Jaya Ekadashi 2026Image Credit source: AI-ChatGpt
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha in Hindi: According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month is called Jaya Ekadashi. In religious scriptures, this Ekadashi has been described as very virtuous. It is said that worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day not only destroys sins but also a person does not have to face misery after death. According to beliefs, the devotees who observe fast on this day as per the rituals and recite the mythological story, get freedom from the evil spirits and receive the immense blessings of Lord Vishnu. This year, the fast of Jaya Ekadashi is being observed on 29 January 2026. The fast will be broken on the next day i.e. on Dwadashi Tithi.
Mythological fasting story of Jaya Ekadashi
According to Padma Purana, once Gandharvas were celebrating a festival in Indra’s court. There a Gandharva named ‘Malyavan’ and a Gandharva girl named Pushpavati were dancing and singing. While singing, Pushpavati and Malydaan got attracted to each other, due to which their tune got spoiled. Angered by this indiscipline, Devraj Indra cursed him that he would fall from heaven and reside in the world of death in the form of a ghost.
Due to the influence of the curse, both of them started living as vampires in the foothills of the Himalayas. There he neither got food nor sleep. He was troubled by extreme cold and hunger. He was very remorseful for his actions. Both were very sad on the day of Ekadashi of Magh Shukla Paksha. Due to extreme cold and hunger he did not eat anything that day and spent the whole day eating only fruits.
Due to cold, he could not sleep the whole night and unknowingly he awakened Jaya Ekadashi. Even without knowing, he had completed the Ekadashi fast with full devotion. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his penance and the fast he observed unknowingly. The next morning, both of them left their vampire bodies and returned to their beautiful Gandharva form. Flowers rained from the sky and they returned to heaven.
How to worship on Jaya Ekadashi?
Wake up in Brahma Muhurta and take bath with water mixed with Ganga water. Take a pledge to fast in front of Lord Vishnu with water in your hand. Offer yellow flowers, intact fruits and basil leaves to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. Light incense sticks and recite the story of Jaya Ekadashi given above. Sing Om Jai Jagdish Hare Aarti and distribute Prasad. Consuming rice is considered prohibited on the day of Ekadashi, hence follow only Satvik diet.
Religious significance of Jaya Ekadashi
According to mythological beliefs, observing fast on Jaya Ekadashi also provides freedom from ghosts. This Ekadashi is considered especially fruitful for those people who are troubled by any kind of fear, suffering or negative energy in life. Fasting, worshiping and reciting stories on this day calms the mind and infuses positive energy in the house.
Also read: Jaya Ekadashi fast today, note down everything from bathing time, worship method, auspicious time
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.