Today is Jaya Ekadasi. Any Ekadashi is one of the most religiously observed rituals of the Hindus and Jaya Ekadasi is no exception to it.

Jaya Ekadasi falls in the Sukla Paksha of Magha (Thai) month and it is auspicious for worshipping both Lord Narayana and Lord Shiva. Narayana is the God worshipped on all Ekadashi as we all know. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva also as it falls in the month of Magha.

There is a mythological background of Jaya Ekadashi. It is said that a Gandharva was singing in the gathering of Indra and was not able to accomplish his task well since he missed his life partner. The irritated Indra cursed that the beloved of the Gandharva would turn into a monster. Despite his repeated pleadings, the Gandharva was sent out of the gathering and on coming home he found his better half in the form of a demon. On seeing his sad plight, Naradha advised him to observe Jaya Ekadasi and thus this Ekadasi became popular among human beings.

The purpose of observing Jaya Ekadashi is that one will get rid of his sins and seek salvation on taking Ekadashi vow on this day. He will cherish more spiritual wisdom by the grace of Lord Narayana. Observing Jaya Ekadasi vratha and doing Narayana and Shiva puja at home will surely lead one to salvation.

Read on to know How and Why to Observe Ekadashi