Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Date, Tithi, and Rituals

Jaya Ekadashi, or Bhaimi Ekadashi or Bhishma Ekadashi, is a sacred day that is devoted to Lord Vishnu. This day takes place on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha. 

Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Date & Timings

• Ekadashi Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: January 28, 2026, at 4:38 PM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: January 29, 2026, at 1:57 PM
• Parana (Breaking the Fast): Recommended on Friday, January 30, between 7:13 AM and 10:51 AM.

Why Is Jaya Ekadashi Important?

Jaya Ekadashi is more than a ritual. In fact, this day offers an opportunity for spiritual transformation. Here’s why it holds such reverence by devotees:

A Day of Cleansing – Seek forgiveness for past mistakes and cleanse body, mind, and spirit.

A Step Toward Spiritual Growth – Fasting helps strengthen your commitment to Dharma and inner progress.

Path to Liberation – It is believed to be a means through which the soul gets liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Beyond the Body – When you work on reducing your physical needs, you can possibly focus more on devotion.

Invite Blessings from the Gods – Devotees pray to Lord Vishnu for success, peace, and prosperity.

This Ekadashi is considered as spiritually powerful as performing a major Vedic sacrifice. It is specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His form as he holds the conch and the mace.

The Story behind Jaya Ekadashi

There is a famous tale of a divine couple, Pushyavati and Malyavan, who were cursed by Lord Indra to be born as demons (Pishachas) because of their improper behaviour. Wandering around in the Himalayas, lost and suffering, they observed the fast of Jaya Ekadashi without even knowing it.

However, their simple and pure devotion, carried out in an unplanned manner, shattered curses, revoking their godly appearance. The moral of this story is that devotion, whether carried out unknowingly, is highly powerful, and living righteously is essential.

How to Observe Jaya Ekadashi Fast?

Here’s a simple guideline on how to keep vrat (fasts):

Begin on Dashami – On the 10th day, eat your last meal before sunset.

The Fast Day – On Ekadashi, many devotees choose not to eat or drink anything till the next sunrise, while some people may have water, fruits, milk, and root vegetables.

What to Avoid – Grains, Rice, Beans, Peas, Sesame, Mustard, Some Spices. Avoid applying oils to your body.

Stay Awake & Alert – Avoid sleeping throughout the day, devote this time to prayers and meditation.

Breaking the Fast – End your fast on Dwadashi (the 12th day) after sunrise, during the Parana time.

Note: If fasting weakens you, take simple prasadam (sanctified food) and continue your duties. Also, observe the fast sincerely to feel closer to God, not to impress others.

Benefits of Observing Jaya Ekadashi Vrat

Fasting on Jaya Ekadashi with a true heart is said to bring the following:

• Spiritual cleansing and closeness to god.
• Forgiveness of past mistakes and positive inner growth.
• Freedom from restlessness, negative energies (symbolised as freedom from Pishachas).
• Blessings of prosperity, success, and health.
• Physical health benefits, including improved digestion and vitality.
• Spiritual merits equal to charity and sacred sacrifices.
• The ultimate blessing of achieving the divine abode (Vaikuntha)  and eternal peace.

Conclusion:

Jaya Ekadashi is more than just a day of the year; it is a gentle nudge to take a moment to reflect and renew. If you observe the fast properly, follow it in spirit. One can take a moment to pray quietly what matters is the sincerity you bring.

I hope this blessed day opens your heart more and leads you closer to the peace that resides within. As you break your fast, may the blessings of Lord Vishnu guide your path towards compassion and inner freedom.