Bhaimi Ekadashi (Jaya Ekadashi)

Bhaimi Ekadashi is also known as Jaya Ekadashi.

The narration of the glories of Magha-Shukla Ekadasi or Jaya Ekadashi is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna. It is said that one who observes upavasa (fasting) on this day is granted entry into Lord Vishnu’s abode, even not having performed other vratas of the year. The half-day fast (vrata) for the appearance day of Lord Varahadev on the following day, Varaha Dvadasi, is also observed on this Ekadashi.

Yudhishthira Maharaja Enquires From Lord Krishna

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “O Lord of the lords, Sri Krishna, all glories unto You! O Master of the universe, You alone are the source of the four types of living entities – those born of eggs, of perspiration, of seeds, and of embryos. You are the root cause of all, O Lord, and therefore the creator, maintainer, and destroyer.

“My Lord, You have kindly described to me the auspicious day known as Sat-tila Ekadashi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Magha (January – February). Now I request you to please explain to me about the Ekadasi that occurs in the bright fortnight of this month. By what name is it known, and what is the process for observing it? Who is the presiding Deity of this sublime day, which is so dear to You?”

Lord Krishna Answers Yudhishthira

Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhisthira, I shall be glad to tell you about the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright half of Magha. This Ekadashi effaces all kinds of sinful reactions and demonic influences. It is known as Jaya Ekadashi, and the fortunate soul who fasts on this sacred day is relieved of the great burden of ghostly existence. Thus there is no better Ekadashi than this, for it truly bestows freedom from birth and death. It should be observed respectfully and meticulously. Please listen to Me attentively, O Pandava, as I relate an ancient episode that I have previously narrated in the Padma Purana.

Malyavan and Pushpavati Attracted

Long ago, Lord Indra ruled his celestial kingdom well and the devas living there were content. In the Nandana Forest graced with Parijata Flowers, Indra drank ambrosia and enjoyed the company of celestial maidens (Apsaras), who danced for his pleasure. Chitrasena, Indra’s chief musician, his wife Malini, and his handsome son Malyavan entertained Indra.

At that time, an Apsara named Pushpavati became attracted to Malyavan. Cupid’s sharp arrows pierced her heart. With her beautiful body, complexion and enchanting movements of eyebrows, she captivated Malyavan.

Indra Curses Malyavan and Pushpavati

Seeing Pushpavati in all her heavenly beauty, Malyavan was bewitched. They faltered in their singing and dancing before Indra, who became angry and cursed them both to suffer as pisachas (hobgoblins) on Earth.

The Sufferings of Malyavan and Pushpavati

Dumbstruck by the chastisement, they fell from the heavenly Nandana Forest to the Himalayas. There they suffered severely in the freezing cold, their celestial intelligence diminished. They wandered in agony, lamenting their misdeeds.

The Blessings of Bhaimi Ekadashi

By good fortune, that day was Jaya (Bhaimi) Ekadashi. In their misery, they did not eat or drink anything, unknowingly observing a complete fast and staying awake all night. The next morning, Dvadasi dawned, and by the mercy of Lord Vishnu, they were released from their curse and regained their celestial forms. A divine airplane arrived and took them back to Indra’s abode.

Lord Krishna Concludes

Lord Krishna said, “O Yudhishthira, one should strictly fast on the sacred day of Lord Hari, especially on Jaya Ekadashi, which frees one even from the sin of killing a twice-born Brahmin. Fasting on this Ekadashi qualifies one to reside in Vaikuntha and enjoy eternal happiness.”

“O great king,” Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “one who even hears or reads these wonderful glories of Jaya Ekadashi attains the merit of performing an Agnistoma fire sacrifice, during which the hymns from the Sama-Veda are recited.”