Parsva Ekadashi

Parsva Ekadashi Significance | About Parsva Ekadashi | Story Of Parsva Ekadashi

The Parsva Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada or Bhadra month, as per Hindu Calendar, which is August-September by the Gregorian calendar. It is an important Ekadashi as it falls in the Chaturmas phase, when Lord Vishnu and is said to sleeping for four months. Parsva Ekadashi is also popularly known by different names in different regions of the country, namely, Pravartini Ekadashi, Jayanti Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi. Parsva Ekadashi is also an important Ekadashi for the Sanyasis.

Parsva Ekadashi Date & Time(Muhurat) 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 10:30 PM on Sep 13, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 08:41 PM on Sep 14, 2024

The fast must be broken after sunrise the next day of Ekadashi. It is to be noted that one should break the fast (Parana) within Dwadashi Tithi. Another important consideration is that one must not break the fast during Hari Vasara which is the fourth duration of Dwadashi. The best time to break the fast is pratah kala (morning).

Parsva Ekadashi Vrat (Fast) Significance

The Parsva Ekadashi is considered more important as it falls during the phase of Chaturmas, when Lord Vishnu sleeps. As per mythological stories, on this day, Lord Vishnu takes a turn from His left side to His right side, which gives this Ekadashi the name Parsva Ekadashi or Parivartini Ekadashi. This is a very suitable period for austerities, observing fasts, meditation and other religious rituals. It is a time to remain in faith, enhance devotion and gives an opportunity to be in service of Lord Vishnu and other Divine beings.

Observing the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat brings multiple benefits. It obliterates sins of devotees, empowers with strong will power, good health, wealth, spiritual growth, happiness and much more. The Ekadashi Vrat when observed with sincerity leads to salvation, by the virtues earned by devotee. Observing the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat is one of the best ways to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Parsva Ekadashi Presiding Deity

Every Ekadashi has a presiding Deity, which are various forms/names of Lord Vishnu. The Parsva Ekadashi is presided by Lord Vamana which is the Vamana Avatar, the 5th among the Dus Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vamana is described as a dwarf size, Brahmin, with youthful appearance. The Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha narrates the story of appearance of Lord Vamana and His importance. The Parsava Ekadashi Vrat ushers the blessings of Lord Vamana(Vishnu).

What To Do On Parsva Ekadashi

Parsva Ekadashi, Sat, 14 Sept, 2024

The auspicious Parsva or Parivartini Ekadashi is a day when everyone who can should observe fast or Vrat for earning the merits. After taking a bath early morning, the devotee should take the Sankalp of fasting through the day till next morning when the tithi of breaking the fast is appropriate.

Worship Lord Vamana/Vishnu as per the prescribed rituals. Chant Mantras, sing praises, and serve Lord Vamana through the day. Remain in a spiritual mode and be calm.

Remain awake throughout the night, in full consciousness as sleeping on Ekadashi night is not allowed if the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat is observed.

Charity and donations made on Parsva Ekadashi is believed to be good for the devotee.

Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha - Traditional Story Of The Fast

The Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha had been narrated by Lord Krishna to Prince Yudhishthira(eldest Pandava brother) when he wanted to know about the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in the Bhadrapada month, from the Lord.

Bali was a demon King but was religious and spiritual minded. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, performed many Yajnas, was kind and did charity to the needy, Brahmins and was very caring to the Cows. Because of his spiritual behaviour and religious practices, he had earned merits which made him very powerful. However, due to some conflict with King Indra(the King of the Heavenly realm), King Bali raged war with Lord Indra and won. He became the ruler of Heaven and made all the Demi Gods powerless. Bali also extended his supremacy over Earth and Patal lok(Netherworld). The Demi Gods along with King Indra approached Lord Vishnu and humbly asked for an immediate solution. Hearing their plight Lord Vishnu assured them of a solution and decided to appear in the Vamana Avatar, the dwarf Brahmin manifestation.

King Bali was performing the Ashwamedha Yajna. Lord Vishnu as Lord Vamana reached King Bali's Yajna and asked King Bali for donation. Seeing the dwarf Brahmin, with a youthful appearance King Bali under estimated Him. Bali told Lord Vamana to ask for anything and he would be given that. Lord Vamana told Bali that He wants only that much land which His three steps can cover. King Bali smiled and immediately said yes.

The moment Bali agreed, the dwarf Lord Vamana grew to a gigantic size and with His first step He covered the whole of Heaven and the second step covered the whole of Earth. By this time King Bali understood that the youthful dwarf Brahmin was no one else but Lord Hari/Vishnu. Lord Vamana now asked Bali, where He should place His third step as Heaven and Earth were already covered. With devotion and reverence King Bali offered his head and asked Lord Vamana to put His Lotus feet on his head. Lord Vamana placed His third step on King Bali's head and pushed him to Patal lok(Netherworld). King Bali was clearly taught a lesson by Lord Vamana. Later King Bali asked all the Demi Gods, Lord Indra to forgive him for his behaviour and deeds. Pleased, Lord Vishnu promised King Bali that He would always be present in the dwelling of the King.

As per the story, King Bali established an idol of Lord Vamana on the auspicious day of Parsva/Parivartini Ekadashi.

Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi - Fasting Procedure

The procedure or Vrat Vidhi of Parsva Ekadashi is important to follow in detail for optimum outcome.

