Bhaimi Ekadashi is also known as Jaya Ekadashi. This is a sacred fasting day dedicated to Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The devotees of Shri Krishna observe this day to seek his blessings. This Ekadashi is especially known for removal of sins and providing liberation (Moksha). It falls on the 11th day of Magha month during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase).
Observing a fast on this day purifies not only the soul but also the mind. Shri Krishna blesses those who worship him with great devotion. ISKCON temples celebrate this day vigorously with kirtans and prayers. Selfless activities including food donation bring multiple merits on this day.
Jaya Ekadashi 2025 Date and Time
Jaya Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Saturday, 8th February. The Ekadashi Tithi starts on February 7 at 09:26 PM and ends on 8 February at 08:15 PM. Devotees must follow the fasting rituals strictly in order to receive the blessings of Shri Krishna.
Significance of Bhaimi Ekadashi
Bhaimi Ekadashi has great spiritual significance. It is also inscribed in ancient scriptures like the Bhavishya Purana and Padma Purana. Lord Vishnu, the supreme protector emphasizes this day as a chance to cleanse one’s past bad deeds (Karma).
1) Jaya Ekadashi fasting: Observing a fast on this day pleases Shri Krishna and brings immense prosperity and peace.
2) Freedom from past sins: This Ekadashi is known to cleanse past sins, even from previous lives.
3) Gateway to heaven: Devotees who observe this fast with true devotion attain the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu.
4) Action from evil powers: Observing this fast on this Ekadashi removes negative forces.
Jaya Ekadashi Story
The story of Jaya Ekadashi originated in the Padma Purana. Once upon a time in Swarga Loka where Lord Indira ruled over the Heavens. His divine court had a lot of celestial dancers (apsaras) who used to entertain the gods. One day a Gandharva whose name was Malyavan fell in love with an Apsara whose name was Pushpawati.
During Lord Indra’s court instead of focusing on devotional service, they both were lost in each other. Lord Indra got angry and cursed them to take birth as demons on the planet Earth.
They suffered miserably in their new lives as demons. However, unknowingly both of them observed Bhaimi Ekadashi by praying and fasting. In conclusion, the mercy of Lord Vishnu freed them from the curse and they regained their divine forms in Heaven.
This story highlights the importance of Bhaimi Ekadashi and how it can destroy past life Karma, remove sufferings, and grant liberation (Moksha).
ISKCON Jaya Ekadashi Celebrations
ISKCON temples across the world celebrate Bhaimi Ekadashi with a great hustle and bustle, and devotional services including;
1) Kirtan and Sankirtan: Devotees chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra to seek Shri Krishna’s divine blessings on this day.
2) Spiritual readings: Srimad Bhagwat and Bhagwat Geeta discuss the importance of observing Ekadashi fast.
3) Offering Bhoga to Shri Krishna: Devotees prepare special Satvik food for the deity of Shri Krishna.
4) Charity and donations: Giving food to the poor and making donations to temples, bring multiple spiritual merits.
Bhaimi Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
The observance of Ekadashi includes the below steps;
i) Wake up in the early morning during the brahma muhurta and take a holy bath.
ii) Offer prayers to Shri Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
iii) Chant at least 16 rounds of Shri hare Krishna Mahamantra.
iv) Observe a complete fast (Nirjala) or partial fast consuming milk and fruit.
v) Have a visit to an ISKCON temple and participate in bhajans and kirtans.
vi) Make donations and selfless services for the needy.
vii) Break the fast on say next day during the prana time with prasadam.
Ekadashi Fasting Benefits as Per Bhagavad Gita
In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna emphasizes the significance of self-discipline and devotional services. Observing a fast on Ekadashi helps in;
i) Purifying both the body and soul.
ii) Strengthening true devotion toward Shri Krishna.
iii) Gaining control over the mind and senses.
iv) Attending spiritual liberation (moksha).
Donations on Jaya Ekadashi and Spiritual Significance
Donations play an important role in Bhaimi Ekadashi’s celebration. Shri Krishna teaches that making donations on this day brings multiple rewards.
Bhagavad Gita 17.20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥
Meaning: Charity that is given selflessly, at the right place and time, to a deserving person, without expecting anything in return, is considered Sattvik (pure) charity.
i) Giving food to the poor satisfies the heart of Shri Krishna.
ii) Spiritual growth and devotion are benefits of making donations to temples including ISKCON.
iii) The distribution of scriptures like Bhagavad Gita helps spread the message of Shri Krishna.
What to do on Jaya Ekadashi
i) Worship Shri Krishna with true devotion
• Offer fruits, tulsi leaves (basil leaves), and flowers to Shri Krishna.
• Perform aarti and chant shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra and Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Have a visit to an ISKCON temple and participate in kirtan and bhajan.
ii) Observe a Strict Fast
• Complete Nirjala fast without food or water for 24 hours.
• Phalahar fast: Consuming milk, fruit, and nuts.
• Satvik fast: Eating simple food with no grains, pulses, or onion garlic.
iii) Read Scriptures and Chant Holy Names
• Recite Bhagwat Geeta chapter 12 bhakti yoga
• Chat at least 16 rounds of Shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
• Read the Jaya Ekadashi story and follow its Pooja Vidhi.
iv) Give charity and help the needy
• Giving food to the poor and helping the needy brings immense spiritual merit.
• Making donations to temples supports spreading Shri Krishna’s consciousness.
• Serving cows (Gau Seva) pleases Shri Krishna largely.
Spiritual Benefits of Bhaimi Ekadashi Vrat
1) Cleanses sins and Karma
Observing a fast on Jaya Ekadashi removes sins from previous lives. Even grave offences get cleansed by fasting and true devotion to Shri Krishna.
2) Provides liberation (Moksha)
This Ekadashi is known as the gateway to Vaikunta (Heaven). Devotees who observe this fast sincerely attain liberation and never suffer in lower births.
3) Strengthens devotion to Shri Krishna
Observing a fast on Ekadashi purifies the heart and soul. It also increases faith in Shri Krishna and deepens love for him.
4) Brings peace and prosperity
Devotees who observe this Ekadashi fast experience happiness, peace, and prosperity in their lives. Those who donate generously achieve business success and financial stability.
Conclusion of Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi 2025 is really and truly a golden opportunity to have a strong connection with Shri Krishna. By chanting, fasting, and donating; devotees receive unlimited blessings of Shri Krishna.
