Hindu belief regards Jaya Ekadashi as one of the year's auspicious days for spiritual cleansing of sins. It is included in the month of Magha in the Shukla Paksha (moon waxing phase). Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are the worshipped deities on this day. It's said that through a large portion of time, pure devotion will liberate a soul from death and rebirth. In Hindu literature, if you follow this fast with all your heart they will let you go out from birth and death, and in life again, save you from the "Pishacha", the demonic form.
Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Date and Auspicious Timing
| Event | Date & Time |
| Jaya Ekadashi Date | January 29, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | 06:14 PM on Jan 28, 2026 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | 08:35 PM on Jan 29, 2026 |
| Parana Time (Jan 30) | 07:11 AM to 09:22 AM |
| Hari Vasara End Moment | 03:02 AM on Jan 30, 2026 |
Jaya Ekadashi's Spiritual Significance
Jaya means victory. This fast is believed to bring victory over the senses or negative aspects of the devotional life. King Yudhishthira was also told of the divine nature of this day. As Gandharva, Malyavan and a dancer named Pushpavati were cursed to be demons. The Jaya Ekadashi fast (staying awake all night, eating nothing) unwittingly turned them into god-like beings, into Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode, Vaikuntha.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Despite Lord Vishnu being the major deity of Ekadashi, one should remember to also worship Goddess Lakshmi along with him on Jaya Ekadashi. Lakshmi is a goddess of wealth and grace, the consort of Vishnu. It also says that Vishnu is never truly happy unless his devotees dedicate themselves to the goddess of fortune. This day, by worshiping them both together, the household is spiritually enlightened, as well as blessed.
Puja Vidhi: Rituals to Follow
- Sankalp: On Ekadashi morning, take a bath and pledge (Sankalp) to fast with a pure mind.
- Altar Setup: Place Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on a yellow cloth. Bring yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and Tulsi leaves.
- Offerings: Arrange a unique offering (Bhog) of both sweets and fruits. Please don’t forget to pick Tulsi leaves a day beforehand for Vishnu puja.
- Chanting: The choral chanting is ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ or Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Night Vigil: Many devotees take part in a night vigil (Jagran), singing bhajans together aloud and reading the Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Give: On the following day (Dwadashi) lengthen your fast: Offer food, clothes, and money to a Brahmin or a fellow devotee. Break your fast the very next morning.
Parana Significance
The fast as important as it is, the timing the fast must be completed exactly at the correct moment. Breaking it at the time of Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi Tithi) or following the Muhurat can serve to invalidate any spiritual grounds for the Vrat. On January 30, 2026, from 07:11 A.M. to 09:22 A.M., make sure the fast is broken.
