Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Jaya Ekadashi is an important fast in Sanatan Dharma, celebrated on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the month of Magh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to religious texts, observing this fast absolves a person of all sins and leads to salvation. Jaya Ekadashi holds a special place in mythology, as this fast not only provides worldly pleasures but also serves as a means of spiritual progress. It is mentioned in the Padma Purana and other texts, where it is stated that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day removes obstacles like ghosts and spirits and brings peace and prosperity to life. In 2026, this Ekadashi falls on January 29.

Religious Significance
The Padma Purana states that a devotee who observes this fast with proper rituals is relieved of the sins of seven lifetimes and attains a place in Vishnuloka. From a religious perspective, this fast teaches self-control. Ekadashi fasts are significant in the Sanatan tradition because they are associated with the influence of the Moon, and Jaya Ekadashi is especially considered a sin-destroyer. Observing this fast removes all life's troubles, such as illness, enemy obstacles, and financial difficulties. Devotees believe that on this day, through the grace of Lord Vishnu, one is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Puja Method
On this day, wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Spread a yellow cloth on a platform in your home's temple and install an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu. First, take water in your hand and take a vow to observe the fast. Bathe the Lord with Ganga water, then apply yellow sandalwood paste. Offer yellow flowers, yellow clothes, and basil leaves, as the puja is considered incomplete without basil. Offer fruits, sweets, and Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar). Light a ghee lamp and read or listen to the Jaya Ekadashi Katha. The Katha primarily describes the glories of Lord Vishnu. In the evening, light a lamp and sing the aarti "Om Jai Jagdish Hare." Include rice grains, incense, agarbatti, camphor, and naivedya in the puja materials. After the puja, donate to a Brahmin or the needy.

Mythology
According to mythology, in the court of Lord Indra in heaven, a Gandharva named Malyavan lived. He fell in love with an Apsara named Pushpavati. One day, during a special event in Indra's court, Malyavan and Pushpavati became so engrossed in each other that they neglected their duties. When Indra learned of this, he became enraged and cursed both of them to be born as vampires.

As a result of this curse, they wandered the mortal world and lived a life of extreme hardship. Coincidentally, one day, Jaya Ekadashi came, and they abstained from food all day. Due to their extreme pain, they were unable to sleep at night and remained awake, remembering Lord Vishnu. Thus, their fast was unknowingly completed. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, he received the merits of this fast and returned to his Gandharva form.

Rules of the Fast
Observe celibacy from the Dashami Tithi. Completely abstain from grains, rice, pulses, non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco on Ekadashi. Avoid lying, anger, slander, and arguments. Do not cut your hair or nails, and do not sleep during the day. Consumption of tamasic food is prohibited. Observe the fast with fruits or milk. Break the fast on the Dwadashi Tithi, where you eat after a Brahmin has eaten. Failure to follow these rules will result in the fast not yielding any benefits.

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