Jaya Ekadashi

Jaya Ekadashi is celebrating as a fasting practice on Ekadashi in Shukla paksha. Almost all the Hindus are celebrating Jaya Ekadashi as a dedication to Lord Vishnu. In some parts of South India, Jaya Ekadashi is commonly known as Bhoumi Ekadashi and Bhishma Ekadashi. Hindu believers, especially Lord Vishnu devotees, believe that by doing this Ekadashi fast, all the people can clear the sins that they had done and it will turn the devotees to salvation. According to Hindu mythology, there are two stories behind the custom of Jaya Ekadashi. As stated in Padma Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana, Soul of Bhisma left his body on the same day as Jaya Ekadashi. But, in that time too, Bhishma described Sahasranama stotram or Vishnu Sahasranaama stotram to Pandava in front of Lord Krishna. Later Lord Krishna narrated explained the importance of Jaya Ekadashi to Yudhisthir. Another story emphasising the importance of Jaya Ekadashi is Chitrasena is the musician and Pushpavati is the dancer of Indra Loka. One day Chitrasena came along with his son Malyavan. At first sight, Malyavan and Pushpavati got attracted to each other and it turned to affect their performances. Lord Indra felt angry upon them and he cursed Malyavan and Pushpavati to become Pishachas. Both of them went to the Himalayas on the day of Jaya Ekadashi. On that day, they suffered without food or sleep, even a drop of water too. Without knowing about Jaya Ekadashi, Malyavan and Pushpavati practised Jaya Ekadashi and they got their original form. After that, they entered Indra Loka and narrated the importance of Jaya Ekadashi to Lord Indra and led a happy life. Devotees are starting the rituals of Jaya Ekadashi by taking an early bath in the morning. After that devotees are starting to Worship Lord Vishnu by practising Vrat and a sleepless night. During Puja time, they are giving fruits, flowers, lamps, dhoop, sandalwood paste, and sesame seeds. People are taking Ekadashi vrat from Ekadashi early in the morning without eating food or even drinking a drop of water. Devotees will never sleep at that night and also they will sing Lord Vishnu devotional songs and prayers as the indication of worship to Lord Vishnu. Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama stotram and Narayana stotram on that day is considered auspicious. Jaya Ekadashi vrat will end on the Dwadashi early in the morning. Some people such as aged women, pregnant women and other patients can practise partial fasting on milk and fruits. Applying oil on your head and body must be avoided on Jaya Ekadashi day.