Jaya Ekadashi

All about Jaya Ekadashi: How It Brings Mundane Pleasures and Salvation

Jaya Ekadashi fasting is observed to pay homage to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that if one prays to the Lord and goes on fasting properly, one can be free from all sorts of sins and achieve Moksha or salvation. On this very day one has to go for fasting and pay heed to the story and significance of Ekadashi from a priest or purohit. As per the Padma Purana Shree Krishna told King Judhistir, the eldest brother of the Panch Pandavas, of the significance of the very auspicious Jaya Ekadashi. Let us know all about it quite well for our own benefits.

Ekadashi is a popular Hindu Vrata observed in honor of Lord Vishnu, Hari or Sri Krishna. The Hindu Lunar calendar is split into different cycles of the Moon. Ekadashi is the eleventh day in every Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha respectively. Devotees hold fast for about 24 hours on Ekadashi days. The fasting must be followed meticulously by the devotees. One can go without sipping a drop of water or taking any kind of food during the fasting period. Both the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi and the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi are crucial. It is a day to be engaged in prayers and worshipping of Lord Vishnu.

According to Padma Purana once a festival was organized at Nandan Kanan of the Heaven. On this occasion all the gods, sages and ascetics were present. At that time there was going on gala festivities of dancing and singing. Amid the very interesting moment the sight of dancer Pushyaboti fell on Gandarbha Malyoban, the singer. Pusyaboti was hit with the arrow of cupid and fell in love of the handsome youth at the very first sight. The charm of Gandharbha Malyoban to a great extent mesmerized Pushyaboti. As an obvious result she missed her dancing steps and began to dance in an odd manner. On the other hand Malyoban failed to sing well too. This incident made all present in that occasion enraged. Indra, the king of Heaven was furious and drove both of them out from Heaven with a curse that they would take a mean birth and spent their time in a distressed manner in a Pisach Yoni. Thus vehemently cursed both Malyoban and Pushyaboti began to spend time amid great distress.

On the very day of Jaya Ekadashi Malyoban and Pushyaboti without taking any meal, starved the whole day taking only a few fruits. Along with fasting they spent the night without having a wink of sleep. Out of sheer distress they began to call up Shree Hari and chanted His Stottram. Lord Narayan having been pleased with their devotion freed them from the distressed Pisach Yoni.

In the grace of the Lord both of them got back their lost vigor and charm and returned to the Heaven. Having reached Heaven, the moment they tendered their pranam to Lord Indra, Indra was at a loss, utterly speechless. He asked them how they got rid of the Pisach Yoni. Malyoban made him know that the impact of the Ekadashi and the blessings of Lord Vishnu freed them from the curse.

Thus those who go on fasting on this very day get salvation. Since that period this particular Ekadashi is being observed on earth. On this very day Lord Vishnu is worshipped with great devotion too.

Casting a glance on Jaya Ekadashi or Bhishma Ekadashi

On the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Magha, the Jaya Ekadashi or Bhishma Ekadashi is observed. The day is called Bhishma Ekadasi as it is known from the epic Mahabharata that Bhishma, who was famous for taking vow to pass his days in celibacy, was granted a boon. He was granted will- death or he might choose his time of death after his own will or desire.

According to Hindu scriptures, Bhishma chose this particular day to leave this mundane world. Since that time Jaya Ekadashi is called Bhishma Ekadashi too.

The auspicious Yoga related to Jaya Ekadashi On this very day there is created a very auspicious Yoga named Sarbartho Siddhi. According to scriptures on this auspicious Yoga if Lord Narayan is worshipped along with Ma Lakshmi, all kinds of earthly pleasures are achieved.

Casting a glance on Jaya Ekadashi or Bhishma Ekadashi

One has to wake up early at dawn right at the Brahmo Muhurat and take a dip in the holy water. Then it is ideal to go for meditation taking a few akshats and flowers along with taking a resolution of fasting. Thereafter one has to place on a platform the picture or idol of Lord Narayan with four hands holding conch, chakra, mace and lotus flower.

Then one has to go for Avishekam with panchamrit offering akshat, fruits and Tulsi leaves. Thereafter it is the best way to offer Hari white flowers and sweets and burn five ghee lamps. After burning the lamps it is beneficial to pay heed to the anecdotes of Ekadashi and going on chanting Vishnu Sahasra naam. Taking a rosary of Tulasi aone must recite within one’s mind the Veej Mantra attentively. Completing the aarti of Bhagawan the ideal deed is to go for charity. After observing the fasting with devotion it is recommended to pray to the Lord to grant all the mundane pleasures of the earth.

Benefits of observing Jaya Ekadashi

As per the ancient Holy Scriptures, the Jaya Ekadashi has multiple auspicious qualities. One who observes this holy occasion can win the grace of Lord Narayan and at the same time all the other gods and goddesses are also pleased. This Ekadashi can remove all sins committed by assassination of a Brahmin.

All good impacts of charity are available by observing this Vrata. There is no need to visit the holy pilgrim places or organizing any Yagna. It is only to observe the Ekadashi with utmost devotion and austerity that leads to the way to eternal peace in Heaven. Finally, the person who observes this Ekadashi can win a place in the mostly coveted Vaikunthaloka where Lord Narayan with His consort Ma Mahalskshmi resides. Again, the full benefit of the Agnistom Yagna is obtained the moment someone observes Jaya Ekadashi and listens to the auspicious story and go on reading the anecdotes of the Holy Jaya Ekadashi.

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