Jaya Ekadashi 2026

Jaya Ekadashi is a highly sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha. Also known as Bhaimi Ekadashi, this vrat is believed to destroy sins, remove obstacles, grant peace, and uplift devotees spiritually. People who observe it with devotion attain divine blessings and protection from all negative influences. In 2026, Jaya Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This complete guide covers the date, significance, puja vidhi, fasting rules, parana timing, katha, benefits, mantras, and everything you need to know to perform Jaya Ekadashi properly.

Ekadashi Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026 Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 4:35 PM on January 28, 2026 Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 1:55 PM on January 29, 2026 Parana (Breaking Fast) on Next Day: January 30, 2026 Parana Time: 07:10 AM – 09:20 AM

Dwadashi End Time: 11:09 AM

Important: Parana must be done within the allowed time. Breaking the fast during Dwadashi is mandatory. Avoid delaying beyond the Dwadashi end moment.

Jaya Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. It is one of the most powerful Ekadashis of the year because it grants: Forgiveness from past sins

Peace of mind

Good health and protection

Removal of obstacles

Spiritual upliftment

The word “Jaya” means victory, success, and freedom. Thus, the vrat symbolizes victory over negativity, success in life, and freedom from sins.

Connection with Lord Vishnu Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Hari, seeking blessings for: Protection from difficulties

Health and prosperity

Courage and mental strength

Inner peace

Connection to the Puranas According to the Padma Purana, a person who observes this fast: Never suffers from ghosts, demons, or negative entities

Is purified from even the gravest sins

Gains divine blessings equal to performing yajnas and charities

It is believed that even accidental sins are forgiven by observing this Ekadashi.

Although anyone may observe it, it is especially recommended for: Those facing obstacles in career, marriage, or health People who want peace and harmony in family life Those suffering from fear, negative energies, or nightmares Students seeking concentration and clarity Couples wishing for marital joy Devotees seeking spiritual upliftment This Ekadashi is especially powerful for destroying past karmic burdens.

1. Removes Sins & Negative Karma This vrat washes away past sins and frees the devotee from karmic obstacles.
2. Protection from Evil Energies Jaya Ekadashi protects from unseen negative forces, nightmares, and fear.
3. Brings Mental Peace & Emotional Healing The vrat calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and brings clarity.
4. Promotes Prosperity & Success Devotees receive blessings for overall growth, stability, and happiness.
5. Blessings Equal to Great Yajnas Scriptures say that observing this Ekadashi equals performing: Ashwamedha Yajna

Rajasuya Yajna

Major sacred rituals

6. Helps Attain Moksha This Ekadashi helps the soul progress towards liberation.

Follow this simple procedure to observe the vrat with proper devotion. Step 1: Morning Rituals Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurta.

Take a holy bath and wear clean clothes.

Clean the puja area and decorate it with flowers.

Light a diya using ghee or sesame oil.

Step 2: Sankalp (Vow for Fasting) Sit calmly and take a vow: To observe fast with purity

To avoid anger, lies, and negativity

To seek blessings from Lord Vishnu

You may say: "O Lord Vishnu, I take this vow to observe Jaya Ekadashi with devotion. Please bless me with purity, peace, and success." Step 3: Set Up the Puja Space Essential items you may arrange: Idol or photo of Lord Vishnu

Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)

Fruits and tulsi leaves

Water, flowers, incense

Yellow cloth and rice

A small diya

Step 4: Offer Worship Perform puja with devotion: Light the diya

Offer flowers, rice, and tulsi

Chant Vishnu mantras

Read or listen to Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Perform aarti in the morning and evening

Offer simple naivedya like: Fruits

Mishri

Dry fruits

Avoid grains or heavy food offerings.

