Jaya Ekadashi 2026 is one of the most sacred Ekadashi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha, which usually falls in January–February. Devotees believe that observing this fast destroys sins, removes negative energies, and grants liberation (moksha).

Jaya Ekadashi Date 2026 is 29 January (Thursday). Many devotees nowadays also explore online astrology predictions for Ekadashi to understand its spiritual strength.

The Jaya Ekadashi fasting is taken by almost all Hindus, especially Lord Vishnu devotees to gain his divine blessings. Jaya Ekadashi is also fondly called as ‘Bhoumi Ekadashi’ and ‘Bhishma Ekadashi’ in some Hindu communities of South India, particularly the regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Jaya Ekadashi Date 2026 & Muhurat

In 2026, Jaya Ekadashi will fall on January 29, Thursday.

Here are the auspicious times related to Jaya Ekadashi for 2026:

How to Observe Jaya Ekadashi 2026 Vrat 

1. Getting ready (on Dashami day)

• Eat just a single sattvic dish - skip grains, onions, garlic, or meat. Instead, go light and clean.
• Once the sun’s up on Dashami, skip big meals.
• Mental clarity matters a lot - yet peace plays just as big a role.

2. Fasting Rules on Ekadashi

Devotees may choose:

✔ Skip eating, skip drinking

Fruit plus milk – quick meal by Phalahar

✔ Satvik fast – Simple Ekadashi-friendly diet

Pregnant women, older adults, or folks dealing with health problems might choose a gentler approach to fasting.

3. How to do Puja

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta
• Take holy bath
• Place an idol/photo of Lord Vishnu
• Offer:
• Sandalwood paste
• Sesame seeds
• Fruits
• Tulsi leaves
• Dhoop & lamp
• Recite:
• Vishnu Sahasranama
• Narayan Stotra
• “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”

  4. Night Vigil (Jagran)

  • Keep your eyes open all through the dark hours
  • Sing bhajans
  • Meditate and chant Vishnu mantras

   5. Charity on Dwadashi

  • Feed Brahmins and the needy
  • Give away some meals, garments, or rice

Jaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Padma Purana Story)

The tale of Jaya Ekadashi is found in the Padma Purana. In heaven, Malyavan once a Gandharva and Pushpavati, an Apsara, got cursed; because of their behavior at a divine gathering, Indra transformed them into spirits.

In their tough times, they roamed through the Himalayas - on Jaya Ekadashi, without realizing it

• They didn’t eat
• They stayed awake
• They stayed committed

So, they ended up fasting without meaning to - this broke the spell and brought back their god-like shape.

This tale reveals how strong the Jaya Ekadashi fast can be - clearing wrongdoings while breaking heavy karma chains.

Do’s & Don’ts of Jaya Ekadashi

 Do’s

• Sing sacred sounds - join devotional songs
• Stick to pure foods
• Give away meals or garments
• Stay pure in thoughts

 Don’ts

• Steer clear of rice - also avoid any kind of grain
• Steer clear of rage, desire, or craving
• Put no oil onto your skin
• Avoid sleeping during Jagran night

You can check your free online kundali Online or Talk to Astrologer for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it mandatory to stay awake on Jaya Ekadashi night?

A: Staying awake (Jagran) is considered auspicious, as it increases the fast’s rewards. However, it is not compulsory for elderly, sick, or pregnant women.

Q2: What donations are recommended on Jaya Ekadashi?

A: Donating food, clothes, sesame seeds, blankets, and sattvic meals to Brahmins and needy people is considered highly auspicious.

Q3: Does Jaya Ekadashi remove Pitru Dosha or negative energies?

A: Yes, scriptures mention that observing Jaya Ekadashi helps eliminate unseen negative forces, Pitru Dosha, and ghost-related energies, offering protection and peace.

Q4: What food items are strictly prohibited on Jaya Ekadashi?

A: Rice, wheat, lentils, beans, grains, onion, garlic, non-veg foods, and alcohol are strictly avoided. Eating such items is believed to diminish the spiritual effect of the fast.

Q5: Why rice is not eaten on Jaya Ekadashi?

A: According to religious texts, grains like rice attract negative energies on Ekadashi. Therefore, eating rice is believed to reduce the spiritual benefits of the fast.

Many people also consult astrologers for remedies and the right gemstone recommendation based on this phenomenon. 

On Jaya Ekadashi, many couples perform Kundli Matching to seek divine harmony, remove relationship obstacles, and strengthen their spiritual bond under Lord Vishnu’s blessings.