Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Date, Importance Of Vijaya Ekadashi
Vijaya Ekadashi is one of the great Ekadashi that comes in the month of Phalgun that often comes in February/March. Vijaya Ekadashi date is Friday, Feburary 13th, 2026. Vijaya Ekadasi importance can be found in the Skanda Purana. When one observe the Vijaya Ekadasi fast, it helps in removing all the guilt that has been associated with the sins committed in this and previous life. It is important to note here that Lord Sri Ram also observed the Vijaya Ekadashi fast before crossing the ocean to reach Lanka and defeat the demon king Ravana. As the name says, this Vijaya Ekadashi fast helps a person attains victory over his/her enemies, whether internal or external and evil powers. Vijaya Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu/Sri Hari and is marked on the 11th day in Hindu Calendar. Vijaya Ekadashi is called by the name of Pankoddhar Ekadasi in Orissa. Vijaya Ekadasi significance was told by Lord Brahma to Narada.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026: Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi
When Lord Rama and Vanarasena, the monkey army thought about how they can cross over the ocean to reach Lanka, Lakshmana told them about a great nearby Sage whom he thought could provide them the way to reach Lanka and come as victorious. The Sage told Lord Rama and others about the Vijaya Ekadashi fasting and its benefits and how they can reach Lanka.
When Lord Ram reached to Samudra (sea), he asked the sea for the help on showing them the correct path to Lanka, but the Sea God didn't reply. The great sage was named Balada Bhaya who was asked by Ram and Lakshman to show them how they can reach Lanka. Saint Balada Bhaya advised the two brothers to observe the Vijaya Ekadashi fast. Upon observing the Vijaya Ekadashi fast, they will definitely come as victorious in any difficulty and obstacle they face on their way to Lanka, said sage Balada Bhaya. Not ony that, he also told that this Vijaya Ekadashi vrat will also help them in defeating the evil powers of Ravana. Therefore, Lord Rama observed the Vijaya Ekadashi fast and this helped him in winning over Ravana as well as rescuing his wife Sita.
When Lord Ram reached to Samudra (sea), he asked the sea for the help on showing them the correct path to Lanka, but the Sea God didn't reply. The great sage was named Balada Bhaya who was asked by Ram and Lakshman to show them how they can reach Lanka. Saint Balada Bhaya advised the two brothers to observe the Vijaya Ekadashi fast. Upon observing the Vijaya Ekadashi fast, they will definitely come as victorious in any difficulty and obstacle they face on their way to Lanka, said sage Balada Bhaya. Not ony that, he also told that this Vijaya Ekadashi vrat will also help them in defeating the evil powers of Ravana. Therefore, Lord Rama observed the Vijaya Ekadashi fast and this helped him in winning over Ravana as well as rescuing his wife Sita.
Importance/Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi
It is believed that when you observe the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi and worship Lord Vishnu with extreme faith, devotion and dedication, you will come as victorious over all the evil powers and all the sins of his past and present life are removed. Special powers and boons are showered by Lord Vishnu to overcome the worldly obstacles and evil forces when one fast on this day of Vijaya Ekadasi.
It is believed that when you observe the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi and worship Lord Vishnu with extreme faith, devotion and dedication, you will come as victorious over all the evil powers and all the sins of his past and present life are removed. Special powers and boons are showered by Lord Vishnu to overcome the worldly obstacles and evil forces when one fast on this day of Vijaya Ekadasi.
How to observe Vijaya Ekadashi Fast?
The same rules apply while observing Vijaya Ekadashi fast as with any other Ekadashi. These are as follows:
Bath in the morning, before sunrise (if possible)
Then worship and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with extreme dedication and devotion.
As this Vijaya Ekadashi fast gives victory, if you follow and observe this fast with true devotion from your heart, you will definitely win.
If you are completely fit, then only fast for the whole day without taking any food or water. However, it is highly recommended to take only fruits, milk, tea on this day of ekadashi
No grains, cereals, vegetables, breads, honey should be taken.
Do not eat rice and non-vegetarian food, eat only vegetarian (satvik) food.
Recite and chant the Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu mantra's and aarti's.
According to "Shastra's", a person doing the ekadashi fast should not sleep during the night of Ekadashi and worship Lord Vishnu the whole night.
Every Ekadshi vrat starts from the ‘dashami’ tithi (10th day) and you should not take the last meal (dinner) on the day before ekadashi.
Every Ekadashi vrat gets complete after the sunrise on the 12th day or ‘dwadashi’ tithi.
The same rules apply while observing Vijaya Ekadashi fast as with any other Ekadashi. These are as follows:
Bath in the morning, before sunrise (if possible)
Then worship and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with extreme dedication and devotion.
As this Vijaya Ekadashi fast gives victory, if you follow and observe this fast with true devotion from your heart, you will definitely win.
If you are completely fit, then only fast for the whole day without taking any food or water. However, it is highly recommended to take only fruits, milk, tea on this day of ekadashi
No grains, cereals, vegetables, breads, honey should be taken.
Do not eat rice and non-vegetarian food, eat only vegetarian (satvik) food.
Recite and chant the Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu mantra's and aarti's.
According to "Shastra's", a person doing the ekadashi fast should not sleep during the night of Ekadashi and worship Lord Vishnu the whole night.
Every Ekadshi vrat starts from the ‘dashami’ tithi (10th day) and you should not take the last meal (dinner) on the day before ekadashi.
Every Ekadashi vrat gets complete after the sunrise on the 12th day or ‘dwadashi’ tithi.
When is Vijaya Ekadashi 2026?
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Date & Time
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Date - Friday, 13th February 2026
Ekadashi Tithi starts at 12:22 PM on 12th Feb 2026 and ends at 02:25 PM on 13th Feb 2026. On 14th Feb, 2026, the Parana time (time of breaking ekadashi fast on dwadashi tithi) is from 07:00 AM to 09:14 AM.
For Iskcon devotees, on 14th Feb, 2026, the Parana time (time of breaking ekadashi fast on dwadashi tithi) is from 07:00 AM to 10:44 AM.
Ekadashi Tithi starts at 12:22 PM on 12th Feb 2026 and ends at 02:25 PM on 13th Feb 2026. On 14th Feb, 2026, the Parana time (time of breaking ekadashi fast on dwadashi tithi) is from 07:00 AM to 09:14 AM.
For Iskcon devotees, on 14th Feb, 2026, the Parana time (time of breaking ekadashi fast on dwadashi tithi) is from 07:00 AM to 10:44 AM.
