Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi, Parana Time & Significance
Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Jaya Ekadashi holds special spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Devotees believe that observing the Jaya Ekadashi fast with devotion helps in the destruction of sins, removal of obstacles, and attainment of success, peace, and prosperity in life.
The word “Jaya” means victory. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this sacred day is believed to grant victory over negative energies, past karmic debts, and hardships. Let us understand in detail the date of Jaya Ekadashi 2026, its religious importance, puja rituals, parana time, and important do’s and don’ts.
Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Date and Tithi
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi of Magha Shukla Paksha will begin on:
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Ekadashi Tithi Begins:
28 January 2026 (Wednesday) at 4:37 PM -
Ekadashi Tithi Ends:
29 January 2026 (Thursday) at 1:56 PM
As per Udaya Tithi (sunrise-based calculation), the fast of Jaya Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, 29 January 2026, which is considered scripturally correct.
Jaya Ekadashi Parana Time (Fast Breaking Time)
The Parana, or the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast, should be performed on the next day, i.e.:
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Parana Date: Friday, 30 January 2026
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Best Parana Time: Before 9:30 AM
Breaking the fast within the prescribed time is considered essential to receive the full spiritual benefits of the vrat.
Spiritual Significance of Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Padma Purana. According to religious belief:
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Observing this vrat helps eliminate sins from past births
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It grants freedom from negative karmic influences
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Devotees attain mental peace, material prosperity, and spiritual growth
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Worshipping Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi brings success, wealth, and harmony in life
It is also believed that sincere observance of Jaya Ekadashi helps devotees overcome fear, ignorance, and obstacles on the path of righteousness.
Jaya Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)
Devotees who observe the Jaya Ekadashi fast should follow these rituals with devotion and purity:
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Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. Wear clean and preferably light-colored or yellow clothes.
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Offer water to a banana tree and worship it with proper rituals, as it is considered sacred on Ekadashi.
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In the home temple, place a clean cloth on a wooden platform (chowki) and install the idol or image of Lord Vishnu.
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Sprinkle Ganga Jal around the worship area to purify the space.
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Offer yellow flowers, yellow fruits, sweets, clothes, and incense to Lord Vishnu.
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Light a diya (lamp) and perform Vishnu Aarti with devotion.
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Offer Panchamrit along with Tulsi leaves, which is considered extremely auspicious for Lord Vishnu.
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Chant Vishnu Mantras, recite Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha, and meditate upon the Lord.
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After the puja, devotees may donate fruits, blankets, grains, or food to the needy according to their capacity. Charity performed on Ekadashi is believed to bring great merit.
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat: Do’s and Don’ts
What to Do
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Observe brahmacharya (celibacy) at least a day before Ekadashi.
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Consume only satvik food or observe a complete fast if health permits.
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Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Vishnu Shatanama Stotra, which is considered highly auspicious.
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Spend time in prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading.
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Maintain purity in thoughts, words, and actions.
What Not to Do
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Avoid tamasic food such as onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian items.
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Sleeping during the afternoon on Ekadashi is considered inauspicious and may reduce the spiritual merit of the fast.
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Avoid anger, arguments, harsh speech, and negative behavior.
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Family members should also refrain from consuming tamasic food on this day.
Jaya Ekadashi is not just a ritualistic fast but a powerful spiritual practice that encourages self-discipline, devotion, and inner purification. By observing this vrat with sincerity and faith, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for victory over difficulties, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Following the prescribed rituals, maintaining purity, and performing charity on this sacred day can bring peace, success, and divine grace into one’s life.
