Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Fasting Rules
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 date, Parana time, fasting rules, food list and vrat katha explained. Complete guide according to Panchang and ISKCON with benefits and remedies.
Complete Guide According to Panchang & ISKCON
Vijaya Ekadashi is one of the most powerful Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing this vrat removes obstacles, grants victory over enemies, and fulfills difficult desires. Scriptures narrate that Lord Shri Rama observed Vijaya Ekadashi before crossing the ocean to Lanka, which is why it is considered the Ekadashi of success and divine protection.
This article explains Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 date, Parana timing, fasting method, food rules, significance, and story in a clear and authentic way according to Dharma Sindhu and ISKCON traditions.
Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Date & Timing (India Panchang)
| Detail | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Ekadashi Date | Friday, 13 February 2026 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | 12 February 2026 – 12:22 PM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | 13 February 2026 – 02:25 PM |
| Parana Date | 14 February 2026 |
| Parana Time | 07:00 AM – 09:14 AM |
| Dwadashi End Moment | 04:01 PM |
Important: Fast must be broken within Dwadashi Tithi. Not doing Parana is considered a religious fault.
ISKCON Vijaya Ekadashi 2026 Parana Timing
| Detail | Time |
|---|---|
| Ekadashi Date | Friday, 13 February 2026 |
| Parana Time | 07:00 AM – 10:44 AM |
ISKCON follows Gaurabda calendar rules and Vaishnava Ekadashi principles.
What is Parana in Ekadashi?
Parana means breaking the fast after sunrise on Dwadashi.
Key rules:
- Do not break fast during Hari Vasara
- Best time: Morning (Pratahkal)
- Avoid Madhyahna Parana
- If urgent, break after Hari Vasara ends
- Must be completed before Dwadashi ends
Types of Ekadashi Fasting (Choose According to Strength)
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Jalahar | Only water fast |
| Ksheerbhoji | Milk and dairy products |
| Phalahari | Fruits only |
| Naktabhoji | One meal before sunset |
Ekadashi Allowed Food List
Allowed
- Fruits (banana, apple, grapes)
- Milk and dairy products
- Dry fruits
- Sabudana
- Singhada flour
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Groundnuts
Avoid
- Rice
- Wheat
- Pulses
- Beans
- Grains
- Lentils
Note: Buckwheat (Kuttu) and Samak rice are debated; many traditions avoid them.
Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha – The Story of Vakdalbhya Muni and Lord Shri Rama (Detailed Version)
During the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama was living in exile along with Lakshmana and Mother Sita. After Sita was abducted by Ravana, Lord Rama reached the southern seashore along with the Vanara army while searching for a way to reach Lanka.
Standing before the vast ocean, Lord Rama became thoughtful. The sea was extremely deep and wide, making it impossible for the army to cross. Even powerful warriors like Sugriva and Angad could not find a solution.
At that moment, Lakshmana suggested seeking guidance from a great sage living nearby. Lord Rama then approached the ashram of the wise sage Vakdalbhya Muni.
Rama Seeks Guidance
Lord Rama respectfully bowed and asked:
“O revered sage, I wish to rescue Sita and defeat Ravana, but the ocean blocks my path. Kindly tell me a way to remove this obstacle.”
Vakdalbhya Muni smiled and replied:
“O Rama, observe the sacred fast of Vijaya Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This vrat destroys karmic barriers and grants victory even in impossible situations.”
Method Suggested by the Sage
The sage instructed Rama to:
-
Create a sacred altar near the seashore
-
Install a Kalash with mango leaves
-
Worship Lord Vishnu with sandalwood, flowers, incense, and lamp
-
Offer fruits and Tulsi leaves
-
Remain awake at night singing divine hymns
-
Feed Brahmins and donate after Parana
Lord Rama followed every instruction with complete devotion.
The Divine Result
After completing the fast on Dwadashi and breaking it at the proper time, a miraculous change occurred.
The ocean became calm and cooperative. Soon after, with divine inspiration, Lord Rama built the Ram Setu bridge and crossed into Lanka.
He defeated Ravana and rescued Mother Sita.
Spiritual Meaning of the Story
The story teaches:
-
Obstacles are karmic in nature
-
Discipline and devotion remove barriers
-
Success comes after surrender to divine will
-
Vijaya Ekadashi grants victory in impossible situations
Therefore this Ekadashi is called Vijaya meaning triumph.
Who Should Especially Observe This Fast
People facing the following should observe Vijaya Ekadashi:
-
Court cases
-
Career struggles
-
Repeated failures
-
Enemies or opposition
-
Business obstacles
-
Delayed success
Spiritual Benefits of Vijaya Ekadashi
- Removes sins of past births
- Grants success in difficult tasks
- Protects from enemies and negativity
- Improves destiny and karma
- Helps in spiritual growth and moksha
Scriptural reference:
Bhavishya Purana describes Vijaya Ekadashi as the destroyer of karmic obstacles.
External reference (authority source):
https://www.iskcon.org
https://vedabase.io
What if Ekadashi Fast Breaks by Mistake?
