Vijaya Ekadasi 2026: Date, Timings, Puja Vidhi & Spiritual Significance

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 is one of the most powerful Ekadasis observed in the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of Phalguna month. The word “Vijaya” means victory, and this sacred vrata is dedicated to Sri Maha Vishnu, granting triumph over obstacles, sins, and enemies both internal and external.

This is the same Ekadasi that Sri Rama observed before crossing the ocean to Lanka to defeat Ravana and rescue Mata Sita. The spiritual significance of this day extends beyond worldly success to include victory over karmic bondage and the attainment of moksha (liberation).

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 Date and Timings

Accurate observance begins with respecting sacred time. Ekadasi vrata draws its strength from alignment with cosmic rhythm.

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 Panchang Details

Vijaya Ekadasi Date: Friday, February 13, 2026

Ekadasi Tithi Begins: 12:22 PM on February 12, 2026 (Thursday)

Ekadasi Tithi Ends: 02:25 PM on February 13, 2026 (Friday)

Parana Time on February 14, 2026: 07:07 AM to 09:26 AM

Dwadashi End Moment: 04:01 PM on February 14, 2026

Note: Parana should be done after sunrise on Dwadashi (February 14), within the prescribed time window, and after Hari Vasara is over.

For more information and guide updated at Vijaya Ekadasi.

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 Importance

Observing Vijaya Ekadasi in 2026 holds special significance for devotees seeking:

• Spiritual purification: Destroys sins accumulated over lifetimes
• Victory over obstacles: Removes barriers in career, education, legal matters, and personal life
• Inner transformation: Helps conquer anger, greed, lust, and other negative tendencies
• Divine blessings: Grants the merit equivalent to performing a Vajapeya Yajna
• Path to liberation: Accelerates spiritual progress toward moksha

According to the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, simply hearing the glory of Vijaya Ekadasi with faith brings immense spiritual merit and divine protection.

Vijaya Ekadasi Vrat Katha: The Legend of Sri Rama

The most celebrated story of Vijaya Ekadasi centers on Sri Rama’s preparation for the battle against Ravana.

After Ravana abducted Mata Sita, Sri Rama, along with Lakshmana and an army of vanaras and bears, marched to the southern ocean. Standing at the seashore, Rama wondered how to cross the vast, turbulent waters filled with dangerous creatures.

On Lakshmana’s suggestion, Rama approached Sage Vakdalbhya on Kumari island. The sage revealed that the approaching Vijaya Ekadasi, if observed with proper devotion and ritual, would grant Him the power to cross the ocean and achieve victory.

Sage Vakdalbhya instructed Rama to perform a special Kalasha puja beginning on Dashami (the day before Ekadasi), observe complete fasting and worship on Ekadasi, and conclude with Kalasha dana to a Brahmin on Dwadashi.

Sri Rama followed these instructions exactly. Through the grace obtained from observing Vijaya Ekadasi, He successfully crossed the ocean, defeated Ravana, and rescued Sita, restoring dharma.

This sacred narrative teaches us that even the Supreme Lord, in His human form, demonstrated the importance of proper Ekadasi observance, showing ordinary souls the path of combining effort with divine grace.

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Procedure

Dasami Preparation

What to do on Dasami:

1. Diet and preparation: Eat a single, simple sattvic meal. Avoid meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and masoor dal. Begin mental preparation by reducing worldly activities.
2. Kalasha Sthapana (Evening):
   • Clean the puja area and prepare an altar
   • Place seven grains (wheat, rice, barley, chickpeas, moong, urad, bajra) as a base
   • Set a copper, brass, silver, or clay pot (Kalasha) on the grains
   • Fill the Kalasha with clean water (Ganga jal if available)
   • Insert five sacred leaves (mango or Ashoka) into the water
   • Decorate with sandalwood paste, flowers, and garland
   • Place a coconut on top
   • Install a murti or image of Lord Vishnu/Rama near the Kalasha
3. Sankalpa: Facing east, take the formal vow for Vijaya Ekadasi, stating your intention to observe the fast for removal of sins and victory over obstacles.

Vijaya Ekadasi Day

Morning routine:

1. Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise)
2. Complete bath with Ganga jal if available
3. Wear clean, preferably light or yellow-colored clothes
4. Clean mouth by rinsing 12 times with water (avoid plucking fresh leaves)

Main Puja:

1. Stand before the Kalasha and deity
2. Take formal Ekadasi sankalpa, promising to avoid negativity and dedicate the day to Vishnu
3. Light incense and lamp
4. Offer flowers, sandalwood paste, Tulasi leaves, and naivedya (Ekadasi-approved food)
5. Recite or listen to Bhagavad Gita
6. Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Om Namo Narayanaya”
7. Read or listen to the Vijaya Ekadasi Vrat Katha

Throughout the day:

• Engage in continuous japa and kirtan
• Read Ramayana or Bhagavata Purana
• Avoid harsh speech, anger, and worldly conversations
• Perform charity: feed cows, donate to temples or Brahmins
• Prepare food for Dwadashi parana

Evening and night:

• Perform elaborate aarti to Sri Maha Vishnu
• Sing devotional bhajans
• If possible, observe Jagaran (staying awake through the night in devotion)
• Continue chanting and scriptural reading

Parana on Dwadasi

Morning rituals:

1. Wake early and complete bath
2. Offer arghya to Surya deva
3. Perform final worship of Kalasha with fresh flowers
4. If possible, take the Kalasha to a river and donate it to a Brahmin along with grains, cloth, and dakshina

Breaking the fast:

• Parana Time: Between 07:07 AM and 09:26 AM on February 14, 2026
• First serve food to Brahmins or the poor
• Then break your own fast within the prescribed time
• Begin with water, followed by a light meal including grains
• Avoid heavy or fried foods immediately

Important: Do not break the fast before 07:07 AM or after 09:26 AM. Parana must be done after Hari Vasara has passed but before Dwadashi ends at 04:01 PM.

