Vijaya Ekadashi 2023

Vijaya Ekadashi is a Ekadashi vrat observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.

Vijaya Ekadashi is associated in the traditional vrat-katha with Rama's preparations to cross the sea to Lanka. Facing the vast waters with Lakshmana and the vanara army, Rama seeks guidance rather than rushing into battle. Lakshmana tells him of Sage Bakadalbhya, who lives nearby. The sage advises the observance of the Krishna Ekadashi of Phalguna and explains how prayer and restraint can accompany the great undertaking. This account comes from the Ekadashi devotional tradition; it is not a replacement for the Ramayana's account of the bridge and its builders.

The sage asks Rama to prepare a kalasha from a suitable material, fill it with water and place leaves, grains and an image of Vishnu with it. The vessel is prepared on Dashami; on Ekadashi the worship includes lamps, offerings and wakefulness, and on Dwadashi the consecrated vessel is given in charity. Rama follows the instruction with his companions. The katha says their campaign succeeds, linking vijaya, or victory, to humility, careful preparation and remembrance of Vishnu. Different retellings vary ritual details and should not be presented as one independently documented historical procedure.

Devotees recite the narrative, worship Vishnu, practise charity and may fast within their health limits. In Gujarat it falls on Maha Krishna Ekadashi, called Phalguna Krishna in the northern purnimanta calendar. The exact Smarta/Vaishnava fasting day and Dwadashi parana should be calculated from the local panchang.

Rama is said to have kept it before crossing to Lanka, and the name is the victory that followed. Kept when something difficult is about to be attempted.

Prepare a kalasha on Dashami, worship Vishnu on Ekadashi and give charity on Dwadashi; fasting and parana need local health and calendar guidance.

Maha's dark fortnight. Kept before an undertaking that has to succeed, and in the katha it is Rama's, before crossing to Lanka.

Gujarati Maha Krishna Ekadashi corresponds to northern Phalguna Krishna; Smarta/Vaishnava dates differ.