Varunthini Ekadashi is an extremely auspicious day for the Hindus. The Varunthini Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the month of Chaitra or Vaisakha according to the traditional Hindu calendar or the month of April, according to the Gregorian calendar.
According to the North Indian calendar the ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha of the month of Chaitra and Krishna Paksha of Vaisakha according to the South Indian calendar.
It is however admirable, that in both cases the date is the same. This day sees devotees worshipping Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
- Significance of the Varuthini Ekadashi
A reference of this holy day is found in the Bhavishya Purana, where the Lord Krishna, narrates this saga to the eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhisthira. He tells that this day is so powerful that even animals on this day can get themselves the ill luck of karmic cycle of birth and death. People, who are suffering from fatal ailments, can also cure themselves by following the rituals of this day devoutly.
- Legend of Varuthini Ekadashi
King Mandata achieved his enlightenment by observing this vow, King Dhundhumara of the Ikshvaku dynasty, was redeemed from a curse put upon him by Lord Shiva.It is so powerful in nature that is said to transform ill luck to the best of luck, a lame man capable of walking. It is said that any charity done on this day, reaps manifold benefits.
- Celebration of Varuthini Ekadashi
There is also a list of things which given for charity will yield good results. This can be found in the Bhavishya Purana. Donation of horses, land, elephants and sesame seeds yield good results in terms of his family and ancestors being benefitted. Kanya Daan is the most auspicious, which means giving away the daughter in marriage on this day is extremely beneficial, however fasting on this day is equivalent to 500 kanya Daans.
- Observance of the Varuthini Ekadashi
Like all Ekadashi days, this day too marks a lot of puja for Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu’s 5th avatar or incarnation, Vamana Deva is worshipped on this day. On the Ekadashi one should abstain from the following – gambling, all kinds of sports, unnecessarily sleeping during the daytime, eating betel nuts and its leaf, the brushing of one’s teeth, spreading unjustified rumors, finding faults with people, being friendly with the spiritually fallen, giving way to anger, and lying. Devotees generally fast on this day, however those who partake food once during the course of the day are advised not to partake the following – chickpea, black gram, honey, betel leaves and spinach. It is believed that people who fast on this day gains result similar to that of those who do severe penance for thousands of years.
Thus it is extremely important to observe the Varuthini Ekadashi with fervent devotion to be blessed by the great Lord Vishnu, as observance of this day yields Great results.