Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha in english

Jaya Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Magha month. which is on 8th February in 2025. According to traditional beliefs, observing this fast is thought to free a person from all sins, including past life karmas, and is believed to provide liberation from ghostly existences like Bhuta, Preta, and Pishacha (evil spirits).

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha (The Sacred Story)

According to ancient legends, Lord Indra ruled over heaven (Swargalok), where all deities lived happily. One day, Indra was enjoying in the Nandan Van (heavenly garden) with celestial dancers (Apsaras). Gandharvas (heavenly musicians) were singing, and Apsaras were dancing. Among them, there was a Gandharva named Malyavan and a beautiful celestial maiden Pushpavati.

Pushpavati became mesmerized by Malyavan and tried to attract him with her gestures. Malyavan, too, was enchanted by her charm. As a result, both lost their rhythm and made mistakes in their performance. Observing this, Indra became furious and considered their act as an insult to him. Out of anger, he cursed them, saying:

“You have disobeyed my command! As a punishment, you both shall descend to Earth and suffer in the form of Pishachas (evil spirits).”

Due to Indra’s curse, both Malyavan and Pushpavati were transformed into fearsome Pishachas and began wandering in the Himalayas, enduring extreme suffering. They lost their ability to feel, taste, or even sleep. The unbearable cold added to their misery. One day, Malyavan told Pushpavati, “What sinful acts did we commit in our past life to deserve such a painful existence?” They both decided to refrain from committing any more sins and spent their days in sorrow and repentance.

read also : Jaya Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Mantras for Observance

The Power of Jaya Ekadashi

One day, unknowingly, they observed the fast of Jaya Ekadashi, which fell in the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month. That day, they did not consume any food and survived only on fruits. As night approached, they sat under a Peepal tree, shivering in the cold. Due to the extreme cold, they remained awake the entire night and unknowingly completed a full Ekadashi fast, including night vigil (Jagran).

The next morning, as soon as the sun rose, they were freed from their ghostly existence. They regained their original celestial forms, dressed in divine attire, and adorned with jewels. They ascended back to Swargalok (heaven) and bowed before Lord Indra.

Surprised to see them in their previous forms, Indra asked them how they were liberated from the Pishacha form.

Malyavan replied, “O Lord Indra! It was by observing the fast of Jaya Ekadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, that we were freed from our ghostly existence.”

Hearing this, Indra was pleased and said, “Since you are a devotee of Lord Vishnu, I bless you both with a place in heaven where you can enjoy eternal bliss.”

Thus, by observing Jaya Ekadashi, the Gandharva couple was liberated from the suffering of the Pishacha form and attained divine happiness once again.

Significance of Jaya Ekadashi

Observing Jaya Ekadashi Vrat brings great spiritual benefits, including:
Freedom from past sins and bad karma
Relief from ghostly existences (Bhuta, Preta, Pishacha, etc.)
Blessings of Lord Vishnu
Attainment of peace, prosperity, and ultimate salvation (Moksha)

Jaya Ekadashi is also mentioned in the Padma Purana, where Lord Vishnu himself describes its significance. Observing this fast with devotion grants divine blessings and liberation from all sufferings.

read in hindi click here.

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