Significance of Maagha Masa Krishna Paksha Ekadashi –VIJAYA EKADASHI

As narrated by Shri Krishna Paramatma to Yudhishtira

Dharmaraja -

In the earlier days, once Naradha Muni asked Sri Brahma to explain the greatness of Magha Masa Krishna Paksha Ekadashi, Vijaya.

Sri Brahma’s version to Naradha is as under :

The observance of this Ekadashi will pave way for victory in all the areas one chooses. To emphasise the importance, he narrated the story of Sri Rama. Sri Rama, accompanied by Seetha & Lakshmana went to live in the forest of Panchavati as desired by his father. Demon Ravana took away Seetha during his absence. Sri Rama was devastated and took the help of Sugreeva for searching and finding the location of Seetha through search by Hanumantha. After knowing the whereabouts of Seetha ( In Sri Lanka) , he went to the sea shore accompanied by Sugreeva and his army. On reaching the sea shore, Rama enquired with Lakshmana how to proceed further and cross the sea to enter into Lanka. Lakshmana suggested to take the help of a saint by name BAKADHALBHYA living in an island, which was within a distance of half yojana.

Sree Rama, (even though Omnipotent,Omnipresent and Sarvagna), went to BAKADHALBHYA, (to mislead others and non-believers into believing that he is not an immortal and an ordinary man), and requested him to guide him and show the way to cross the ocean. The saint told Sree Rama to observe complete fasting on Magha Masa Krishna Paksha Ekadashi, Vijaya. Besides, the following rituals should be observed:

1. On the previous day ( On Dashami), a kalasha made from mud or silver or gold should be installed along with a golden idol of Sriman Narayana.

2. On Ekadashi day, take bath and perform pooja for the idol.

3. Light a deepa with ghee.

4. Observe jagaran on the night of Ekadashi

5. On Dwadashi day, the kalasha with idol should be taken to the shore of the river, pooja performed and given to a Brahmin who is  well versed with all vedas

Sree Rama followerd the advice rendered by BAKADHALBHYA in totot and went on to build a bridge across the ocean, went to Lanka, killed Ravana and brought back Seetha.

Those hearing and reading the above story, will get the punya equivalent to the punya obtained by performing VAAJAAPEYA YAGA.

(Courtesy: Sath Katha Sagara – Sadachara Taranga 3 ,– Aithareya Shodhana Prakasha Peetha,  Bangaluru – Translated version from Kannada for the benefit of interested Samaj Bhandhvas- For internal use only)

(Contributed by Shri Ramdas)