Adhyaya 44

Yudhiṣṭhira asks Śrī Kṛṣṇa the name and merit of the Ekādaśī that falls in the dark fortnight (kṛṣṇa-pakṣa) of Phālguna. Kṛṣṇa recounts an earlier exchange in which Nārada questioned Brahmā about the Vijayā observance, famed for granting victory. Its power is affirmed through an epic example: during the Laṅkā campaign, Rāma—grieving after Sītā’s abduction and preparing to cross the ocean—is directed to the sage Bakadālbhya. The sage prescribes Vijayā Ekādaśī as the “best vow,” able to bestow swift triumph. The rite is then outlined: establishing a kumbha with grains, installing Nārāyaṇa, worship on Ekādaśī with a night vigil, offering a lamp on Dvādaśī, and water-side worship, concluding with gifting the pot and great donations (mahā-dāna) to a Veda-knowing brāhmaṇa. The phala-śruti promises victory in this world and imperishable welfare beyond; hearing or reading it yields merit comparable to a Vājapeya sacrifice.