Vijaya Ekadasi Fasting Rules for 2026

Types of Fasting

Nirjala: Complete fast without water (for advanced practitioners)

Jalhara: Water only, sometimes with charanamrita

Phalahara: Fruits, milk, and Ekadasi-approved foods (most common)

Ekabhukta: One simple meal of permitted items

Foods to Avoid

• All grains: rice, wheat, barley, corn
• All regular pulses and dals
• Onion, garlic, meat, fish, eggs
• Certain vegetables: cabbage, carrots, spinach, turnips
• Regular table salt (use rock salt)
• Honey, sesame, mustard

Foods Permitted

• Fruits: All fresh and dried fruits, nuts
• Dairy: Milk, yogurt, homemade paneer, ghee
• Special grains: Sabudana, water chestnut flour, buckwheat flour
• Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, bottle gourd, cucumber
• Beverages: Water, coconut water, fresh fruit juices

Behavioral Guidelines

Do:

• Speak gently and truthfully
• Practice forgiveness
• Engage in charity and service
• Chant mantras continuously
• Spend maximum time in devotion

Don’t:

• Use harsh speech or engage in arguments
• Indulge in sensual activities
• Engage in unnecessary work
• Sweep or clean excessively
• Kill insects unnecessarily

Vijaya Ekadasi Mantras for 2026

Primary Mantras to Chant

Dwadasha-Akshara Mantra: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Chant this throughout the day and night for maximum benefit.

Ashtakshara Mantra: Om Namo Narayanaya

Powerful for seeking divine protection and spiritual progress.

Maha-Mantra (especially for ISKCON followers):
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

Additional Stotras:

• Vishnu Sahasranama
• Rama Raksha Stotra
• Sri Rama Ashtottara Shatanamavali

Benefits of Observing Vijaya Ekadasi 2026

Spiritual Benefits

• Destroys sins from current and past lifetimes
• Grants the merit of performing grand Vedic sacrifices
• Purifies consciousness and awakens devotion
• Accelerates progress toward moksha
• Provides protection from negative karmic forces

Material Benefits

• Success in career and professional endeavors
• Victory in legal disputes and conflicts
• Recovery of lost wealth
• Success in education and examinations
• Improved health and mental clarity
• Harmony in family relationships
• Protection from enemies and obstacles

Inner Transformation

• Victory over anger, greed, lust, envy, pride
• Development of forgiveness and compassion
• Strengthening of willpower and discipline
• Cultivation of sattvic qualities
• Deepening of faith and devotion

Where to Celebrate Vijaya Ekadasi 2026

Major Temples in India

Rama Temples:

• Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
• Bhadrachalam, Telangana
• Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Vishnu Temples:

• Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
• Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
• Guruvayur, Kerala
• Udupi, Karnataka
• Dwarka, Gujarat

ISKCON Centers:

• Vrindavan (Krishna Balaram Mandir)
• Mayapur
• ISKCON temples worldwide

Special Programs

Most major temples organize:

• Extended darshan hours
• Special abhishekam and decoration
• Continuous kirtan sessions
• Vrat Katha narration
• Free annadanam
• All-night jagaran programs

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 Preparation Checklist

Shopping List

• Copper/brass Kalasha (or use existing pot)
• Seven grains for base
• Mango or Ashoka leaves
• Flowers for decoration
• Incense, camphor, ghee for lamp
• Sandalwood paste, kumkum
• Tulasi leaves
• Fruits, milk, sabudana for fasting
• Rock salt
• Items for Kalasha dana: cloth, dakshina

Spiritual Preparation

• Download or print Vijaya Ekadasi Vrat Katha
• Keep Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or Bhagavata Purana ready
• Check panchang for exact timings
• Inform family members and plan schedule
• Prepare mentally for discipline and devotion

Common Questions About Vijaya Ekadasi 2026

Q: What if I cannot donate the Kalasha?
A: If donating to a Brahmin is not possible, you can donate to a temple or use for charitable purposes. The intention matters most.

Q: What if I break the fast accidentally?
A: If done unknowingly, pray for forgiveness and continue with renewed focus. Deliberate breaking negates the vrata.

Q: Is the exact parana time mandatory?
A: Yes, breaking the fast at the correct time (07:07 AM to 09:26 AM on Feb 14) is crucial for receiving full benefits.

Vijaya Ekadasi 2026: Final Thoughts

Vijaya Ekadasi on February 13, 2026, offers a precious opportunity for spiritual renewal and divine grace. Whether you’re observing for the first time or have maintained this vrata for years, approach it with sincere devotion and proper understanding.

Remember Lord Rama standing at the ocean’s edge even the Supreme Lord demonstrated the importance of this sacred observance. When we follow in His footsteps with faith and discipline, we too can cross our personal oceans of difficulty and achieve victory in all spheres of life.

The blessings of Vijaya Ekadasi extend far beyond material success. This is a day to realign with dharma, to purify the heart, and to take firm steps on the path toward ultimate liberation.

Mark Your Calendar

• February 12, 2026 (Thursday): Dasami – Begin preparation, set up Kalasha
• February 13, 2026 (Friday): Vijaya Ekadasi – Complete fasting and worship
• February 14, 2026 (Saturday): Dwadasi – Break fast between 07:07 AM – 09:26 AM

May Sri Maha Vishnu bless all devotees observing Vijaya Ekadasi 2026 with victory over all obstacles, destruction of all sins, and steady progress on the spiritual path.

Jai Sri Rama. Hare Krishna.

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