Jaya Ekadashi fast 2026
Jaya Ekadashi Parana Time: Shukla Paksha of Magh month Jaya Ekadashi The fast is considered very important from the point of view of religion and spiritual practice. This year Jaya Ekadashi will be celebrated with devotion and rituals on 29th January i.e. Thursday. According to the Panchang, Ekadashi Tithi will start from 04:35 PM on January 28 and will continue till 01:56 PM on January 29. The fast observed on this day is considered a means of self-purification, destruction of sins and attainment of Vishnu’s grace. In the scriptures, the rules of Jaya Ekadashi fast, diet and special importance of Parana time have been mentioned.
What to eat during Jaya Ekadashi fast?
According to the scriptures, it is considered best to consume satvik and fruit food on the day of Jaya Ekadashi. Those fasting can consume fruits, milk, curd, makhana, buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, sago. Use of rock salt is considered acceptable during fasting. By eating fruits the body remains pure and the mind remains stable in meditation. Devotees who cannot observe Nirjal Vrat can consume fruits with water or milk. It is said in the scriptures that the virtue of fasting increases manifold with a balanced diet and one quickly receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
What should not be eaten during Jaya Ekadashi fast
Consuming food on Jaya Ekadashi is considered completely prohibited. It has been said that it is necessary to give up rice, wheat, pulses and any kind of food made from them. According to the scriptures, consuming food on Ekadashi destroys the virtue of fasting. Along with this, one should stay away from onion, garlic, meat, alcohol and vengeful food. Spicy and fried food is also considered taboo. It is believed that only by controlling the senses on this day, the real fruit of fasting is achieved and the person becomes mentally and spiritually pure.
Jaya Ekadashi auspicious time to break fast
In the scriptures, there is a rule to break Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi date. The fast of Jaya Ekadashi is also broken on the day of Dwadashi. The auspicious time of Paran is considered to be after morning bath and worship of Lord Vishnu. At the time of Parana, it is best to consume water or fruits first, after which satvik food can be consumed. It is believed that if the fast is completed prematurely or late, the full results of the fast are not achieved. Therefore, according to the Panchang, the fast should be broken on Dwadashi Tithi only.
Special beliefs related to Jaya Ekadashi fast
According to religious beliefs, fasting on Jaya Ekadashi destroys physical and mental sins. This fast protects from fear, disease and negative powers. It is mentioned in Brahmavaivarta Purana that a person who observes this Ekadashi properly attains Vaikuntha. The fast is considered complete with a balanced diet, regular worship and performing Parana at the right time. This is the reason why Jaya Ekadashi has been called the Ekadashi that bestows victory, purity and salvation.
Also read- Why was this Ekadashi named Jaya? The secret is hidden in the scriptures