On 13 February 2026, the sacred fast of Vijaya Ekadashi will be observed. This auspicious day is dedicated to Vishnu. It is believed that observing a sincere fast and offering prayers with true devotion on this day brings success, removes obstacles, and grants victory in all areas of life.
According to the Hindu calendar, there are a total of 24 Ekadashis in a year. One of them is Vijaya Ekadashi, which falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month. In 2026, this auspicious day is being observed on 13 February 2026.
It is believed that worshipping Vishnu with sincere devotion and observing a fast in His name on this day removes life’s obstacles and grants success in all endeavors.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026: Date & Auspicious Timings
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12 February 2026 at 12:22 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 13 February 2026 at 2:25 PM
Considering the Udaya Tithi (sunrise timing), the fast is being observed on 13 February 2026.
Parana (Breaking the Fast): 14 February 2026 between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM
Vijaya Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Ritual Procedure)
A day before the fast, prepare a sacred altar and place seven types of grains on it. Install a Kalash over the grains.
On Ekadashi morning, take a holy bath and take a vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast.
Place five sacred leaves (Panch Pallav) in the Kalash and install an idol of Lord Vishnu.
Offer incense, lamp (diya), sandalwood, fruits, flowers, sweets, and Tulsi leaves during the पूजा.
After completing the ritual, обязательно read or listen to the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha. It is believed that the worship remains incomplete without the story.
On the following day, donate food, clothes, or money to the needy and then perform the Parana to conclude the fast.
Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha
According to ancient scriptures, Yudhishthira once asked Krishna about the significance of this Ekadashi. Lord Krishna explained that the greatness of this fast was originally narrated by Brahma to Narada. Observing this fast is considered extremely meritorious and grants victory even in the most difficult circumstances.
During the Treta Yuga, when Ravana abducted Mother Sita and took her to Lanka, Rama reached the seashore with his Vanara army. Facing the vast ocean, crossing it seemed impossible. At that time, Lakshmana suggested seeking guidance from a great sage whose ashram was nearby…
(Through the observance of Vijaya Ekadashi, Lord Rama ultimately gained the blessings needed to achieve victory.)
The sage advised Lord Rama to observe the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi during the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month. He explained that the power of this sacred fast could remove even the greatest difficulties.
Following the sage’s guidance, Lord Rama, along with his army, observed the fast with complete devotion and proper rituals. Through the spiritual merit of the vrat, a path was opened across the ocean. Ultimately, He defeated Ravana and successfully brought back Mother Sita.
For this reason, the Ekadashi came to be known as Vijaya Ekadashi, symbolizing victory and success.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Vijaya Ekadashi in 2026?
Vijaya Ekadashi will be observed on 13 February 2026.
2. Which deity is worshipped on Vijaya Ekadashi?
The day is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Devotees worship Him with full faith and devotion.
3. What are the Ekadashi Tithi timings in 2026?
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 12 February 2026 at 12:22 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 13 February 2026 at 2:25 PM
Since the Udaya Tithi falls on 13 February, the fast is observed on this day.
Parana (Breaking the Fast): 14 February 2026 between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM
4. How many Ekadashis occur in a year?
According to the Hindu calendar, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, occurring twice every month. Vijaya Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month.
5. What is the significance of Vijaya Ekadashi?
It is believed that observing this fast with sincerity removes life’s obstacles, grants success in all endeavors, and brings victory even in difficult situations.
6. What is the Puja Vidhi for Vijaya Ekadashi?
Prepare a sacred altar a day before and place seven types of grains with a Kalash on top.
On Ekadashi morning, take a holy bath and take a vow (Sankalp).
Place Panch Pallav in the Kalash and install an idol of Lord Vishnu.
Offer incense, lamp (diya), sandalwood, fruits, flowers, sweets, and Tulsi leaves.
Read or listen to the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha (worship is considered incomplete without it).
On the next day, donate food or clothes to the needy and then perform Parana.
7. What is the story behind Vijaya Ekadashi?
According to scriptures, Yudhishthira once asked Krishna about the importance of this Ekadashi. Lord Krishna explained that its glory was narrated by Brahma to Narada.
During the Treta Yuga, when Ravana abducted Mother Sita, Rama observed this fast on the advice of a sage. With its divine blessings, He was able to cross the ocean, defeat Ravana, and rescue Sita. Hence, it is called Vijaya Ekadashi, meaning the Ekadashi of Victory.
