Vijaya Ekadashi Katha

When Lord Rama arrived at the seashore with His mighty vanara army, He was in anguish. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, and Lanka — where Sita was held captive — seemed unreachable. No bridge had yet been conceived.

At this critical moment, the great sage Bakadalbhya, residing in a hermitage near the shore, came to Rama and said: "O Lord, I know of a way that will ensure your victory. Observe the Vijaya Ekadashi — the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the month of Phalguna — with complete devotion."

The sage instructed Rama to fill a golden pot with water from the ocean, place it on sacred kusha grass, worship Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit and Tulsi, fast through Ekadashi, and spend the night awake in the Lord's praise. Naivedya of ripe fruits and pure food was to be offered.

Rama — though an avatar of Vishnu Himself — observed the fast as an ideal devotee, showing the world the power of dharma and devotion. The entire army joined in prayer and vigil through the night.

On Dwadashi, as the parana was completed and the merit offered to the Supreme, Lord Varuna — the ocean god — appeared before Rama and revealed the science of building the floating bridge. The vanaras under Nala began construction, and within days the bridge was complete.

Rama crossed to Lanka, defeated Ravana, and rescued Sita. Thus, the Vijaya Ekadashi — the Ekadashi of Victory — gave Lord Rama the decisive divine support for His mission. Whoever observes this Ekadashi is assured of victory over their struggles.