Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha: is a sacred fasting day observed during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Vaishakha. Mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana through a divine conversation between Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna, this Ekadashi is considered powerful for spiritual upliftment and liberation from sins.
Let us dive into the spiritual essence, story, and the powerful results of observing Varuthini Ekadashi.
Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi
Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishthira that Varuthini Ekadashi is famous in both this world and the next. Those who observe this vrat (fast) are blessed with good fortune, spiritual strength, and removal of sins. Women who observe it with devotion receive the boon of lasting marital bliss and happiness.
This Ekadashi is so powerful that even Lord Shiva once observed it. Kings like Mandhata and Dhundhumar attained divine realms through this vrat. It is said that performing Varuthini Ekadashi sincerely grants the same merit as performing ten thousand years of penance!
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha: A Sacred Tale of Devotion
The glory of Varuthini Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Vaishakha, has been described in the Bhavishyottara Purana through a sacred dialogue between King Yudhishthira and Lord Shri Krishna.
King Yudhishthira said to Lord Krishna:
“O Vasudeva! I offer my salutations to you. Please tell me the name and significance of the Ekadashi that falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (April).”
Shri Krishna replied:
“O King! The Ekadashi that occurs in the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha (April) is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. Observing this fast brings happiness in this world and the next, destroys all sins, and grants prosperity. Even unfortunate women who observe this vrat with devotion receive the blessing of everlasting good fortune. This vow grants both devotion and liberation, removes all sins, and even alleviates the suffering of the womb. By the power of this vrat, kings such as Mandhata and Dhundhumar attained the divine realm. Even Lord Shiva observed this sacred fast. The result of ten thousand years of penance can be attained simply by observing Varuthini Ekadashi once. A faithful person who observes this vrat receives all kinds of desired results in both the material and spiritual worlds.”
“O best among kings! Giving an elephant in charity is greater than donating a horse, donating land is greater than donating an elephant, sesame seeds are superior to land, gold is greater than sesame seeds, and even more auspicious than all of these is food donation (anna daan). There is no charity greater than food. The ancestors, gods, and humans are all satisfied by food donation. Scholars equate donating a daughter in marriage with food donation. Lord Vishnu Himself has said that cow donation is equal to anna daan. However, above all these charitable acts, the merit gained by observing Varuthini Ekadashi is even greater.”
“Sinners who live off the earnings of their daughters suffer in hell after exhausting their merits. Therefore, one must never accept money earned by a daughter. A person who donates a daughter along with various gold ornaments earns such great merit that even Chitragupta, the divine recorder of karma, is unable to measure it. Yet, the result of observing Varuthini Ekadashi surpasses even the merit of such a grand donation.”
The devotee should follow specific rules. On the Dashami (10th day), one should avoid eating in bronze vessels, avoid meat, lentils, chickpeas, leafy vegetables, honey, food given by others, eating twice a day, and sexual activity. On Ekadashi, one should abstain from gambling, intoxicants, day-sleep, gossip, deceit, theft, violence, lust, anger, and false speech. On Dwadashi (the 12th day), eating in bronze vessels, meat, lentils, honey, oil, false speech, physical exertion, eating twice, and sexual activity should all be avoided.
“O King! By observing Varuthini Ekadashi according to these rules, one’s sins are destroyed and one attains eternal salvation. Whoever keeps vigil on the night of Ekadashi and worships Lord Janardana is freed from all sins and attains the highest spiritual destination.”
Therefore, in order to be freed from the suffering given by Yamaraj, the son of the Sun God, one must observe Varuthini Ekadashi with great care and devotion. Simply reading or listening to the story of Varuthini Ekadashi with faith grants the merit of donating a thousand cows and frees one from all sins, ensuring a place in Vishnu Loka, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.
Rules and Rituals of Varuthini Ekadashi
Those observing the Varuthini Ekadashi vrat should follow disciplined spiritual practices starting from Dashami (the 10th lunar day), continuing through Ekadashi, and concluding on Dwadashi (the 12th lunar day).
