Varuthini Ekadashi

In the Hindu calendar, Varuthini Ekadashi is one of the holy fasting days for Vaishnavas that falls on 'Ekadashi' during the 'Krishna Paksha'. In the Hindu lunar calendar, this Ekadashi is celebrated during the month of 'Vaishakh', while in the English calendar this date falls between the months of April-May. Varuthini Ekadashi, however, falls in the month of 'Chaitra' according to the Amavasant calendar in the southern states of India. This Ekadashi is scheduled to happen on Friday, May 7, in 2021.

Varuthini Ekadashi, also known as 'Baruthani Ekadashi', is considered as the most luxurious and futuristic day, which provides material enjoyment of all forms to its observer. On this day, the person observing the fast wants freedom from all sins and is rewarded even with good luck and never ending happiness. Not only this, the ultimate strength of Varuthini Ekadashi is in providing 'Moksha' which is liberation from the cycle of re-birth and death.

What is the fast and ritual of Varuthini Ekadashi

Also called Vaishnava Varuthini Ekadashi, but fasting is considered highly beneficial for Krishna's followers. The ritual begins a day before and the devotees of this fast have a selective meal once after sunset. Eating on bell metal plates is also not allowed on this day. This is done to ensure that no trace of food remains in the stomach on the day of Ekadashi.

On this Ekadashi day, devotees do not eat anything or even take a sip of water throughout the day. However, if one cannot keep a strict fast, then a partial fast or fast from morning to sunset can also be kept. While fasting, one should not sleep during the day and stay away from dirty thoughts and actions. It is popular belief that one who wakes up all night on the day of Ekadashi and performs religious hymns, gets freedom from all his sins.

This Ekadashi is for spiritual attainment and hence chants or hymns are performed on this day in praise of Lord Vishnu. Devotees worship Lord Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Shri Hari Vishnu on this day and make many offerings to his beloved goddess. It is also important to visit the temples of Lord Vishnu in the evening and observe the day's festivities. The Vaishnava Varuthini Ekadashi fast is broken the next day 'Dwadashi' (12th day) after praying to Lord Vishnu and giving food and money to some Brahmins.

Importance of Varuthini Ekadashi

The greatness of Varuthini Ekadashi is mentioned in the 'Bhavishya Purana' as a conversation between the Dharma King Yudhishthira and Lord Shri Krishna. According to Hindu legends, it is believed that the benefits of Varuthini Ekadashi are the same as donating gold in Kurukshetra on the day of solar eclipse or any kind of donation on selected days. Those who observe fast on this day get freedom from sins committed. Also in Hindu mythology, 'Kanyadaan' is considered as the biggest 'charity' and the importance of Varuthini Ekadashi is equivalent to giving 100 'Kanyadaan'. Varuthini Ekadashi is an important Ekadashi for Hindus that provides countless benefits to its observer.