Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Date, Significance, Vrat Katha & Puja Vidhi

In Sanatan Dharma, the Ekadashi fast holds immense spiritual importance. According to the Hindu Panchang, the 11th lunar day of every fortnight is known as Ekadashi and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Since each month has two fortnights—Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase)—there are two Ekadashis every month. Thus, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, and in the presence of an Adhik Maas (leap month), the number increases to 26.

Jaya Ekadashi is observed every year on the day following Dashami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. On this sacred day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and constantly remember His divine name. A fast is observed in his honor. Scriptures describe the great spiritual merit of observing Ekadashi, stating that it frees a person from sins of previous births and grants all worldly comforts in mortal life.

Table of Contents

1. Jaya Ekadashi Date and Auspicious Timing
2. Significance of Jaya Ekadashi
3. Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
4. Why Jaya Ekadashi Is Called Bhishma Ekadashi?
5. Jaya Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
6. Special Rituals and Remedies
7. Special Mantra

Jaya Ekadashi Date and Auspicious Timing

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi of Jaya Ekadashi begins on Wednesday, 28 January at 02:35 PM and ends on Thursday, 29 February at 11:55 AM. Therefore, the Jaya Ekadashi fast will be observed on Thursday, 29 February.

Significance of Jaya Ekadashi

The fast of Jaya Ekadashi holds special importance. Observing this fast destroys accumulated sins, invites Goddess Lakshmi to reside in one’s home, and bestows the grace of Lord Vishnu. Those who observe this fast are freed from suffering in ghostly, demonic, or negative afterlife forms after death. Hence, devotees should observe this fast with devotion and perform proper worship of Lord Vishnu. Those who seek salvation after death must follow the fast with complete discipline and faith. Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, fulfills all sincere wishes of his devotees.

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Once, a grand celebration was taking place in the celestial court of Indra, the king of gods. Gandharvas were singing, and celestial nymphs were dancing. During the event, a Gandharva named Malyavan began singing while Pushpavati, a Gandharva maiden, started dancing. When Pushpavati’s eyes met Malyavan’s, she became infatuated with him and forgot the decorum of the divine assembly. Her expressions distracted Malyavan, causing him to lose rhythm and melody.

Witnessing this breach of discipline, Indra cursed both Malyavan and Pushpavati to be deprived of heaven and to live on Earth in the form of Pishachas (spirits). On Earth, they lived miserably on a tree in the Himalayan region, enduring immense suffering.

As time passed, the day of Magha Shukla Ekadashi arrived. Distressed by their condition, they consumed only fruits that day. At night, severe cold forced them to remain awake throughout the night. By morning, both succumbed to the cold and died. Unknowingly, they had completed the fast of Jaya Ekadashi. As a result, they were freed from their Pishacha form and regained their place in heaven.

Surprised to see them back in heaven, Indra asked how they attained liberation. They explained that it was the grace of Lord Vishnu and the merit of Jaya Ekadashi. Pleased, Indra blessed them to live happily in heaven.

Why Jaya Ekadashi Is Called Bhishma Ekadashi?

Jaya Ekadashi is also called Bhishma Ekadashi, named after Bhishma Pitamah from the epic Mahabharata. Bhishma had taken a lifelong vow of celibacy and was blessed with the boon of choosing the time of his death. He chose to leave his body on the sacred day of Jaya Ekadashi so that he could directly attain Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Since then, this Ekadashi has also been known as Bhishma Ekadashi.

Jaya Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

On the day of Jaya Ekadashi, wake up during Brahma Muhurta and begin the day by meditating on Lord Vishnu. After bathing, wear yellow clothes. Clean the place of worship and purify it by sprinkling Gangajal. Light a ghee lamp and worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with flowers, incense, tulsi leaves, sandalwood, sweets, and other offerings. Recite Vishnu stotras and read the Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Conclude the worship with aarti, offer bhog, and distribute prasad among devotees.

Special Rituals and Remedies

To overcome enemies, light six lamps using sesame oil and offer betel nut and cloves to Lord Vishnu. Later, keep them in a money locker to fulfill wishes. To overcome financial difficulties, offer twelve almonds to Lord Vishnu and later wrap them in a cloth and store them safely at home.

Special Mantra

Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Jagadeeshaya” using a sandalwood rosary.

According to scriptures, on Jaya Ekadashi one should avoid feelings of hatred or enmity and worship Lord Vishnu with a pure heart, faith, and devotion. Negative emotions such as deceit, hostility, and lust should be avoided. Reciting Narayan Stotra and Vishnu Sahasranama on this day is highly beneficial. Those who observe this fast with proper rituals receive the abundant blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.

In this blog, we have explained Jaya Ekadashi in detail. If you liked this blog, do share it with your friends and family.