Ekadashi is called the tithi of healing because of this tithi sun [the soul] and moon [the mind] are aligned to work together. You might have experienced that for several days, you are confused. Your mind is saying something else, and your soul is saying something else. This is what we call resistance. This resistance between soul and mind is responsible for diseases and problems on the physical level.
Fasting on Ekadashi gives us the chance to resolve these inner conflicts and heal our bodies and minds. That’s why Ekadashi is a day of doing nothing. You will naturally feel like doing nothing on Ekadashi. Each Ekadashi offers to resolve unique conflicts in our lives. This time, it’s Vijaya Ekadashi. The word Vijaya translates to Victory.
Vijaya Ekadashi is an auspicious day to win the battles that seem impossible to you. Shri Ram fasted on Vijaya Ekadashi to cross the ocean and reach Lanka. What seemed like an impossible task at that time was made possible by fasting on this day. So, if you have a certain problem in life that you feel is impossible to resolve, then you must not miss this opportunity as it comes only once a year.
In this blog, we will learn the story, significance, and rituals of Vijaya Ekadashi 2025.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 Timings
The Ekadashi Tithi (lunar day) begins on February 23 at 1:55 PM and ends on February 24 at 1:44 PM. The fast is broken on the following day, known as Parana, which falls on Tuesday, February 25. The recommended time to break the fast is between 6:49 AM and 9:07 AM
Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 Significance
Shree Ram was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, at that moment when they reached the sea and wanted to cross it to reach Lanka, he felt it was an impossible task to accomplish. It was only when Bakadalbhya reminded him that he realized his powers.
Many times in life, we feel some things are impossible because of our short-term vision. But the solution to these problems is hidden within us. When you fast on Vijaya Ekadashi, you are reminded of your power so you can resolve the problems of your life.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 Vrat Katha
The story of Vijaya Ekadashi is closely associated with the events of the Ramayana. During his fourteen-year exile, Lord Shri Ram, along with his brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman, reached the shores of the ocean while searching for Mata Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. The vast ocean stood as a major obstacle between them and their mission to rescue Sita.
Despite several attempts, Lord Ram and his army found it impossible to cross the ocean. Lord Rama prayed to the ocean god (Samudra Dev) for a solution, but the ocean remained silent. Seeing no other option, Ram was about to release his powerful Brahmastra (divine weapon) to dry up the ocean. At that moment, the ocean god appeared and suggested that Shri Ram seek guidance from Sage Bakadalbhya, a revered Rishi.
When Lord Ram approached Sage Bakadalbhya for advice, the sage recommended observing the Vijaya Ekadashi fast, stating that it was an extremely powerful vrata that could remove all hurdles and bring divine assistance. The sage explained that anyone who observes this fast with devotion attains success, prosperity, and freedom from sins.
Following the sage’s guidance, Lord Ram, Lakshman, and his entire army observed the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat with great faith. The fast involved worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting divine hymns, listening to the Ekadashi Katha, and maintaining a day-long fast, breaking it only at the appropriate time the next day.
Soon after completing the fast, Lord Ram received divine guidance and support. Inspired by this newfound divine energy, Nal and Neel, two vanaras (monkey warriors) in Ram’s army, were blessed with the power to build a floating bridge (Ram Setu) across the ocean. With Lord Ram’s blessings, they successfully constructed the bridge, allowing the army to cross over to Lanka.
Eventually, Lord Rama defeated Ravana, rescued Mata Sita, and emerged victorious, fulfilling the purpose of his incarnation.
Vijaya Ekadashi Rituals & Puja Vidhi
Observing Vijaya Ekadashi involves fasting, prayers, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Here are the key rituals and practices followed on this sacred day. The Ekadashi fast begins at sunrise and lasts until the next day (Dwadashi). Devotees avoid grains, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Some observe a strict fast (Nirjala Vrat) without food or water, while others take fruits, milk, and nuts. The fast is broken on Dwadashi Tithi (the next morning) after offering food to God.
- Wake up early (preferably before sunrise).
- Take a bath and wear clean or traditional clothes.
- Set up a clean altar with an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
- Offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, and lamps (Diya) to the deity.
- Recite Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha and listen to devotional songs.
- Offer Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) to the Lord.
- Read Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu).
- Recite the Bhagavad Gita or listen to Vishnu bhajans.
- The fast is broken on Dwadashi Tithi (the next morning) after offering food to Lord Vishnu and distributing prasad.
- Consume light, sattvic food like fruits, khichdi, or milk-based dishes.
Conclusion
Vijaya Ekadashi is a powerful and sacred day that provides an opportunity to overcome obstacles and achieve victory in life, just as Lord Ram did. By observing this fast with devotion, one can align the mind and soul, remove internal resistance, and receive divine guidance to face challenges. The rituals and fasting practices help purify the body and mind, fostering inner strength and clarity. Whether you seek success in a difficult situation, spiritual growth, or simply wish to honour Lord Vishnu, Vijaya Ekadashi is a divine occasion to embrace. May this Ekadashi bring you wisdom, strength, and victory in all aspects of life. If you feel lost every day, we suggest you read Rituals of Happy Souls to connect with divine sources through easy and fun rituals mentioned in the book.
