Vijaya Ekadashi

Lord Sri Krishna tells Yudhisthira about the Vijaya Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna. This oldest of fasting days is pure and nullifies all sins. It is said that whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this life and the next.

Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadasi. Lord Brahma replied that he had never revealed this information to anyone until that day. He went on to say that this Ekadasi bestows the result indicated by its name, Vijaya meaning Victory.

Lord Rama and Lakshmana, during their search for Sita, met the sage Bakad Albhya. The sage told Lord Rama about the most exalted of all fasts, observing which Rama will surely conquer Ravana and be eternally glorified. The fast involved fashioning a water pot of gold, silver, copper, or clay, filling it with pure water, and then decorating it nicely with mango leaves. The pot should be placed near a holy altar upon a mound of seven grains. Lord Rama followed the instructions of the sage and observed the fast with great devotion and was able to conquer Ravana.

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