Varuthini Ekadashi 2024: Ekadashi fasts on the eleventh day of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha of every month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the one falling in the Krishna Paksha of the Vaishakh month is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. All Ekadashis are considered auspicious, but Varuthini Ekadashi is believed to bestow even greater benefits. This year, the Varuthini Ekadashi fast will be observed on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Let's explore when Varuthini Ekadashi fast is observed, its story, significance, and the benefits associated with this Ekadashi.
Origin of Varuthini Ekadashi fast:
According to mythology, in ancient times, King Mandhata ruled along the banks of the Narmada River. He was known for his generosity and penance. Once, while he was meditating in the forest, a bear attacked him, but the king remained engrossed in his meditation. The bear dragged him through the forest while nibbling on his feet.
Seeing the king's distress, Lord Vishnu appeared and rescued him by slaying the bear with his Sudarshan Chakra. However, the bear had already eaten a portion of the king's feet.
Feeling remorseful, the king prayed to Lord Vishnu, who advised him to observe the Varuthini Ekadashi fast in Mathura during the Vaishakh month. After completing the fast and worshiping Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar, the king regained the part of his body that the bear had consumed. It is said that this incident marked the beginning of the tradition of Varuthini Ekadashi fasting.
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Benefits:
- It is believed that observing Varuthini Ekadashi fast is equivalent to performing austerity for ten thousand years.
- Those who observe Varuthini Ekadashi fast enjoy the fruits of donating one's mind during a solar eclipse in Kurukshetra, which is considered highly auspicious.
- People who observe the Varuthini Ekadashi fast enjoy worldly pleasures and attain heaven in the afterlife.
- According to scriptures, donating an elephant is considered the best charity. However, charity of land is superior to donating an elephant, donating land is surpassed by donating sesame seeds, donating sesame seeds is eclipsed by donating gold, and donating gold is transcended by donating food. Giving food charity is pleasing to deities, ancestors, and humans alike.
- Observing Varuthini Ekadashi fast is said to yield results equivalent to donating food.
- Varuthini Ekadashi is known for bestowing prosperity. It destroys sins and leads to liberation.
- When observed with full devotion, Varuthini Ekadashi fast pleases Lord Vishnu and brings happiness, wealth, peace, and a place in Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode).
- In Hinduism, donating to a virgin is considered a great deed. However, the merits obtained from observing Varuthini Ekadashi fast are akin to donating to a virgin.