The Sacred Observance of Varuthini Ekadashi
Varuthini Ekadashi, falling during the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Vaishakh, holds immense spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Ekadashi, this sacred day is believed to liberate devotees from life’s hardships and sorrows. In 2026, this auspicious date falls on April 13th. However, simply observing a fast is not enough—the rituals must be performed with complete devotion to ensure the vow is fulfilled. Without properly worshipping Goddess Ekadashi, the fast remains incomplete. Understanding the correct procedures, offerings, mantras, and hymns is essential for a meaningful observance.
Step-by-Step Worship Procedure
Begin the day by rising early, taking a purifying bath, and wearing clean clothes. Mental and physical purity are paramount for this ritual.
- Sanctify the worship area by sprinkling holy water or clean water.
- Place a red or yellow cloth on a wooden platform.
- Install an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Ekadashi on the platform.
- Begin the worship with sincere devotion and focus.
- Offer vermilion, sandalwood paste, unbroken rice grains, incense, a lamp, and fresh flowers to the deities.
- Include sacred basil leaves in the offering, as they are considered highly auspicious in Vishnu worship.
- Recite or listen to the Ekadashi fasting narrative, which is believed to bring great spiritual merit.
- Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Ekadashi with reverence.
- Conclude with the ceremonial hymn and distribute the blessed offering among family members.
Appropriate Offerings for the Deities
Only pure, sattvic food should be presented to the deities on this day. The offerings must exclude grains and rice-based preparations entirely.
- Seasonal fruits and a mixture of five sweet ingredients known as panchamrit.
- Yellow-colored sweets, which are considered particularly favorable.
- Makhana kheer, a pudding made from fox nuts.
- Dry fruits and milk-based desserts.
- Coriander seed panjiri, a sweet dry mixture.
- Basil leaves are an indispensable component of any offering to Lord Vishnu.
Sacred Chants for the Ritual
Reciting these mantras with focused intention enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the worship:
- Om Ekadashi Devyai Namo Namah
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
The Hymn of Goddess Ekadashi
This devotional song honors the various forms of Ekadashi observed throughout the year, each bringing unique blessings:
Om Jai Ekadashi, Jai Ekadashi, Jai Ekadashi Mata.
By observing the vow of Vishnu worship, one attains strength and liberation.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
I recount your names, Goddess, grant me devotion.
Bestow honor and glory, Mother, as described in the scriptures.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
From the dark fortnight of Margashirsha, Utpanna was born, the savior of the world.
In the bright fortnight, Mokshada appeared, the giver of liberation.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
In the dark fortnight of Pausha, she is called Saphala.
In the bright fortnight, Putrada brings abundant joy.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Shattila comes in the dark fortnight of Magha.
In the bright fortnight, Jaya is named, always bestowing victory.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Vijaya in the dark fortnight of Phalguna, and Amalaki in the bright.
Papamochini in the dark fortnight of Chaitra, for the mighty.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
In the bright fortnight of Chaitra, Kamada is the giver of wealth.
Varuthini in the dark fortnight of the month of Vaishakh.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Mohini in the bright fortnight, and Apara in the dark of Jyeshtha.
Nirjala, the giver of all comforts, is placed in the bright fortnight.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Yogini in the dark fortnight of Ashadha.
Devashayani is called in the bright fortnight.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Kamika comes in the month of Shravana, in the dark fortnight.
In the bright fortnight of Shravana, Pavitra brings joy.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Aja in the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada, and Parivartini in the bright.
Indra in the dark fortnight of Ashwina, the fast crosses the ocean of existence.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Papankusha in the bright fortnight, the remover of sins.
Rama comes in the month of Kartika, greatly bestowing happiness.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Devotthani in the bright fortnight, the destroyer of sorrows, O Mother.
In the holy month, I make my plea, ferry my boat across.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Parama occurs in the dark fortnight, bringing welfare to people.
In the bright month, Padmini removes sorrow and poverty.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
Whoever sings this hymn of Ekadashi with devotion,
Attains a place in heaven, this is certain.
Om Jai Ekadashi…
