Understanding Varuthini Ekadashi
In the Hindu lunar calendar, Ekadashi occurs twice every month—once during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) and once during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha). This brings the total to 24 Ekadashi observances each year. Among these, the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Vaishakha is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. In 2026, this sacred day falls on Monday, April 13. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 1:16 AM on April 13 and concludes at 1:08 AM on April 14.
The significance of Ekadashi in Hinduism is immense. Lord Vishnu holds this day especially dear, and devotees worship him with elaborate rituals and heartfelt devotion. Observing a fast on this day is believed to bring the practitioner closer to the divine, freeing them from the cycle of birth and death and ultimately granting liberation.
The Spiritual Importance of Ekadashi
Ekadashi is considered the beloved of Lord Vishnu. Those who observe a fast, chant sacred hymns, perform penance, and engage in charitable acts on this day are said to receive the grace of Lord Hari. Ancient scriptures suggest that observing Ekadashi can cleanse even the gravest of sins, including the killing of a Brahmin. Devotees are advised to avoid all sinful actions—whether in thought, word, or deed—and to refrain from consuming tamasic (impure) foods. The word “Ekadashi” itself is symbolic: it represents the eleven senses—five cognitive senses, five active senses, and the mind. A person who masters these eleven senses becomes as pure and divine as the Ekadashi day itself.
The Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi Fast
On Varuthini Ekadashi, special worship is offered to Lord Vishnu in his Vamana (dwarf) incarnation. It is widely believed that the merit gained from observing this fast equals that of giving away a daughter in marriage (Kanyadaan) or performing severe penance for many years. This Ekadashi is regarded as a bestower of good fortune, a destroyer of all sins, and a giver of ultimate liberation. It is also known to eliminate poverty and relieve devotees from all kinds of suffering. Observing this fast is said to bring happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness into the home.
Merits and Rewards of the Fast
The spiritual reward of keeping the Varuthini Ekadashi fast is comparable to performing penance for ten thousand years. It is said that the same merit one earns by donating a measure of gold during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra can be attained simply by observing this fast. Additionally, the fast yields the combined benefits of both donating food (Anndaan) and giving away a daughter in marriage (Kanyadaan).
Ritual Worship of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana Avatar
On this day, devotees should worship Lord Vishnu in his Vamana form with proper rituals. Wearing yellow attire, they should offer items such as vermilion (roli), sacred thread (moli), yellow sandalwood paste, unbroken rice (akshat), yellow flowers, seasonal fruits, and sweets. The worship should include lighting incense and lamps, performing the aarti, and donating a lamp. Chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” is highly recommended throughout the day. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu) on this day is especially fruitful.
Devotees are encouraged to avoid negative emotions such as slander, deceit, greed, and envy. Instead, they should focus their minds on Lord Narayana and sing his praises with devotion. On the following day (Dwadashi), one should feed Brahmins before breaking their own fast.
The Legend of Varuthini Ekadashi
According to ancient scriptures, there is a powerful story behind this Ekadashi. Once, in a fit of rage, Lord Shiva severed the fifth head of Lord Brahma. As a result, he was cursed and burdened with the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin). To free himself from this curse and its associated sins, Lord Shiva observed the fast of Varuthini Ekadashi. By keeping this sacred fast, he was completely absolved of both the curse and the sin. This legend underscores the immense power of Varuthini Ekadashi, whose merit is said to equal many years of intense austerity.
- Varuthini Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha month.
- In 2026, it is observed on April 13, with the tithi spanning from 1:16 AM on April 13 to 1:08 AM on April 14.
- Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar is worshipped on this day.
- The fast is believed to grant the same merit as ten thousand years of penance.
- It is considered a destroyer of sins, a remover of poverty, and a giver of liberation.
- Devotees should avoid sinful actions and tamasic food, and chant the Vishnu mantra.
- The legend states that Lord Shiva observed this fast to free himself from the curse of Brahmahatya.
