Varuthini Ekadashi

Varuthini Ekadashi or ‘Baruthani Ekadashi’ as it is also known as a holy fasting day for Hindus that is observed on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) during the ‘Vaishakha’ month in the North Indian calendar. However in the states of South India, where the Amavasyant calendar is followed, this ekadashi is celebrated during the month of ‘Chaitra’. In the Gregorian calendar this date corresponds to the months of April-May. On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, God Vamana, who is known to be the 5th avatar of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped with complete devotion.

The word ‘varuthini’ in Hindi means ‘protected or armoured’ and so it is believed that a person who observes the Varuthini Ekadashi vrat will be protected from all the evils and even be bestowed with good fortune and wealth. By religiously observing this ekadashi every year, the individual can gain name, fame and prosperity.

Lord Vishnu

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.

Important Timings On Varuthini Ekadashi

Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi:

The greatness of Varuthini Ekadashi is mentioned in the ‘Bhavishya Purana’ in the form of conversation between Dharam Raja Yudhisthira and Lord Sri Krishna. As per the Hindu legends it is believed that the benefits of Varuthini Ekadashi is same as donating gold at Kurukshetra on the day of solar eclipse or making any form of donations on the chosen days. The observer of the vrat will be freed from all the sins and also get freedom from the continuous cycle of re-birth. Furthermore in Hindu mythology, ‘Kanyadaan’ (giving away daughters) is considered to be the biggest ‘daan’ and the significance of Varuthini Ekadashi is equivalent to giving 100 ‘Kanyadaan’. Varuthini Ekadashi is an important ekadashi observance for Hindus that offers countless benefits to its observer.