Significance and legend
Vijaya means victory. In the Skanda Purana tradition retold by Krishna to Yudhishthira, Lord Rama reached the shore of the ocean with Lakshmana and the vanara army on the way to Lanka. Faced with the vast sea and uncertain how to cross it, Rama sought the advice of the sage Vakadalbhya, whose hermitage stood nearby.
The sage told him to observe the Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of Phalguna, known as Vijaya. He instructed him to place a kalash of gold, silver, copper or clay filled with water and adorned with mango leaves on a bed of seven grains, to install an image of Vishnu upon it, worship it with incense, flowers and lamps, and to fast and keep vigil through the night. On Dwadashi the kalash was to be given away by the ocean shore. Rama and his companions followed these instructions, and soon the bridge to Lanka was built, Ravana was defeated and Sita was rescued.
How Vijaya Ekadashi is observed
Devotees fast and perform a kalash puja as described by Vakadalbhya, placing a water-filled pot on seven grains with an image of Vishnu, offering flowers, tulsi and lamps. The katha of Rama's victory is read and the night is spent in vigil. Those facing difficulties in work, legal matters or other struggles observe this vrata for success. The fast is broken on Dwadashi after sunrise within the parana window, and the kalash is given in charity.