KATHMANDU, Feb 8: Devotees across the country are worshipping Lord Vishnu and observing a fast today to mark Bhima Ekadasi, also known as Jaya Ekadasi.
They believe that fasting on this Ekadasi enhances work efficiency, mental strength, physical power, longevity, and spiritual upliftment.
The origin of Ekadasi Vrata
According to the Padma Purana, Lord Krishna advised Dharmaraj Yudhishthira to observe the Ekadasi fast, as it grants liberation from suffering, removes threefold miseries, and fulfills all four goals of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha).
On Dashami (the day before Ekadashi), devotees trim their nails, bathe, and eat simple food. On Ekadashi, they wake up during Brahma Muhurta and chant the sacred mantra "Jaya Naamneeti Vikhyata Sarva Papahara Para," which they believe removes sins and curses.
After completing daily rituals, devotees bathe, practice Pranayama, wear a holy ring made of Kusha grass, apply Tilak, and worship Lord Lakshmi-Narayana and Madhava-Narayana. They fast throughout the day, listen to sacred stories, participate in devotional gatherings, and stay awake at night performing bhajans, kirtans, and lighting lamps before Lord Vishnu’s idol.
On Dwadasi (the next day), they conclude their fast by donating a cow, offering food to a Brahmin couple, and consuming sanctified food. Scriptures state that observing Jaya Ekadasi removes ghostly afflictions and prevents the soul from being trapped in lower realms like ghosts, spirits, or demons.
Significance of Magh Shukla Ekadasi
When Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna about the significance of Magh Shukla Ekadasi, Krishna described it as Jaya or Bhima Ekadasi, a highly spiritually meritorious day. Ancient scriptures state that fasting on this day liberates devotees from lower births such as ghosts, spirits, and demons, ensuring spiritual elevation, said Pandit Balmukunda Devkota.