Jaya Ekadashi: The day of ultimate liberation
Ekadashi, is the auspicious day of self-purification and way of liberation, by surrendering to Vishnu, there are twenty-four Ekadashi in a year and twice in every lunar month.
Do you know, there is an Ekadashi, that also liberates ghosts? That Ekadashi is Jaya Ekadashi, falling during the Shukla Paksha of Magh month, dedicated to Vasudeva, following this Ekadashi causes liberation and freedom from suffering.
When is Jaya Ekadashi in 2026? Day, Date and Timing.
In 2026, Jaya Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, January 29, the Ekadashi tithi will begin at 4:35 AM on January 28 and will end at 1:55 PM on January 29.
What is the story behind Jaya Ekadashi?
Jaya Ekadashi, is believed to destroy all sins and grant peace, prosperity, and liberation. The story a;so narrates the true nature of this Ekadashi.
Once in heaven, Indra with other gods was in Nandanvan (a celestial garden in heaven), and they were enjoying there with Apsaras and Gandharvas (divine musician). Nandanvan was fikked with fragrance and music.
Among the heavenly musicians was a Gandharva named Malyavan, and a graceful apsara named Pushpavati. Both were skilled in singing and dancing. During a grand musical performance arranged by Indra, these two were chosen to entertain him.
While performing Malyavan and Pushpavati became lost in love for each other. Their attention wandered, their rhythm broke, and the music went off-tune. Seeing this,Indra became furious, feeling disrespected.
In anger, he cursed them:
“Because you forgot your duty and disobeyed me, you both shall fall from heaven and become ghosts (pishachas) on earth!”
Immediately, their heavenly forms vanished, and they were thrown to the mortal world, wandering in the Himalayan forests as miserable spirits. Hungry, cold, and in pain, they suffered greatly for a long time.
One day, by divine chance, the day happened to be Jaya Ekadashi. Without realizing its significance, they atenothing, dranknothing, and did not harm any living being. They sat quietly under a Peepal tree, passing the day and night awake, filled with sorrow.
Because they unknowingly observed the complete Ekadashi fast and night vigil, Lord Vishnu blessed them. The curse of ghosthood was destroyed, and both regained their divine forms — radiant and beautiful once again.
Soon, a celestial chariot descended from heaven, and they returned toIndra’s court, shining with divine grace. Astonished, Indra asked how they were freed, and they replied humbly,
“O Lord, by the grace ofVishnu and the observance of Jaya Ekadashi, we are purified.”
Having doubts or want to book a pooja?
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you soon
Fill Your Details
What is the significance of Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi, observed in the bright fortnight of the Magha month (January–February), holds immense spiritual importance. It is believed that by observing fast and worshipping Vishnu on this day, one attains freedom from sins, peace of mind, and the path to moksha. The scriptures mention that even the gravest sins and curses are destroyed by the power of this Ekadashi. The story of Malyavan and Pushpavati shows that those who unknowingly observed Jaya Ekadashi
were freed from ghostly existence, proving its strength in removing negative energies and suffering. The word “Jaya” itself means victory — victory over sin, ignorance, and the endless cycle of birth and death. Devotees who offer prayers, light lamps, and present Tulsi leaves to Vishnu are blessed with happiness, prosperity, and divine grace. Observing this sacred day with devotion purifies the mind and heart, fills life with positivity, and leads one closer to eternal peace and liberation.
What to do on Jaya Ekadashi?
On Jaya Ekadashi, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and worship Vishnu and Lakshmi with devotion. They observe a strict fast—some without water—and spend the day chanting Vishnu’s names, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, or reading the Jaya Ekadashi story. Lighting a ghee lamp, offering Tulsi leaves, fruits, and flowers, and maintaining purity in thoughts and actions are essential. Many stay awake at night singing bhajans and prayers. The next morning, on Dwadashi, the fast is broken after offering food to Brahmins, cows, or the poor, completing this auspicious vrat for forgiveness of sins and divine blessings.
Poojas Performed on Jaya Ekadashi by a Pandit
On Jaya Ekadashi, the day is fully dedicated to worshipping Vishnu and Lakshmi with devotion, purity, and simplicity. When a pandit is invited home, these are the main rituals and poojas performed:
1. Vishnu Puja
The main worship is of Shree Vishnu, especially in His form as Narayana or Vishnu resting on Sheshnag.
The pandit begins with:
- Sankalp (vow) for the devotee’s wellbeing.
- Kalash Sthapana and chanting of Purusha Sukta or Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Abhishekam (ritual bath) of the deity’s idol or image with milk, honey, curd, ghee, and water.
- Offering of Tulsi leaves, fruits, and yellow flowers (especially marigold).
2. Lakshmi Narayana Puja
As Vishnu is never worshipped without Lakshmi, the pandit performs Lakshmi Narayana Puja for household prosperity and harmony.
This includes lighting lamps with ghee or sesame oil and reciting Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
3. Vishnu Sahasranama Path
Recitation or listening to Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) is very auspicious on this day. It purifies the atmosphere and the mind of everyone in the home.
4. Satyanarayana Katha or Havan (optional)
Some devotees perform a Satyanarayana Puja or havan, especially in the evening.
The havan uses clarified butter (ghee), sesame seeds, and rice grains, accompanied by chanting of Vishnu mantras.
5. Tulsi and Deep Daan
Offering Tulsi leaves is a must on Jaya Ekadashi — it is said Vishnu is most pleased with this offering.
Devotees also perform Deep Daan, lighting ghee lamps before the image of Vishnu, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
6. Lakshmi Narasimha Havan
To conclude the sacred observance, devotees or pandits perform a Lakshmi Narasimha Havan to invoke divine protection, strength, and removal of negativity. This sacred fire ritual is believed to destroy sins and bless the home with peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Performing rituals on Jaya Ekadashi requires precision, devotion, and proper Vedic guidance to receive full spiritual benefit. By booking your pooja through BookMyPooja, you can invite experienced and verified pandits who perform every ritual—Vishnu Puja, Lakshmi Narayana Puja, Vishnu Sahasranama Path, and Lakshmi Narasimha Havan—according to authentic scriptures.With BookMyPooja, you can experience a hassle-free, spiritually enriching ceremony that invites divine peace, prosperity, and blessings into your home.
