Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat 2026: Significance, Katha, Puja Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Ekadashi fast has special significance among the sacred fasts in Hindu religion. Among these also, Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month i.e. "Vijaya Ekadashi" is considered a symbol of victory and spiritual progress. This year it is  falling on 12 February 2026. This Ekadashi has special significance, not only because of its association with Lord Vishnu, but it is also historically associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.

Table of Contents

1. Date and Time of Vijaya Ekadashi 2026
2. Significance and Importance
3. Vijaya Ekadashi Story
4. Rituals and Puja Vidhi for Vijaya Ekadashi
5. Benefits of Observing Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat
6. How to Perform Vijaya Ekadashi Puja Online

Date and Time of Vijaya Ekadashi 2026

Date: Thursday, 12 February 2026

Ekadashi Date Begins: 12 February 2026 at 12:22 PM

Ekadashi Date Ends: 13 February 2026 at 02:25 PM

Significance and Importance

The significance of Vijaya Ekadashi is related to a story from Hindu scriptures. According to the story, King Chitraratha was unable to find a suitable husband for his daughter. He performed a yagna (a Hindu fire ritual) and sought the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who appeared before him and told him that his daughter would marry the person who came to his palace gate on the day of Vijaya Ekadashi.

The prince of Mithila, Lord Rama, arrived at the palace gate on Vijaya Ekadashi, and King Chitraratha's daughter was married to him. Hence, Vijaya Ekadashi is considered to be a day of victory and is celebrated to mark Lord Rama's victory over evil.

Vijaya Ekadashi Story 

According to scriptures, during the Ramayana period, when Lord Shri Ram was going to attack Lanka with his monkey army, he had a huge challenge of crossing the vast ocean at that time. The sea was very big and it was not so easy to cross it; That's why they could not think of any way how to cross this sea. In the end, he asked for a way to climb Lanka from the sea itself but failed there too. Then he asked the sages for the solution, then they said that Shri Ram along with his monkey army should fast on Vijaya Ekadashi, it will definitely benefit him.

After listening to the words of the sages, Lord Rama observed Vijaya Ekadashi fast on the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month along with the Vanar Sena and worshiped Lord Vishnu with complete rituals. It is said that due to the effect of the Ekadashi fast, the way to go to Lanka by sea was prepared. With the virtue of the Vijaya Ekadashi fast, Shri Ram ji won over Ravana, and since then the Vijaya Ekadashi fast is very important. The fast of Vijaya Ekadashi also became famous among the common people and people started observing this fast for the success of any of their work.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi for Vijaya Ekadashi

1. The day before Ekadasi i.E. Dashami, take a gold, silver, copper pot. If there is no any metal pot then, a new clay pot may also do. Fill the pot with water.
2. Arrange the leaves of Mango tree as decoration at the pot.
3. Cover the pot and place it in a sacred location of worship, on a mound of seven grains. The seven grains are, barley, corn, Kukani, wheat, rice, chickpeas and dahi or peas.
4. Post the morning bath the pot which has been kept must be embellished with flower garland and Sandalwood paste.
5. Worship the embellished pot of water via presenting plant life, a Ghee Diya (lamp), Sandalwood paste and scrumptious food as Naivedyam.
6. Place a Golden idol of suitable length of Lord Sri Narayan on the pinnacle of the lid of the pot where Coconut is saved.
7. Stay unsleeping at night time in the vicinity of the pot.
8. At the dawn of Vijaya Ekadasi after having a tub, update the flower garland with a brand new one and use Sandalwood paste to decorate the pot.
9. Worship the pot again, like the previous day with the aid of lighting fixtures Ghee lamp, fragrant incense and providing flowers dipped in sandalwood paste.
10. The sacred pot along with all the components are to be provided to a certified Brahmin

Benefits of Observing Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat

Vijaya Ekadashi is celebrated every year 2 days before Maha Shivratri, according to beliefs, if Lord Vishnu is fasted and worshiped with a true heart, then all wishes are definitely fulfilled and there is no crisis in life.This fast brings success in every work. And victory is achieved in every area of life.

How to Perform Vijaya Ekadashi Puja Online

Worship on this holy day with Utsav app.

Utsav App is a spiritual platform that keeps you connected to your spiritual roots. The story of Vijaya Ekadashi tells how Dharma wins through devotion, faith and adherence to religion. If you are also busy in your lifestyle and want to perform religious rituals then you can participate in the puja performed through the Utsav app. Pandit ji will do the puja with your name and gotra and the video will be sent to you on WhatsApp. Prasad will also be delivered to your home.

You can book puja on Ekadashi day at Banke Bihari, Vrindavan Temple through Utsav App.