Jaya Ekadashi is a significant Ekadashi date in Hinduism. It falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Magh month. This auspicious day is mentioned in many Puranic texts, where it is described as extremely fruitful for the destruction of sins and attainment of salvation.
By observing the Jaya Ekadashi fast and donating to the poor and needy, one not only gets freedom from the sins of life but also receives the grace of God.
Jaya Ekadashi 2025: Date, Auspicious Timings, and Parana
In the year 2025, Jaya Ekadashi will be celebrated on February 8th. The auspicious time for Ekadashi starts on February 7th at 09:26 PM, while it ends on February 8th at 08:15 PM. In Hinduism, Udayatithi (sunrise time) is important, hence Jaya Ekadashi will be celebrated on February 8th.
The fast is broken on the Dwadashi date. According to religious tradition, the Parana time should be after sunrise and before the Dwadashi date ends. According to the Panchang, the Parana time is on February 9th, from 07:04 AM to 09:17 AM.
Significance of Jaya Ekadashi
According to religious beliefs, a person is freed from the ghost-spirit form and attains salvation by observing the Jaya Ekadashi fast. Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is considered particularly fruitful. It is said in the Padma Purana:
Ekadashyan tu yo bhaktya, karishyati narah shraddhaanvitah.
(एकादश्यां तु यो भक्त्या, करिष्यति नरः श्रद्धान्वितः।)
Sarvapapavinirmuktah, Vishnulokam sa gachchati.
(सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः, विष्णुलोकं स गच्छति।)
Meaning, the person who observes the Ekadashi fast with faith is freed from all sins and attains the abode of Lord Vishnu. By observing this fast, happiness, peace, and prosperity reside in a person’s life.
The Glory of Donation
In Hinduism, donating at the right time is of great importance. It is a Puranic belief that a person gets many times more virtue by donating at the right time.
King Bali is considered one of the greatest donors of the Sanatan tradition. His generosity was so great that Lord Vishnu himself came to his door as a beggar and received all three worlds in donation. Bali was the grandson of Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
The story of Bali’s generosity is described in detail in the eighth chapter of the Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran. During the Vishwajit Yagya, Bali received an invincible chariot, a bow, two inexhaustible quivers, and armor. With their power, he attacked Indra’s capital Amravati and took control of all three worlds.
To protect the gods, Lord Vishnu took the Vamana incarnation and arrived at Bali’s Yagya site on the north bank of the Narmada river. Bali respectfully worshipped him. In the form of Vamana, the Lord asked Bali for three steps of land. Guru Shukracharya, recognizing Lord Vishnu, forbade Bali from donating. But Bali remained steadfast in his promise. On this, Shukracharya cursed him.
Bali, accepting the Guru’s curse, said:
Credit: Kurvanti Bhutanaan Sadhvo Dustyajasubhi.
श्रेय: कुर्वन्ति भूतानां साधवो दुस्त्यजासुभि:।
Dadhyangshibiprabhritaya Ko vikalpo dharadishu.
दध्यङ्शिबिप्रभृतय: को विकल्पो धरादिषु॥
Meaning, when great men like Dadhichi and Shibi donated their lives, then what hesitation in giving earth and other things? The Lord measured the earth in one step and the sky in the second. For the third step, Bali offered his head. The Lord, pleased by his generosity, blessed him to be immortal.
King Bali is important because, despite deceit and the Guru’s curse, he did not break his promise. He understood this truth of life that ‘giving is the greatest happiness.’
Donate these things on Jaya Ekadashi
On Jaya Ekadashi, the donation of food is considered the best. By donating on this day, you can be a partner in the virtuous work of feeding the poor and needy at Narayan Seva Sansthan and be a partaker of virtue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is Jaya Ekadashi 2025?
A: In the year 2025, Jaya Ekadashi will be celebrated on February 8th.
Q: Which God is Jaya Ekadashi dedicated to?
A: Jaya Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Q: What things should be donated on Jaya Ekadashi?
A: On Jaya Ekadashi, food and meals should be donated to the needy.
