from 5:11 AM to 6:01 AM. Devotees should bathe and wear clean clothes, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Devotions include placing idols of these deities on yellow cloth, offering yellow flowers and sweets, lighting lamps, and reciting mantras. Jyotishacharya Radhakant Vats notes, "Worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day bestows immense blessings,” highlighting the importance of the rituals performed.
One of the most captivating tales associated with Vijaya Ekadashi involves Lord Rama’s confrontation with the ocean as he prepared to set off to Lanka. Stranded and seeking passage, Rama's brother Lakshmana brought him to the sage Bakadalbhya, who instructed them to observe this specific Ekadashi. With collective devotion, the vanaras (monkeys) fasted and worshipped Lord Vishnu, which led to their eventual success in building the bridge to Lanka, thereby marking the day as Vijaya Ekadashi.
On this day, as part of the rituals, devotees are advised to chant the 108 names of Lord Vishnu. This practice invokes divine favor and is expected to rid individuals of worries and fears about the future. Observers should focus on the names such as "Om Shri Surashaya Namah" and "Om Shri Vāsudevāya Namah," among others, to maximize their benefits.
While engaging deeply with the spirituality of this day, there are strict guidelines on what to abstain from, which include not eating rice, avoiding the plucking of tulsi leaves, and refraining from consuming tamasic or stimulating foods like meat and alcohol. Participants are advised to wear light-colored clothes, avoiding black or blue fabrics to maintain the sanctity of the day.
On the evening of Vijaya Ekadashi, devotees should light lamps for Mother Tulsi, which symbolizes purity and devotion. Further, individuals should make offerings, charity, and donate to temples to increase good karma.
Vijaya Ekadashi grants devotees the opportunity to connect spiritually and collect blessings for success and prosperity. The day serves as both a reminder of the epic narratives associated with Lord Rama and as personal empowerment to attain achievements. By sincerely observing the rituals laid out for this sacred day, devotees can navigate their challenges and attain their desires.