Devoting Vrat and Prayers to Lord Vishnu on Varuthini Ekadashi

Varuthini Ekadashi, also known as 'Baruthani Ekadashi', which falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha, or on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi Tithi during the Vaishakha or Chaitra month, is a Hindu festival observed through fasting and prayers when one seeks the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Varuthini Ekadashi 2024 is on May 04 Saturday

7 months and 9 days to go for the event

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed in the Vaishakha month in the Purnimanta Calendar, and in the Chaitra month by those who follow the Amavasyant Calendar. On this day, devotees seek the blessings of the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Vamana.

Important Timings On Varuthini Ekadashi 2024

The Hindi word ‘varuthini’ translates to ‘protected or armored.’ It is believed that a person who observes the Varuthini Ekadashi vrat will be conferred with good fortune and wealth, and be protected from all evil. As the belief goes, an individual who religiously observes Varuthini Ekadashi every year will gain name, fame and prosperity.

Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi:

In the Padma Purana Uttara Khanda, Lord Krishna describes about Varuthini Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira in all its glory. He described how anyone who piously observed the Varuthini Ekadashi conferred good fortune and prosperity. The observance of the Varuthini Ekadashi vow posed a shield against all evil, and it gave its devotees pleasure and salvation.

An unfortunate woman, a deluded man, or a King who hold utmost faith in the vow of Varuthini would gain material pleasures as well as liberation. Any living being would be liberated from the cycle of birth, life and death, i.e., unchain them from rebirth. The Varuthini vow weeds out all sins of devotees. King Mandhatr and King Dhundhumara secured their place in heaven only due to the Varuthini vow. According to another legend from Padma Puran, Lord Krishna tells King Yudhishthira how Lord Shiva himself observed the Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat to free himself from the sin of beheading the fifth head of Lord Brahma, thereby doing Brahma Hatya (Killing a Brahmin).

Varuthini Ekadashi destroys even the greatest of sins and grants blessings as great the auspicious offerings to a deity. It gives one pleasures and blessings greater than giving of land, greater than giving of gold, greater than giving of food, or even greater than ‘Kanyadaan,’ giving of one’s daughter in marriage. Kanyadaan is considered to be the biggest ‘daan,’ and the significance of Varuthini Ekadashi is equivalent to giving 100 Kanyadaan. Lord Krishna also said that devotedly observing the vow of Varuthini Ekadashi would be given an ‘undecaying position in the end.’ Therefore, those who are conscious and afraid of the sin they have committed must observe the Varuthini vow with all effort.

Rituals during Varuthini Ekadashi:

• Like all ekadashis, devotees keep a strict fast on Varuthini Ekadashi. They pass the day without eating or taking a drop of water. One who observes a fast should eat only one meal the day before, on dashami. The vrat continues then on ekadashi till the sunrise on ‘dwadashi’ (12th day). On Varuthini Ekadashi eating rice, chickpea, black gram, lentils, betel nut, betel, honey and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. On ekadashi one must not eat in bell metal utensils is not allowed.
• Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Vamana is worshipped on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi. Devotees make special puja arrangements for this day and also follow some specific rules to make it more fruitful. On Varuthini Ekadashi day, one must stay away from sleep, anger, gambling, applying oil on the body and fostering any ill feeling for others. Sexual activity and violence should be completely avoided.
• On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi it is a good practice to read Holy Scriptures like ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam’ and ‘Bhagawad Gita’. Devotees spend their time by listening to and singing bhajans in honour of Lord Vishnu.
• Offering donations on Varuthini Ekadashi is considered very auspicious as it brings good luck. Some of objects that should be donated on this holy day include sesame seeds, land, elephant and horses.

Varuthini Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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