Varuthini Ekadashi

The significance of the "Varuthini" Ekadashi in the month of Vaishakh during the dark fortnight;(Between April and May)

Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna, "What is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of Vaishakh month? Please tell me about its glory."

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "The Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of Vaishakh month is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. It bestows good fortune in this world and the next."

Shri Krishna said, "Observing the Varuthini Fast leads to the attainment of all worldly pleasures and liberation. It brings endless benefits and diminishes sins. This Ekadashi provides both material enjoyment and spiritual liberation to all."

O best among kings! The donation of a horse is superior to the donation of an elephant. Donation of land is greater than that of a horse. Donation of sesame seeds is more significant than the donation of land. More important than the donation of sesame seeds is the donation of gold. And the greatest donation of all is the donation of food, because both gods and ancestors are satisfied by food."

The story of the Fast of Varuthini Ekadashi

Wise men have considered Kanyadan (donation of a daughter's hand in marriage) equivalent to Annadan (donation of food). This is the saying of the Lord himself. Above all donations, the greatest is the donation of knowledge. By observing the Fast of Varuthini Ekadashi, a person obtains the fruit of knowledge donation as well. Those who make a living by exploiting the wealth of a girl, being misled by sin, go to the torturous hell when their good deeds are exhausted. Therefore, one should make every effort to protect the wealth of the girl, and not use it for personal gain. The merit of a person who adorns the girl with ornaments according to their ability and donates with a pure heart is beyond the count of Chitragupta (the god who keeps the record of deeds of people). Even by observing the Fast of Varuthini Ekadashi, a person obtains the same fruit. By observing the Fast of Varuthini Ekadashi, many other kings like Mandhata and Dhundhumara attained heaven. Those who worship Lord Madhusudana by staying awake at night receive liberation from all sins and achieve the ultimate salvation. Therefore, people who fear Yamaraja (the god of death) should observe the fast of Ekadashi with full effort. O King! By reading and listening to this, one obtains the merit of donating a thousand cows and becomes free from all sins, establishing oneself in the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Worship procedure of Varuthini Ekadashi Fast

A Vaishnava man who observes the fast should give up the following 10 items on Dashami date: brass utensils, black gram, lentils, chickpeas, condon, spinach made of brass, honey, food made by someone else, indulging in sexual activity, and eating twice. On Ekadashi, he should abandon the following 11 items: gambling, sleeping during the day, eating betel nuts, brushing teeth, criticizing others, fighting, stealing, violence, engaging in sexual activity, anger, and speaking falsehoods. On Dwadashi, he should give up the following 12 items: brass utensils, black gram, alcohol, honey, oil, talking to fallen souls, exercise, going abroad, eating twice, indulging in sexual activity, riding on a bullock's back, and lentils.

On the auspicious day of Dashami, one should take a bath early in the morning with a pious mind and devotion, then take another bath at midday and have a simple meal with a concentrated mind. At night, one should sleep on the ground and rise early in the morning. On the day of Ekadashi, one should perform daily duties, take a bath and then observe the fast with devotion and reciting the following mantra:

"Adya sthitva niraharah sarva-bhoga-vivarjitah

Shavo bhokshye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavachyuta"

"Oh lotus-eyed Lord Narayana, today I will abstain from all kinds of food and will take my meal tomorrow. Achyuta, please give me shelter."

After following this procedure, one should for the happiness of the ancestors ,perform prayer ceremony for your ancestors (Shraddha) in front of a Saligram stone and offer food to the Brahmins as donation, for the peace of the ancestors at midday. The food offered to the ancestors should be distributed to the poor and needy. By performing these rituals, one can achieve peace and blessings from Lord Vishnu.

Verified from Puran……….....

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