Jaya Ekadashi - 19 Feb 2024
Story, Spiritual Significance, Fasting Schedule, and Parana Time
Jaya Ekadashi 19 Feb 2024 : Date and Time
Magha, Shukla Paksh Ekadashi
Ekadashi tithi begins : Feb 19, 2024 – 3:19 AM (IST)
Ekadashi tithi ends : Feb 20, 2024 – 4:25 AM (IST)
Parana Time : Feb 20, 2024 – 1:20 PM – 3:24 PM (IST)
Hari Vasar ending time : Feb 20, 2024 – 10:48 AM (IST)
Jaya Ekadashi Story (Katha)
Yudhishthira asked, “Lord, you have described the significance of Shattila Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. Now, please tell me about the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the same month. What is its procedure, and which deity is worshipped on this day?”
Lord Krishna replied, “O King, listen as I describe it to you. The Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Magha is known as ‘Jaya’. This auspicious day is renowned for eliminating all sins. It is pure and has the power to destroy all sins, granting both enjoyment and liberation to devotees. Moreover, it can eradicate the sin of killing a Brahmin and even free one from the ghostly realm. Those who observe the fast of Jaya Ekadashi never have to suffer in hellish conditions. Therefore, O King, one should diligently observe the fast of Jaya Ekadashi.”
Once upon a time, in the realm of the heavens, Lord Indra was reigning supreme. The gods, along with celestial nymphs, were joyously reveling in the divine Nandana Gardens, which were filled with Parijata trees. Leading fifty crore Gandharvas, Lord Indra organized a grand dance festival in the forest, where the Gandharvas sang melodiously. Among them, Pushpadanta, Chitrasena, and his son were the main singers. Chitrasena’s wife, Malini, had a daughter named Pushpavanti. Pushpadanta had a son named Malyavan, who was deeply enchanted by Pushpavanti’s beauty.
Malyavan and Pushpavanti, overwhelmed by their mutual affection, also joined the divine dance. However, due to their overwhelming attraction towards each other, they became lost in their emotions and were unable to sing properly. Their rhythm faltered, and the songs were interrupted frequently. Indra, perceiving their lapse as a great disrespect and a breach of his command, grew furious. He addressed them sternly and cursed, “You fools! Shame on you! You have fallen from grace and disobeyed my orders. Therefore, you shall become spirits, living as husband and wife, and bear the consequences of your actions.”
Upon receiving such a curse from Indra, both Malyavan and Pushpavanti were deeply distressed. They went to the Himalayas and, taking the form of spirits, endured tremendous suffering. Tormented by the intense heat produced by their physical sins, they wandered through the mountain caves. One day, the spirit asked his partner, “What sin did we commit to deserve this wretched existence as spirits? The agony of hell is unbearable, and the spirit form brings immense suffering. We must strive to avoid sin at all costs.”
While consumed by their thoughts and suffering, they eventually encountered the auspicious Ekadashi in the month of Magha, known as “Jaya” Ekadashi, which is considered the most superior of all Ekadashis. On this sacred day, they abstained from all kinds of food, even refraining from drinking water or causing harm to any living creature. They didn’t even eat fruits. Overwhelmed by their suffering, they sat beneath a peepal tree. As the sun set, the dreadful night arrived, yet they did not sleep or find any pleasure.
When the sun rose on the next day, the Dwadashi, they had unknowingly observed the sacred Jaya Ekadashi fast. They had also stayed awake throughout the night. The power of the fast and their devotion to Lord Vishnu purified them. Both Malyavan and Pushpavanti were freed from their spirit forms and regained their original forms. Their hearts were filled with the same old affection, and they adorned their previous ornaments. Assuming their beautiful forms, they ascended to heaven in a divine chariot and stood before Indra.
Seeing them in this form, Indra was astonished and asked, “Tell me, by what virtue were you freed from your spirit form? You had been cursed by me. Which deity delivered you from this curse?”
Malyavan replied, “Lord, it is by the grace of Lord Vasudeva and the observance of the ‘Jaya’ Ekadashi fast that our spirit forms have been purified.”
Indra said, “Now, as per my instruction, you both should partake in the divine nectar. Those who are devoted to observing Ekadashi and surrender to Lord Krishna are revered even by us.”
Lord Krishna said, “O King, for this reason, one should observe the Ekadashi fast. ‘Jaya’ Ekadashi, especially, has the power to absolve even the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin). Observing ‘Jaya’ Ekadashi is equivalent to giving all types of donations and performing all kinds of sacrifices. Simply reading or listening to the significance of this Ekadashi bestows the same merit as performing the Agnistoma Yagna.”
Spiritual Significance of Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi, celebrated on the eleventh day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Magha, holds profound spiritual importance for devotees. This sacred day is revered for its power to remove deep-seated sins, including the severe transgression of Brahmahatya, or the killing of a Brahmin. Observing Jaya Ekadashi is believed to purify the soul and bestow immense blessings, making it a pivotal event in the Hindu calendar.
The spiritual significance of Jaya Ekadashi lies in its transformative potential. Devotees engage in fasting and worship with dedication and reverence, focusing on Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of this auspicious day. The fast involves abstaining from all forms of indulgence, including food and drink, and dedicating oneself to prayer and meditation. This act of self-discipline helps cleanse the mind and spirit, aligning devotees with divine energies and fostering inner peace.
The merit of observing Jaya Ekadashi is immense, as it is said to be equivalent to performing numerous charitable acts and conducting extensive yagnas (sacrificial rituals). The fast not only helps in the absolution of sins but also aids in overcoming material and spiritual obstacles. Devotees believe that through sincere observance, they can achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death, securing a place in the heavenly realms.
In essence, Jaya Ekadashi serves as a powerful tool for spiritual advancement. By dedicating oneself to this sacred day, practitioners can enhance their spiritual growth, attain divine favor, and ultimately achieve moksha (liberation). This Ekadashi underscores the significance of discipline, devotion, and divine grace in the journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
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