Step 5: Fasting Method There are three fasting options:

1. Nirjala Fast (Strict) No food or water

Only for experienced devotees

2. Phalahar Fast (Common Method) Consume: Fruits

Milk

Dry fruits

Coconut water

3. Satvik Meal (Light Fasting) One meal without: Grains

Salt (use rock salt instead)

Onion-garlic

Avoid heavy meals or tamasic food. Step 6: Evening Puja Light a fresh diya

Offer incense, tulsi, and flowers again

Chant Vishnu mantras

Sit quietly and meditate for 5–10 minutes

Step 7: Parana – Breaking the Fast Parana must be done on the next day after sunrise. For 2026: Parana Date: January 30, 2026

Parana Time: 07:10 AM – 09:20 AM

Break your fast only after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Traditional way to break fast: Drink water

Eat a simple satvik meal

Offer food or donations to Brahmins or the poor.

The Jaya Ekadashi Katha, from the Padma Purana, tells the story of a celestial being named Malyavan and an apsara named Pushpavati who lived in Indra Lok. The Story: Once, during a grand celebration in Indra’s court, Malyavan and Pushpavati became distracted and expressed romantic affection at the wrong time. This angered Indra, who cursed them: “You shall both fall to the mortal world and suffer as ghosts, wandering without peace.” The two celestial lovers were struck with grief and fell to Earth. They took birth in a miserable ghostly form, suffering hunger, thirst, fear, and loneliness. One day, while wandering through a forest, they unknowingly observed Jaya Ekadashi: They did not eat

They spent the day without harming anyone

They passed the night without sleep

Though unaware, they had completed the Ekadashi vrat. Pleased with their accidental observance, Lord Vishnu appeared and said: “You are freed from the curse. You shall regain your divine forms.” Malyavan and Pushpavati instantly became beautiful celestial beings again and returned to heaven. Moral of the Story Even accidental observance of Jaya Ekadashi destroys sins.

The vrat frees devotees from suffering, illusions, obstacles, and negative energies.

Fasting with devotion brings divine blessings and peace.

Do’s Maintain purity of mind and body Chant Vishnu mantras Sleep on a mat if possible Read scriptures like Vishnu Sahasranama Practice kindness and charity

Don’ts Do not consume grains Avoid onion, garlic, and non-veg Avoid anger, lies, and harsh speech Do not break the fast before parana time Avoid alcohol or tamasic thoughts

Allowed Fruits Milk, curd, ghee Coconut, dry fruits Sabudana dishes Rock salt Herbal tea

Not Allowed Wheat, rice, and all grains Pulses Onion, garlic Non-veg foods Alcohol Junk or processed food

1. Vishnu Mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” Chant 108 times for peace and protection.
2. Hari Naam “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare” Destroys sins and brings divine purity.
3. Shanti Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shantih” Brings mental calmness and harmony.

1. Removal of Sins Destroys past negative karma and frees the devotee from fear.
2. Peace & Prosperity Brings harmony to home and family life.
3. Protection from Negative Energies Guards against fear, nightmares, and unseen obstacles.
4. Success & Growth Helps in career, education, business, and personal goals.
5. Spiritual Upliftment Strengthens connection with Lord Vishnu and elevates the soul.
6. Relief from Suffering Helps overcome emotional pain, confusion, and stress.
7. Liberation After Death This Ekadashi helps the soul progress toward moksha.

Performing charity on this day multiplies the blessings of the fast. You may donate: Food Clothes Money Grains Fruits Blankets

Feeding cows, birds, and needy people is considered highly auspicious.

Jaya Ekadashi 2026, falling on January 29, is one of the most spiritually powerful and purifying Ekadashis of the year. Observing it with devotion brings protection, peace, success, and divine grace. The vrat removes deep-rooted karmic burdens, destroys negativity, and grants a life filled with harmony and spiritual growth. By following the correct puja vidhi, fasting rules, and parana timing, devotees can receive the full benefits of this sacred day. Whether you observe the fast for peace, health, prosperity, or spiritual upliftment, Lord Vishnu’s blessings are assured to all who honor Jaya Ekadashi with faith and sincerity.