What to Do
On Dashami (10th lunar day):
- Eat only once before sunset
- Prepare a sattvic (pure vegetarian) meal
- Begin mental preparation by focusing on purity, devotion, and self-discipline
On Ekadashi (main fasting day):
On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, devotees should begin with a holy bath early in the morning and prepare their minds for a day of spiritual discipline.
Fasting is observed—either fully (nirjala) or partially, depending on one’s health and capacity. Ideally, one should abstain from food and water, but fruits and water may be taken if needed.
Throughout the day, devotees are encouraged to:
- Chant the name of Lord Vishnu, especially the Vishnu Sahasranama or other sacred mantras
- Read or listen to scriptures, particularly the Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- Perform puja, sing bhajans, and engage in silent meditation
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, especially in His Vamana avatar
- Practice truthfulness, self-control, and maintain a pure mind
- Avoid tamasic foods like onion, garlic, meat, lentils, and anything heavy or impure
The day should be spent in devotion, reflection, and detachment from worldly distractions, dedicating one’s thoughts entirely to Lord Vishnu.
On Dwadashi (12th lunar day):
- Break your fast (Parana) during the correct muhurta
- Offer food or charity to Brahmins or the needy, if possible
- Maintain cleanliness, spiritual focus, and a calm mind throughout the day
What to Avoid
On Dashami:
- Eating from bronze vessels
- Consuming meat, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, honey, or food prepared or served by others
- Eating twice a day or engaging in intimate relations
On Ekadashi:
- Gambling, or any form of addiction
- Alcohol, intoxicants, or tobacco
- Sleeping during the day
- Engaging in gossip, lying, theft, anger, violence, or sensual pleasures
- Accepting charity without genuine need
- Laziness, idle talk, or wasting time in worldly distractions
On Dwadashi:
- Follow the same dietary restrictions as on Ekadashi (avoid meat, lentils, honey, oil, and using bronze utensils)
- Avoid physical exhaustion, strenuous work, and unnecessary travel
- Continue to refrain from false speech, indulgence, and distractions
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Varuthini Ekadashi
According to the scriptures, observing Varuthini Ekadashi with faith and discipline brings immense spiritual and material rewards:
- Destroys even the gravest sins and washes away negative karma
- Grants peace, prosperity, and divine protection in this life
- Frees one from fear, diseases, and miseries of worldly existence
- Saves the soul from the torments of Yama, the lord of death
- Blesses the devotee with all desired results — both material and spiritual
- Grants liberation (moksha) and ensures a place in Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu
- The merit of observing this fast is said to be greater than donating 1000 cows, gold, elephants, or land
- Those who keep vigil at night and worship Lord Janardana are freed from all bondage and attain the highest spiritual realm
Phalashruti (Fruits of Hearing or Reading this Katha)
Anyone who sincerely listens to or reads the story of Varuthini Ekadashi gains the merits of donating a thousand cows and becomes free from all sins. Such a soul ultimately reaches Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu.
Varuthini Ekadashi 2025 Date & Time (WestBengal, India)
- Date: 24th April, Thursday, 2025
- Ekadashi Begins: 11:44 AM, Apr 23
- Ekadashi Ends: 10:05 AM, Apr 24
- Ekadashi Parana Time (According to Smarta and Vaishnava traditions): Between 05:13 AM and 08:08 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2025.
- Ekadashi Parana Time (According to ISKCON): Between 05:08 AM and 09:26 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2025.
Conclusion
Varuthini Ekadashi is more than just a day of fasting. It’s a spiritual opportunity to shed one’s karmic burdens, engage in devotion, and elevate the soul. Through strict observance, sincere prayers, and a heart full of devotion, one receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu and takes a step closer toward liberation.
May this Varuthini Ekadashi bring you divine peace, abundance, and eternal bliss.
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