February 2025 Ekadashi Dates in India: Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi vrat tithi, fasting rituals, benefits and more

February 2025 Ekadashi Dates in India: Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi vrat tithi, fasting rituals, benefits and more

In February 2025, there are two significant Ekadashi observances: Jaya Ekadashi and Vijaya Ekadashi. These fasting rituals, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, are crucial for devotees seeking spiritual progress, inner peace, and blessings. Here’s a closer look at these important dates and how they are observed.

Both Jaya Ekadashi (February 8, 2025) and Vijaya Ekadashi (February 24, 2025) are observed with similar fasting rituals, deeply rooted in spiritual practices to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.

• Fasting Guidelines: Fasting Duration: The fast is observed from sunrise on the day of Ekadashi until the sunrise on the following day, when Parana (breaking the fast) is performed.
• Dwadashi Tithi: It is crucial to break the fast within Dwadashi Tithi, which is the 12th lunar day. If Dwadashi ends before sunrise, Parana must be donebefore the end of the Tithi. Failing to do so is considered an offense.

• Hari Vasara: Avoid breaking the fast during the first one-fourth duration of Dwadashi, known as Hari Vasara. It is considered an inauspicious time.
• Pratahkal (Early Morning): The most auspicious time for Parana is during Pratahkal (early morning hours), which is considered ideal for breaking the fast.
• Madhyahna (Midday): If breaking the fast during Pratahkal is not possible, it should be done after Madhyahna (midday).

• Smartha Families: For those following the Smartha tradition, it is recommended to observe the fast on the first day only. However, the alternate Ekadashi fasting is observed on the second day by those seeking Moksha, Sanyasis, and widows.
• Double Ekadashi Fasting: For those devoted to Lord Vishnu, fasting on both days (Jaya and Vijaya Ekadashi) is highly encouraged, as it is believed to enhance devotion and secure Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

The benefits of fasting on both Jaya Ekadashi and Vijaya Ekadashi are immense, impacting both the physical and spiritual well-being of the devotee:

• Spiritual Purification: Fasting is believed to purify the mind and soul, helping devotees cleanse their sins and negative karmas. This leads to inner peace and a closer connection with Lord Vishnu.
• Spiritual Growth: Observing Ekadashi fasting with full devotion enhances spiritual growth and strengthens the devotion to Lord Vishnu. It is said to help in the path towards Moksha or liberation, as it breaks the cycle of birth and death.
• Peace and Prosperity: Fasting on Ekadashi is said to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to devotees' lives. It also helps in removing obstacles in one’s personal and professional life.
• Health Benefits: While the primary focus of Ekadashi fasting is spiritual, it also has numerous health benefits. Fasting gives the body a break from digestion, allowing it to detoxify and rejuvenate. It can help improve metabolism and energy levels.
• Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that observing Ekadashi fasting with sincerity attracts divine blessings from Lord Vishnu. It is said that the Lord showers grace on the devotee, granting them peace, wealth, and protection.
• Increased Devotion and Detachment: Fasting promotes detachment from worldly desires and strengthens one’s devotion. By refraining from material comforts, devotees focus more on spiritual practices, such as chanting mantras, prayers, and meditation.

Both Jaya Ekadashi and Vijaya Ekadashi offer devotees a sacred opportunity to strengthen their connection with Lord Vishnu. By observing these fasting rituals with dedication, one can experience a blend of spiritual, physical, and emotional benefits, bringing peace, prosperity, and ultimate divine grace into their lives.