Jaya Ekadashi has a special significance in Hinduism. Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Magha menses is known as ‘Jaya Ekadashi’. Lord Narayana is worshiped on the day of Jaya Ekadashi. Jaya Ekadashi is also known as ‘Bhumi Ekadashi’ and ‘Bhishma Ekadashi’ by some Hindu communities in South India, especially in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Jaya Ekadashi is an important day in the Hindu lunar calendar, observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksh (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha (January-February). It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and devotees fast and pray on this day to seek his blessings. Observing Jaya Ekadashi is believed to help in overcoming sins and attaining salvation.
Significance of Jaya Ekadashi:
- Spiritual Benefits: Fasting on Jaya Ekadashi is believed to provide relief from sins committed in this life or previous lives, helping devotees attain spiritual progress.
- Salvation (Moksh): It is said that observing this Ekadashi with devotion can help one achieve moksh, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Protection from Evil: The day is also associated with the belief that those who observe the fast are protected from evil forces and negative influences.
Rituals:
- Fasting: Devotees usually fast from sunrise on the day of Ekadashi until the sunrise of the next day (Dwadashi). Some may observe a complete fast (without food or water), while others might opt for a partial fast, consuming fruits, milk, and nuts.
- Prayers and Worship: Devotees worship Lord Vishnu with great devotion, chanting mantras, and singing bhajans (devotional songs). The Vishnu Sahasranama (a collection of 1,000 names of Vishnu) is often recited.
- Charity: Acts of charity, especially giving food, clothes, and money to the needy, are encouraged on this day.
Legend:
The significance of Jaya Ekadashi is narrated in the Padma Purana, where it is mentioned that by observing this fast, a person can be freed from the curse of becoming a ghost or spirit. The story of King Harishchandra, who was relieved from his sufferings and restored to his kingdom after observing Jaya Ekadashi, is often recounted to emphasize the power of this observance.
The Story of Jaya Ekadashi
In ancient times, there was a celestial realm known as Nandana, where the gods and celestial beings (dev’s) resided. In this divine abode, there was a beautiful forest, and in that forest stood a grand temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Many celestial beings served in this temple, including a Gandharva (a celestial musician) named Malyavan, who was known for his musical talents, and his beautiful wife, Pushpavati, an Apsara (a celestial nymph).
One day, during the festivities in the temple, Lord Indra, the king of the gods, requested Malyavan and Pushpavati to perform before the assembly of the gods. As they began their performance, the couple became so entranced by each other’s beauty that they lost focus on their devotion to Lord Vishnu. Their performance faltered, and the assembly noticed their distraction.
Lord Indra, angered by their lack of concentration and devotion, cursed Malyavan and Pushpavati. The curse turned them into ghosts, banishing them to the earthly realm where they were condemned to roam aimlessly as spirits, without peace or rest. The curse was so potent that they had to endure the pain of separation and the suffering of being caught in the cycle of birth and death as ghosts.
Malyavan and Pushpavati, deeply sorrowful and regretful of their actions, wandered in the forest, repenting for their mistake. They had no peace, food, or shelter, and their existence as ghosts was filled with immense suffering.
One day, it so happened that their wandering brought them to the Himalayas, where they unknowingly reached a sacred place on the day of Jaya Ekadashi. Exhausted, they sought refuge under a tree and stayed awake the entire night, unable to find rest. Since it was Ekadashi, and they had neither eaten nor drank anything the whole day, they unknowingly observed the Ekadashi fast. They also inadvertently observed the rituals by staying awake through the night, which is an important aspect of the Ekadashi observance.
Due to the piety accumulated from their unintentional observance of the Jaya Ekadashi fast, Lord Vishnu was pleased with them. He appeared before them and, seeing their deep regret and the merits they had unknowingly acquired, he forgave them. Lord Vishnu blessed Malyavan and Pushpavati, releasing them from the curse. They were restored to their original celestial forms and allowed to return to their heavenly abode.
After this event, Lord Vishnu declared that those who observe the fast on Jaya Ekadashi with devotion and sincerity would be freed from their sins and achieve liberation. He also mentioned that observing this Ekadashi could help one avoid the fate of becoming a ghost or spirit, ensuring a peaceful afterlife and ultimately leading to moksha (liberation).
Moral of the Story
The story of Jaya Ekadashi emphasizes the importance of devotion and the observance of Ekadashi fasting. It teaches that even unintentional piety, when performed with a pure heart, can lead to immense spiritual benefits. The story also highlights the compassion of Lord Vishnu, who is ever ready to forgive and bless those who seek his refuge, even if they have strayed from the path of righteousness.
This is why Jaya Ekadashi is considered one of the most powerful Ekadashis, and its observance is believed to bring immense spiritual merit and divine blessings.
Here’s more detailed information about the rituals, prayers, and devotional songs associated with Jaya Ekadashi:
Detailed Rituals:
- Preparation:
- Devotees wake up early on the day of Jaya Ekadashi, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- The house is often cleaned thoroughly, and a sacred space for worship is set up, typically with an idol or image of Lord Vishnu.
- Sankalp (Vow):
- After taking a bath, the devotee makes a resolution or sankalp to observe the Ekadashi fast with devotion. This is done by offering water in the palm of the right hand and mentally stating the intention to fast and worship Lord Vishnu.
- Fasting:
- Nirjala Fast: Some devotees observe a complete fast without food or water (Nirjala Vrat).
- Phalahar: Others may observe a fruit fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and water.
- Avoidance of Grains and Pulses: Even if a full fast is not observed, it is traditional to avoid grains, lentils, and beans on Ekadashi.
- Puja (Worship):
- Morning Puja: Devotees perform a morning puja, offering flowers, incense, a lamp, and naivedya (food offering) to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi (holy basil) leaves are an essential part of the offering.
- Evening Puja: The evening worship includes lighting lamps, offering fresh flowers, and singing hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu.
- Chanting and Recitation:
- Vishnu Sahasranama: Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama (1,000 names of Vishnu) is highly auspicious on this day.
- Bhagavad Gita: Reading and contemplating on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is also recommended.
- Bhajans: Devotional songs or bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu, like “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” and “Vishnu Chalisa,” are commonly sung.
- Night Vigil (Jagaran):
- Devotees often stay awake the entire night, chanting prayers and singing bhajans. This is known as Jagaran and is considered very meritorious.
- Breaking the Fast:
- The fast is broken the next morning, after performing a ritual worship of Lord Vishnu. The fast should be broken with simple, light food, ideally after offering food to a Brahmin or the needy.
Prayers and Mantras:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya: This is a powerful mantra dedicated to Lord Vishnu, often chanted throughout the day.
- Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra: This is a key prayer recited by devotees on Ekadashi. The hymn is a list of 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu, each representing different attributes of the deity.
- Narayan Kavacham: Another protective prayer, invoking Lord Vishnu’s various forms to guard against evil.
Gujarati Devotional Songs (Bhajans) for Jaya Ekadashi:
- “Jaya Jaya Shree Hari”: A popular bhajan that glorifies Lord Vishnu and is often sung during Ekadashi observances.
- “Vishnu Naam Japa Bhajo Re Mana”: This bhajan emphasizes the importance of chanting Lord Vishnu’s names, especially during Ekadashi.
- “Hari Om Namo Narayana”: A simple, melodious bhajan that repeats the sacred names of Lord Vishnu.
These songs are often sung with devotion, helping devotees focus their mind on God and deepen their spiritual experience during the fast.
