Varuthini Ekadashi

Ekadasi of Krishna Paksha phase of Vaishakh month is called Varuthini Ekadasi. This ekadasi is dedicated to Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Varuthini Ekadashi Date 2023

Greatness of Varuthini Ekadasi

Significance of Varuthini Ekadasi is narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira in Bhavishya Purana. Varuthini is translated as protective or armoured. This Ekadasi fast enlightened King Mandata and blessed Moksha on him. King Dhundhumara was freed from a powerful curse of Leprosy by the Lord Shiva by observing this Varuthini Ekadasi. Bhavishya Purana bestows various merits and benefits. Observing this ekadasi, one gains merit equivalent to performing austerities and devoted penances for 10000 years, donating gold to a Gurukul, imparting spiritual knowledge to an ignorant student, donating cows and elephants to temples, and donating food to all the forefathers, Celestials -devas, and human beings.

Rituals

The best way to celebrate Ekadashi is to observe fast and chant Vedic mantras. Ekadashi fasting means spiritual cleansing, a spiritual detoxification of all senses. People refrain from consuming solid food, grains, pulses or lentils on this day. According to ancient Vedic scriptures, the Ekadashi fast spans for about three days. The day prior to Ekadasi, i.e On Dashami, devotees relish one healthy balanced meal around the afternoon or before sunset to ensure no residual food remains in the body during Ekadashi. On Ekadashi, devotees observe a sincere, clean fast and break the fast after sunrise of the next day. This has been the ritualistic fasting process. In today’s world people follow different types of fast-

Nirjala Ekadashi: ultimate fast. Fast the whole day without eating and drinking water.

Sajala Ekadashi: similar to a juice fast. Consume water and fruit juices.

Farali Ekadashi: Fruit diet that is commonly followed. Consume Fruits and Milk only.

Wake up in the brahma muhurat, take bath and clean sacred live space at home for pooja and bhajan ceremonies. We can recite or meditate on Vishnu Sahasranama during this time. Or be with the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya” all day, learn more Vishnu Mantras. Choose a fast that suits your schedule for the day or activities for the day. It is generally preferred to avoid grains and pulses, or lentils, tubers on Ekadesi. Eat fruits, positive prana foods like coconut, coconut water, dairy products, peppercorn, honey and nuts. Stay mindful of your every thought and action. Offer flowers and light a lamp for Tulsi plant.

We can participate in bhajan or homa remedy ceremonies. Temple visits, offerings and donations are advised since they can deepen the sense of devotion. Refrain from negative emotions like hate, anger, greed, jealously and violence choose happier, inclusive attributes like empathy, care, faith, integrity. 

Pregnant women, elderly people can skip fasting and rather chant & internalise Lord Vishnu Mantras. Children below the age of 12 can also avoid fasting since they are in the assimilation phase of their life.

We also suggest other modes of fasting like gadget free fast- taking a break from social media for a day, staying away from watching television, or mobile phone or even gaming gadgets and other distractive media. This can also create a significant amount of awareness and mindfulness.

Benefits

Important Timings On Varuthini Ekadashi

Varuthini Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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