What is Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 vrat katha and how Lord Rama's sacred fast guided him and helped defeat Ravana to reclaim Sita?

Vijaya Ekadashi, an important festival of Hindus dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is being observed on February 13. The auspicious festival of Vijaya Ekadashi is celebrated before Maha Shivratri. The fast is associated with Lord Rama, who observed the Ekadashi fast to bring back Maa Sita and cross the ocean. Vijaya Ekadashi is associated with the Lord Rama.

Vijaya Ekadashi 2026: What is the Vrat Katha?

According to Hindu mythology, Yudhishthira once asked Krishna about the significance of this Ekadashi. Krishna replied that the glory of this fast had been narrated by Brahma to the sage Narada. He explained that observing this fast is highly virtuous and grants victory even in the toughest circumstances.

In the Treta Yuga, when Ravana abducted Sita and took her to Lanka, Rama reached the seashore with his monkey army. Faced with the seemingly uncrossable ocean, Lakshmana suggested seeking guidance from a nearby sage. The sage advised Rama to observe the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi during the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the lunar month of Phalgun, saying its spiritual power could remove all obstacles. On Lakshman’s advice, he approached sage Bakdalbhya, who taught him the ritual of observing Vijaya Ekadashi.


Following the advice, Rama and his army observed the fast with full devotion and proper rituals. The merit of this observance helped them cross the ocean, defeat Ravana, and rescue Sita. Hence, this Ekadashi came to be known as ‘Vijaya’ Ekadashi — the Ekadashi of victory. Therefore, those who observe Vijaya Ekadashi with faith attain victory in this world and eternal merit hereafter.

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Ekadashi kab hai?

According to Drik Panchang, here are some important timings to remember on Vijaya Ekadashi:

Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 12:22 PM on February 12, 2026

Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 02:25 PM on February 13, 2026

Parana Time - 07:00 AM to 09:14 AM on February 14, 2026

On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 04:01 PM

Brahma Muhurta - 05:18 AM to 06:10 AM

Pratah Sandhya - 05:44 AM to 07:01 AM

Abhijit - 12:13 PM to 12:58 PM

Vijaya Muhurta - 02:27 PM to 03:11 PM

Godhuli Muhurta - 06:07 PM to 06:33 PM

Sayahna Sandhya - 06:10 PM to 07:27 PM

Amrit Kalam - 09:08 AM to 10:54 AM

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Vijaya Ekadashi kab hai?

Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 12:22 PM on Feb 12, 2026

Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 02:25 PM on Feb 13, 2026

Parana Time - Feb 14, 2026 - 07:00 AM to 09:14 AM

Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - Feb 14, 2026 - 04:01 PM

Puja Rituals and mantras for Vijaya Ekadashi

1. Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath.

2. Clean the puja room and place an idol of Lord Vishnu and Shri yantra on a wooden plank.

3. Light a diya with desi ghee in front of the idol and light incense sticks.

4. Offer seasonal fruits, dry fruits, tulsi patra and panchamrit to Lord Vishnu.

5. Invoke the idol by chanting mantras and recite Ekadashi vrat katha.

6. Recite the name of Lord Vishnu the whole day and then perform puja in the evening also.

7. Those who are unable to bear hunger can break their fast and have sattvik Ekadashi vrat food that is recommended for the fast.

8. The fast will be broken on the next day during parana time.

Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Mantras

1. Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!

2. Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham..!!

3. Ram Ram Raameti Rame Raame Manorame, Sahastranaam Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!!

4. Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!