Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Janārdana, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phālguna (February–March). Kindly describe to me its glories, the procedure for observing it, and the benefit one gains from it.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, I shall now tell you about this Ekadasi, which destroys all sins and grants victory in all undertakings. It is known as Vijaya Ekadasi. By observing this sacred day, one obtains success in all endeavors and ultimately attains liberation.
Now hear from Me the ancient history connected with this Ekadasi, as narrated by Lord Rāmacandra to His dear devotee Lakṣmaṇa.”
The Lord’s Pastime – Rāmacandra in the Forest
“During His exile, Lord Rāma once reached the seashore along with His army of monkeys. There, He desired to cross the ocean to reach the island of Laṅkā and rescue Sītā-devī from the demon king Rāvaṇa.
However, despite great efforts, the army could not find a way to cross the vast ocean. Seeing this, Lord Rāma became thoughtful. Then the great sage Bakadala approached Him and said, ‘O Lord, if You wish to cross the ocean successfully and obtain victory over the demon Rāvaṇa, You should observe the sacred fast of Vijaya Ekadasi.
By observing this Ekadasi properly, You will easily cross the ocean and achieve victory in all endeavors.’”
The Sage’s Instructions
“Lord Rāmacandra said, ‘O revered sage, please tell Me in detail how this fast should be observed, and what are its rules and process.’
The sage replied, ‘O Lord, on the day before Ekadasi, one should rise early in the morning, bathe in pure water, and perform one’s daily duties. Then one should construct an altar on the bank of a river or near a sacred place, using sand or clay.
After establishing the altar, one should install eight water pots around it and worship Lord Viṣṇu, invoking His presence with devotion. One should then offer incense, lamps, flowers, fruits, and other items, chanting sacred mantras with a pure heart.
After this worship, one should remain fasting on Ekadasi day, meditating constantly on Lord Viṣṇu, and stay awake the entire night, singing hymns and glories of the Lord. On the next day, Dvādaśī, one should bathe, feed the brāhmaṇas with love and respect, and then break the fast by taking prasāda.’
The sage concluded, ‘Whoever observes this fast will overcome all obstacles, attain victory in every undertaking, and finally reach the supreme abode of Lord Viṣṇu.’”
The Victory of Lord Rāma
“Hearing the sage’s instructions, Lord Rāmacandra, along with His brother Lakṣmaṇa and His army, observed the fast of Vijaya Ekadasi with great devotion.
They bathed in the sacred water, worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with incense, lamps, flowers, and fruits, and remained fasting throughout the day and night, engaged in kīrtana and remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
When Dvādaśī arrived, they broke their fast with devotion, offered charity to the brāhmaṇas, and prayed to Lord Viṣṇu for success in crossing the ocean.
Immediately thereafter, the Ocean-god appeared before Lord Rāma, offering Him assistance. Thus, by the power of observing Vijaya Ekadasi, the Lord and His army were able to cross the sea effortlessly, and soon afterward, Lord Rāma achieved victory over the demon Rāvaṇa.”
The Glories of Vijaya Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, this sacred day is known as Vijaya Ekadasi because it bestows victory (vijaya) in all endeavors. Whoever observes it with faith and devotion becomes successful in this world and attains the supreme abode in the next.
This Ekadasi is especially powerful for those engaged in great undertakings, journeys, or difficult tasks. It removes all obstacles and grants divine strength and success.”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“By observing Vijaya Ekadasi, one attains the merit of performing all sacrifices and austerities combined. Whoever keeps this fast becomes free from all sins and attains everlasting fame and prosperity.
Even one who simply hears or reads the glories of this Ekadasi with faith attains the merit of performing a thousand horse sacrifices. Therefore, O king, one should faithfully observe this sacred day, which brings both victory and liberation.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Vijaya Ekadasi is described in the Skanda Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa recounts to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the instructions given by Sage Bakadala to Lord Rāmacandra. By observing Vijaya Ekadasi, Lord Rāma attained victory over Rāvaṇa, and those who follow this vow similarly obtain success in all endeavors and liberation from material bondage.
