Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 Today: Check Out The Puja Rituals, Significance, Vrat Katha, And More

Varuthini Ekadashi is regarded as a powerful spiritual practice that purifies the soul and leads devotees toward ultimate liberation.

Written By : Vaishnavi Shivam | Updated at : 13 Apr 2026 10:44 AM (IST)

Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 Today: Check Out The Puja Rituals, Significance, Vrat Katha, And More Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 Today: Check Out The Puja Rituals, Significance, Vrat Katha, And More

Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 Is Being Observed Today On April 13, 2026. Know Puja Vidhi, Katha, And All

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

Varuthini Ekadashi, observed in Vaishakh, grants good fortune and merit.
King Mandhata's legend highlights the fast's power for healing.
Devotees prepare by avoiding specific foods and practices.
Ekadashi observance requires celibacy, prayer, and avoiding negativity.

Varuthini Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Vaishakh month, is considered highly auspicious and believed to bring good fortune. Devotees believe that observing this fast helps eliminate all sins and grants spiritual merit. According to Hindu beliefs, King Mandhata attained heaven due to the power of this Ekadashi.

This sacred fast is also said to help ancestors attain liberation (moksha). In 2026, Varuthini Ekadashi falls on April 13. The observance of this vrat is considered incomplete without listening to or reading its associatedl legend.

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Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to mythology, King Mandhata ruled on the banks of the Narmada River. He was known for his generosity and devotion. Once, while performing penance in a forest, a bear attacked him, biting his leg and dragging him deeper into the jungle. The incident broke his meditation, leaving him severely injured.

In immense pain, the king prayed to Lord Vishnu for protection. Hearing his plea, Lord Vishnu appeared and killed the bear using his Sudarshan Chakra. Despite being saved, the king continued to suffer physically and mentally. He then asked Lord Vishnu for a remedy.

Lord Vishnu explained that the suffering was the result of his past deeds and advised him to observe the Varuthini Ekadashi fast in Mathura during the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakh month, along with worship of his Varaha (boar) incarnation.

Following this guidance, King Mandhata observed the fast with devotion. As a result, he regained his health and physical completeness. After his death, he attained moksha. Since then, the observance of Varuthini Ekadashi has been followed. It is believed that this fast brings happiness in both this world and the afterlife, and grants the merit equivalent to performing penance for 10,000 years.

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Rituals

Devotees observing this fast are advised to begin preparations from Dashami (the day before Ekadashi) by avoiding certain foods and practices:

Avoid eating in bronze utensils
Refrain from consuming meat
Avoid masoor dal, chickpeas, kodon (millet), leafy vegetables, and honey
Do not eat food prepared by others
Avoid eating more than once a day

On the day of Ekadashi, devotees should maintain celibacy, avoid sleeping at night, and spend time in prayers, scriptural reading, and devotional singing. Negative behaviors such as criticism, anger, and lying are strictly prohibited during the observance.

[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein]

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Varuthini Ekadashi observed?

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Vaishakh month. In 2026, it falls on April 13.

What are the benefits of observing Varuthini Ekadashi?

Observing this fast is believed to eliminate sins, bring good fortune, and help ancestors attain liberation (moksha). It also grants spiritual merit equivalent to 10,000 years of penance.

What foods should be avoided before Varuthini Ekadashi?

On Dashami, the day before Ekadashi, devotees should avoid eating in bronze utensils, consuming meat, masoor dal, chickpeas, kodon, leafy vegetables, honey, and food prepared by others. Eating more than once a day is also prohibited.

What are the observances on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi?

On Ekadashi, devotees should maintain celibacy, avoid sleeping at night, and engage in prayers, scriptural reading, and devotional singing. Negative behaviors like criticism, anger, and lying are prohibited.

About the author Vaishnavi Shivam

Vaishnavi is a passionate lifestyle and health writer with a flair for crafting stories that are relatable, informative, and engaging. She often explores themes rooted in Indian culture, wellness, festivals, and seasonal living. A state-level karate player, Vaishnavi believes in discipline both on and off the mat. Outside of work, she finds joy in sketching — a calming hobby she embraces for the sheer love of it, not perfection.