• On Dashami, the devotee should have only one meal. As per the rules the devotee should sleep on the floor that night.
• Parsva Ekadashi Vrat starts on the morning of Ekadashi and the Sankalp(intension) of observing the Vrat(fast) should be taken after having bath early in the morning, preferably before sunrise. The devotee should specify whether he/she is keeping partial or complete Vrat/fast. The best fasting is dry fasting, Nirjala Vrat, which means, fasting without drinking water and food. One can observe partial fast by drinking water and abstaining from food. However, devotees should be aware of what their body and health can tolerate and fast accordingly. Fruit and Milk diet is also a common way to observe fast on this day.
• Invoke Lord Vamana/Vishnu for successful completion of the Vrat. Worship Lord Vamana by following the Parsva Puja Vidhi.
• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi for devotees who are fasting by eating one meal on Ekadashi. Non vegetarian food, onion, garlic is strictly not allowed on Ekadashi and Dwadashi.
• Sleeping during the day or night during Ekadashi Vrat is prohibited. The devotee should chant/ sing praises of Lord Vishnu/Vamana, read the Bhagawat Geeta and other holy books through the day and night.
• Reading the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha or hearing it is a must on this pious day.
• Indulging in gossiping, talking/thinking ill of others or self, does not give the desired outcome of the Ekadashi Vrat.
• Abstinence from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, other addictions, sex on Ekadashi and Dwadashi has to be observed.
• Maintain calmness, avoid anger/aggression for the best outcome of observing the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat.
• Distribute the Prasad to family members and as many people as possible on Dwadashi.
• Devotees who observe fast should not eat food in other people's house on the day after Ekadashi.
• The next morning, on Dwadashi, give charity to Brahmanas respectfully ask them for forgiveness for any offence. Donating to the needy is also advised which garners Lord Vishnu's blessings.
• For people who observe Parsva Vrat, when breaking the fast, should say the prayer - 'O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please shelter me'.
• After the prayer the devotee should offer flowers and water at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu and request the Lord to eat by chanting the mantra of eight-syllable, thrice: Om Namoh Narayanaya. To garner the full merits of the fast, the devotee should have water which has been offered to the Lord.
• On Dwadashi only one meal should be eaten and Honey and Urad-dal(black lentil) is not to be consumed.
• For devotees observing fast, if due to some unavoidable reason they are not able to break the fast on Dwadashi during Prana time, then drinking water to signify breaking of fast is advised. Later food can be eaten as per convenience.

Parsva Ekadashi Puja Vidhi - Pooja Procedure

The Parsva or Parivartini Ekadashi falls during the Chaturmas period, which is considered special. So, devotees should worship Lord Vamana/Vishnu sincerely and follow the Parsva Ekadashi Puja Vidhi.

• Early in the morning on Parsva Ekadashi after taking bath, the devotee should take the Sankalp of observing the Vrat/fast.
• Worship Lord Vamana, the presiding deity of Parsva/Parivartini Ekadashi by lighting Ghee lamp, offering Tulsi branch, fresh flowers.
• The Shaligram Shila should be worshipped by conducting Abhishek with Tulsi, Water and Panchamrit (mix of fresh Cow's milk, Honey, Curd, Ghee, Sugar).
• On this day Goddess Laxmi(consort of Lord Vishnu) and Tulsi is worshipped too.
• Offer food/Bhog to Lord Vishnu/Padmanabha in your Puja Alter.
• Chant Lord Vishnu/Vamana Mantras, sing His praise and perform Aarti.
• Stay in a spiritual mode. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered meritorious on this day. Sleeping during day is prohibited.
• In the evening perform Aarti, preferably along with family members.
• Stay awake at night and chant Mantras and sing devotional songs or play music for Lord Vamana(Vishnu).
• On Dwadashi, in the morning worship Lord Vamana, offer Bhog, Tulsi leaves, flowers.
• The devotee can break the fast along with family and friends during Prana time.

Parsva Ekadashi Puja Benefits

Worshipping Lord Vamana(Vishnu) on Parsva Ekadashi or Parivartini Ekadashi brings beneficial blessings from the Divine. Since ancient times worshipping Lord Vishnu and His various Avatars on Parsva Ekadashi has been ritualistically followed. Parsava Ekadashi Puja includes worshipping the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Parsava Ekadashi Puja brings peace, good health, wealth, will power, confidence, success, worldly and spiritual pleasures, righteous living, harmonious relationships among family members, joy, abundance and invincible protection.

Parsva Vrat (Fast) Benefits/ Parsva Vrat(Fast) Significance

• Observing Parsva or Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat pleases Lord Vamana(Vishnu), who is the presiding Deity of Parsva Ekadashi.
• Parsva Vrat when observed perfectly alleviates miseries, suffering, strife and brings abundance in all aspects of life and bestows a happy contented life.
• As it falls in the Chaturmas, it brings special blessings as its an ideal period for penance, fasts and devotion to Divine.
• Observing Ekadashi Vrat relieves devotees of sins and paves the path to Moksha.
• This auspicious day of Ekadashi offers an opportunity for the devotees to focus only in Lord Vamana(Vishnu), chant and sing His praises which helps to garner the blessings of the Lord and adds to the fruits earned by the devotee in his/her spiritual journey.
• Observing complete fast on Parsva Ekadashi detoxifies the body and rejuvenates the energies of the devotees.
• The Prasva Vrat is a potent way to garner the benevolent blessings of Lord Vishnu(Vamana). Goddess Laxmi's blessings and Tulsiji's blessings are also garnered by devotees.
• Observing fast on Ekadashi detoxifies the body and rejuvenates it, brining a new surge of positive energy.
• Parsva Vrat helps to fulfill desires of the devotee.

Parsva Ekadashi Puja & Vrat (Fasting) Mantras

On Parsva Ekadashi Lord Vishnu/Krishna Mantras are popularly chanted.

Mantras:-

Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Namah Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Hare Krisha, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.