Follow atonement steps:
- Take bath again
- Perform Vishnu Abhishek with Panchamrit
- Chant forgiveness mantra
Mantra:
Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Janardana
Yatpujitam Maya Deva Paripurna Tadastu Me
Om Shri Vishnave Namah Kshama Yachanam Samarpayami
- Donate food, yellow clothes and fruits
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya” (11 malas)
Ekadashi Rules (Important Do’s & Don’ts)
Do
- Wake before sunrise
- Worship Lord Vishnu
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranama
- Stay sattvic
- Perform charity
Don’t
- Eat grains
- Sleep during day
- Speak harshly
- Consume onion/garlic
- Engage in negative acts
Smartha vs Vaishnava Ekadashi
| Type | Who Should Observe |
|---|---|
| Smartha Ekadashi | Householders |
| Vaishnava Ekadashi | Saints and Moksha seekers |
| Both Days | Devotees seeking highest devotion |
FAQ – Vijaya Ekadashi 2026
When is Vijaya Ekadashi in 2026?
Vijaya Ekadashi falls on Friday, 13 February 2026. The Ekadashi Tithi begins on 12 February at 12:22 PM and ends on 13 February at 02:25 PM. Devotees observe the fast from sunrise of Ekadashi day and break it on Dwadashi morning.
What is the Parana time for Vijaya Ekadashi 2026?
Parana (breaking the fast) should be done on 14 February 2026 between 07:00 AM and 09:14 AM. It must be completed before Dwadashi ends at 04:01 PM and never during Hari Vasara period.
What happens if Parana is not done on Dwadashi?
According to scriptures, not breaking the Ekadashi fast within Dwadashi Tithi is considered a ritual mistake. Devotees should perform Vishnu prayer, chant forgiveness mantra, and donate food or clothes to atone and restore spiritual merit.
Can we drink water during Vijaya Ekadashi fast?
Yes. Drinking water is allowed in normal Ekadashi fasting. Only Nirjala Ekadashi requires fasting without water. Devotees may follow Jalahar, Phalahar, or milk diet depending on health and devotion.
Which foods are allowed on Vijaya Ekadashi?
Allowed foods include fruits, milk, dry fruits, sabudana, potatoes, sweet potato, and singhada flour. Grains, rice, wheat, lentils, and beans are strictly prohibited as they increase tamasic energy and reduce the spiritual benefits of the fast.
Why is Vijaya Ekadashi important?
Vijaya Ekadashi is believed to remove obstacles and grant victory in difficult situations. Lord Rama observed this fast before conquering Lanka. Observing it brings success in career, legal matters, and protection from enemies.
When should Ekadashi fast start and end?
The fast begins at sunrise on Ekadashi day and ends after sunrise on Dwadashi during the proper Parana Muhurat. Avoid starting the fast from Tithi timing; sunrise is the correct traditional start point.
What is Hari Vasara in Ekadashi?
Hari Vasara is the first quarter of Dwadashi Tithi and is considered sacred to Lord Vishnu. Breaking the fast during this time is prohibited. Devotees must wait until Hari Vasara ends before performing Parana.
Who should observe Smartha and Vaishnava Ekadashi?
Householders usually follow Smartha Ekadashi (first day). Saints and moksha seekers observe Vaishnava Ekadashi. Dedicated devotees may fast on both days for maximum spiritual benefit and devotion.
What are the benefits of keeping Vijaya Ekadashi vrat?
The fast removes past sins, improves destiny, eliminates negative karma, brings prosperity, and grants victory over enemies and struggles. Regular observance strengthens spiritual growth and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Can Ekadashi fast be done for success and career growth?
Yes. Vijaya Ekadashi is specifically associated with victory and overcoming obstacles. Many devotees observe it for job success, court cases, business growth, and removal of repeated failures.
Can we sleep during Vijaya Ekadashi fast?
Sleeping during the day is discouraged because Ekadashi is meant for spiritual purification. Scriptures advise devotees to spend time in Vishnu mantra chanting, reading Bhagavad Gita, and meditation. Night jagran or light devotional activity increases the spiritual merit of the vrat.
Can married couples observe Vijaya Ekadashi together?
Yes. Married couples observing the fast together is considered highly auspicious. It strengthens harmony, removes relationship obstacles, and brings prosperity to the household. Couples may perform Vishnu Puja and Tulsi worship jointly for enhanced blessings.
Is tea or coffee allowed on Ekadashi?
Traditionally tea and coffee should be avoided because they stimulate the senses and reduce sattvic discipline. However elderly or working devotees may take light milk tea without grains if required for health reasons, but pure vrat observers avoid caffeine.
What should be eaten during Parana?
Parana should begin with water, Tulsi leaf, or soaked raisins followed by light sattvic food like fruits or milk. Heavy meals or grains should not be consumed immediately. Many traditions recommend eating moong khichdi only after some time.
Which mantra should be chanted on Vijaya Ekadashi?
The most powerful mantra is:
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya
Chanting at least 108 times removes obstacles and grants success. Vishnu Sahasranama and Ram Naam chanting are also highly recommended on this day.
Spiritual Remedy for Faster Results
Perform Vishnu Puja or Vishnu Sahasranama path with a qualified priest.
Panditji on way:
https://www.panditjionway.com
Panditji On Way is one of the largest online puja and astrology booking platforms where devotees can book Ekadashi Puja, Satyanarayan Katha, and Vishnu Havan with experienced pandits.
Conclusion
Vijaya Ekadashi is not just a fast but a powerful spiritual practice for victory in life. Observing it with correct Parana timing and devotion removes obstacles and brings divine blessings.
Those facing repeated failures, legal problems, or career obstacles should observe this vrat sincerely.
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