“O Prabhu, please enlighten me with the importance of keeping the vrat of Vijya Ekadashi.” Lord Shree Krishna replies, “O King, Brahma has explained to Naradji in detail the greatness of Vijya Ekadashi.”
“Vijay” means victory. One who performs this vrat with full vigour achieves victory in whatever task is undertaken. Lord Shree Ram attained victory over King Ravan due to the strict observance of this Ekadashi vrat — this is how powerful and significant this Ekadashi is.
The story associated with Vijya Ekadashi takes place during the Treta Yuga. When Lord Ram was preparing to wage war against Ravana to rescue Devi Sita, he sought the counsel of the great sage Bakadalbhya Muni. The sage instructed Lord Ram to observe the vrat of Vijya Ekadashi with complete devotion before embarking on the war. Lord Ram, along with His army of monkeys, observed this Ekadashi faithfully. This divine observance granted the Lord the blessings and strength to defeat Ravana and emerge victorious.
Vijya Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Phalguna (Faagan). Devotees who face challenges, competitions, or difficult tasks in life observe this Ekadashi seeking divine grace for success and victory in their endeavours.