Vijayā Ekādaśī

Please check the date and time for Ekādaśī in your area using below sites.

https://www.vaisnavacalendar.info/

https://vaishnavacalendar.org/

https://www.drikpanchang.com/iskcon/iskcon-ekadashi-list.html

How to perform Ekādaśī

Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 12

Observe fasting on Ekādaśī day (this occurs on the eleventh day after the full moon and the eleventh day after the new moon). On such days no grains, cereals or beans are eaten; simply vegetables and milk are moderately taken, and the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa and reading of scriptures are increased.

Meditations on this auspicious day

Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 26

Some things that give impetus or stimulation to ecstatic love of Kṛṣṇa are His transcendental qualities, His uncommon activities, His smiling features, His apparel and garlands, His flute, His buffalo horn, His leg bells, His conch shell, His footprints, His places of pastimes (such as Vṛndāvana), His favorite plant (tulasī), His devotee and the periodical occasions for remembering Him. One such occasion for remembrance is Ekādaśī, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. Ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa is aroused on the days of Ekādaśī.

Excerpt from a lecture by Guru Maharaj; Caitanya-caritamrta Adi 4.146-165. 28 November 2020

When you fast you just feel blissful. You feel the embrace of Harivāsara, Kṛṣṇa’s special day. The main thing about fasting on these days is that you don’t have to stop and cook. You can plan a day where you just keep hearing and chanting. Its really ecstatic if you want more time.

Story of Vijayā Ekādaśī

Padma Purāṇa, Uttara-Khaṇḍa, Chapter 44

Yudhiṣṭhira said, ‘What is the name of the Ekādaśī that falls in the dark half of Phālguna? O Vāsudeva, favour me and tell it to me.

Śrī Kṛṣṇa said, ‘Nārada asked the lotus-seated Brahma: “O best of brāhmaṇas, favor me, and tell me about the religious merit due to the observance of the Vijayā Ekādaśī that falls) in the dark half of Phālguna.”

Brahmā said: O Nārada, listen; I shall tell you a great account that removes sins. I have not narrated to anyone this Vijayā vow which is ancient, pure, and which removes sins. There is no doubt that Vijayā gives victory to the kings. Formerly, Rāma went to the forest and lived in Pañcavaṭī for fourteen years with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. The glorious wife, Sītā, was kidnapped by Rāvaṇa through lustfulness. Due to that grief even Rāma was embarrassed, and while wandering he saw Jaṭāyu who was dead. Then he, wandering in the forest, befriended Sugrīva, and the forces of the monkeys came together for Rāma. Then Sītā was seen in the Aśoka garden of Laṅkā by Hanūmān. He gave her the token of Rāma and performed a great feat. Then again having come back to Rāma, he told him the entire account. Having heard the words of Hanūmān, Lord Rāma was pleased, and planned to take out a march against Rāvaṇa with Sugrīva’s consent. He said to Lakṣmaṇa: “O Saumitra, due to which religious merit this very unfathomable abode of Varuṇa (i.e. the ocean) full of aquatic animals, can be crossed? I do not see a means with which this (ocean) can be crossed easily.”

Lakṣmaṇa said, “You alone are the first god, and the ancient, best man. In this island lives the sage Bakadālbhya. O Rāghava, his hermitage is at a distance of half a yojana from this place. O descendant of Raghu, there are many other brāhmaṇas also. O best king, ask the best sage. Having heard these extremely good words of Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma went to see that great sage Bakadālbhya. With his head bent down he saluted the sage, as a god salutes Viṣṇu. Then the sage, having recognized that ancient best man who had entered the human body for some reason, was pleased, and said, “O Rāma what for have you come?”

Rāma said, “O brāhmaṇa, by your favor I have come along with the army to this shore of the ocean to conquer Laṅkā along with the demons. O sage, be favorable and tell me the means by which I shall cross the ocean. For this reason, I have come to see you.

Having heard the words of Rāma, the great sage Bakadālbhya, with his mind very much pleased, said to the lotus-eyed Rāma: “O Rāma, today you should observe the best among vows, having observed which you will be mightily victorious. Having conquered Laṅkā and the demons, you will obtain pure fame. Being concentrated in mind, observe this vow. The Vijayā Ekādaśī would fall in the dark half of the month of Phālguna. O Rāma, by observing that vow you will get victory. You will, along with the monkeys, undoubtedly cross the ocean.”

When Lord Rāma observed that vow, he became victorious. He got back Sītā. He conquered Laṅkā, killed Rāvaṇa in the battle. O son, those men who observe the vow in this manner, get success in this world, and get the inexhaustible other world. For this reason, O son, the vow of Vijayā should be observed. The greatness of Vijayā destroys all sins.