Vijaya Ekadashi is a sacred day in the Hindu calendar. Devotees observe it to seek Shri Krishna’s mercy and attain spiritual progress. This Ekadashi falls in the Phalguna month, just before Mahashivratri. Observing this day grants victory over sins and liberation from material bondage. It is a special opportunity for devotees to strengthen their connection with Lord Krishna and purify their hearts through fasting, prayers, and devotion.
When is Vijaya Ekadashi 2025?
Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Monday, February 24. The fasting time starts from sunrise and continues until the next day’s Parana time. It is believed that observing this fast with sincerity brings immense spiritual rewards and divine protection.
The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 01:55 PM on February 23, 2025, at 08:49 PM and ends at 01:44 PM on February 24, 2025. Devotees must follow the proper fasting rules and break their fast at the right time on Dwadashi Tithi during Parana time between 06:50 AM and 09:07 AM on February 25, 2025.
Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi
Vijaya Ekadashi holds great importance in ISKCON temples and among Vaishnavas. Scriptures state that observing this Ekadashi washes away sins and pleases Lord Krishna. It is said that fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi grants success in life and liberation from repeated births. Devotees believe that worshipping Shri Krishna on this day helps them achieve victory over inner weaknesses and attain spiritual wisdom. It is a divine occasion to surrender completely to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Vijaya Ekadashi ISKCON Celebrations
ISKCON temples worldwide celebrate Vijaya Ekadashi with devotion and enthusiasm. Devotees engage in kirtans, bhajans, Bhagavad Gita recitations, and fasting. Lord Krishna’s mercy on Vijaya Ekadashi is immense, as he blesses devotees who sincerely worship him. Temples offer special darshan, aarti, and discourses on this auspicious day. ISKCON temples also organize Annadaan (food donation), charity events, and devotional lectures to spread the glories of this sacred Ekadashi.
Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
According to the Puranas, there was once a powerful king named Rama. While planning to cross the ocean to rescue Goddess Sita, Sage Narada advised him to observe Vijaya Ekadashi vrat. Following the vrata, Lord Rama successfully conquered Lanka. This Ekadashi removes all obstacles and grants victory. It is believed that anyone who observes this fast with faith and devotion gains protection from all dangers and misfortunes.
Importance of Fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi
Fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi is a spiritual purifier. ISKCON devotees observe Vijaya Ekadashi by abstaining from grains, lentils, and certain vegetables. They consume fruits, nuts, and milk-based food. This fast strengthens devotional service and self-control. It is believed that fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi not only cleanses the body but also purifies the soul. Devotees spend the day chanting the holy names of Shri Krishna and meditating on His divine pastimes.
Vijaya Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
1) Wake up early and take a bath.
2) Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Shri Krishna.
3) Visit ISKCON temple for Vijaya Ekadashi rituals including Abhishek, bhajans, and discourses.
4) Read the Bhagavad Gita wisdom and Vijaya Ekadashi story.
5) Spend time chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
6) Engage in seva (service) at the temple or for other devotees.
7) Break the fast on Dwadashi with satvik food.
Things to Donate on Vijaya Ekadashi
Donation is highly recommended on Vijaya Ekadashi. Devotees should give food to the poor and money to temples. The scriptures mention offering clothes, grains, and ghee pleases Shri Krishna and earns divine blessings. Giving food to the hungry, serving the saints, and supporting temple activities are ways to receive spiritual merit. Donating with a pure heart and devotion pleases Lord Krishna and attracts His boundless mercy.
ISKCON Temple Vijaya Ekadashi Rituals
ISKCON temples celebrate Vijaya Ekadashi with deep devotion and grandeur. Devotees gather to sing Hare Krishna kirtans, glorifying Lord Krishna’s mercy on Vijaya Ekadashi. The day begins with Mangala Aarti, followed by Tulasi Puja and recitation of Bhagavad Gita wisdom and Vijaya Ekadashi significance. Special abhishek ceremonies are performed for Shri Krishna and Lord Vishnu, where deities are bathed with milk, ghee, and sacred water. The entire temple resonates with holy chants and spiritual discourses, filling the hearts of devotees with bliss.
As part of Vijaya Ekadashi ISKCON celebrations, devotees observe complete fasting, consuming only satvik prasad at the time of Parana. In the evening, ISKCON saints deliver inspiring talks on the importance of fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi, sharing its connection with spiritual victory and liberation.
Why ISKCON Devotees Observe Vijaya Ekadashi?
Vijaya Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashis for Vaishnavas and ISKCON devotees. It is not just about fasting but also about purifying the soul and surrendering to Shri Krishna. The scriptures highlight that observing this sacred vrat removes past sins and brings one closer to the eternal service of the Lord. ISKCON followers believe that fasting on Vijaya Ekadashi pleases Shri Krishna, and those who do so with devotion receive divine protection.
The day is also considered an opportunity to seek victory over material desires and attain spiritual wisdom. Devotees chant 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and engage in seva (service) at temples, such as cleaning the premises, distributing prasad, and assisting in devotional activities. Through these acts, one progresses on the path of bhakti and attains inner peace.
Bhagavad Gita Wisdom and Vijaya Ekadashi
The teachings of Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the power of surrender and devotion. On Vijaya Ekadashi, devotees reflect upon verses that speak about self-discipline, renunciation, and unwavering faith in Lord Krishna. One such verse is Bhagavad Gita 9.22:
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते |
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ||
Meaning: For those who always think of me with undivided devotion and worship me with faith, I personally take care of their needs and protect what they have.
By following the essence of Bhagavad Gita on Vijaya Ekadashi, devotees strengthen their faith in Lord Krishna’s divine mercy. It is a reminder that surrendering to the Lord leads to eternal victory and freedom from material bondage.
Spiritual Power of Donations on Vijaya Ekadashi
Charity holds great significance on Vijaya Ekadashi. Food donation to the poor and money to the temples is considered a sacred act that pleases Shri Krishna. ISKCON encourages devotees to offer prasadam to those in need, ensuring that no one remains hungry on this auspicious day. According to scriptures, giving with a pure heart multiplies spiritual blessings and removes past karmic debts.
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.
Things to donate on Vijaya Ekadashi include:
· Grains, ghee, and fruits to Brahmins and devotees
· Clothes and essential items to those who are in need
· Cow feeding to honor the divine connection with Lord Krishna
· Offering financial support to ISKCON temples to maintain seva activities
By engaging in selfless donations, devotees receive immeasurable blessings from Shri Krishna and progress towards moksha (liberation).
Conclusion
Vijaya Ekadashi 2025 is not just a day of fasting but a gateway to spiritual enlightenment and Lord Krishna’s blessings. Observing this sacred vrat with devotion purifies the heart and mind. ISKCON temples celebrate this day with grandeur, ensuring that devotees immerse themselves in bhakti, kirtans, and the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna.
May Shri Krishna’s mercy on Vijaya Ekadashi bless all devotees with victory over ignorance, peace of mind, and eternal devotion to His lotus feet.
