Varuthini Ekadashi is an auspicious day for Hindus, celebrated with great devotion and dedication. It is considered one of the most significant Ekadashi fasts as it is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to the devotees. The day falls on the eleventh day of the Hindu calendar and is observed twice a year. The first Varuthini Ekadashi falls during the Hindu month of Chaitra, while the second one occurs during the month of Vaishakha. On this day, devotees observe a strict fast and perform puja rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The fast is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul and bring about a sense of inner peace and harmony. In this article, we will explore the significance, stories, puja vidhi, and food and fasting practices associated with Varuthini Ekadashi.
Date and Muhurat for Varuthini Ekadashi in 2024
Are you a devotee of Lord Vishnu planning to observe Varuthini Ekadashi in 2024? Then, it’s important to know muhurat for varuthini ekadashi. In 2024, Varuthini Ekadashi is set to take place on Saturday, May 4th.
Varuthini Ekadashi on Saturday, May 4, 2024
Parana Time Start- May 04 | 9:41 PM in (United States)
Parana Time End– May 05 | 12:19 AM in (United States)
Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – May 05 | 8:11 AM in (United States)
Ekadashi Tithi Begins– May 03 | 1:54 PM in (United States)
Ekadashi Tithi Ends– May 04 | 11:08 AM in (United States)
*UAE time
It’s worth noting that in some cases, Ekadashi fasting is recommended for two consecutive days. Smartha with family is advised to observe fasting on the first day only, while the second Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Sanyasis, widows, and those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha, it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.
Staunch devotees seeking the love and affection of Lord Vishnu are suggested to observe Ekadashi fasting on both days..
Puja Vidhi for Varuthini Ekadashi
Varuthini Ekadashi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, and performing puja on this day can bring prosperity and well-being. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the puja vidhi for Varuthini Ekadashi.
Preparing for the Puja
Before beginning the puja, it is essential to prepare the environment for the ceremony. Clean your house and puja room, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Decorate the puja room with flowers and rangoli to create an auspicious atmosphere.
Required Puja Materials
You will need a few items to perform the puja, including an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, coconut, rice, bell, puja thali, and diya or lamp.
Steps for the Puja Vidhi
- Start by lighting the diya or lamp and incense sticks, and ring the bell to start the puja.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and coconut to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing devotion and surrender.
- Perform abhishekam or bathing of the idol with milk, curd, honey, and water. Abhishekam cleanses our sins and purifies our souls.
- Offer sandalwood paste, turmeric, and kumkum to the idol, signifying offering auspiciousness to Lord Vishnu.
- Perform aarti or waving of the light in front of the idol while singing bhajans or devotional songs. Aarti signifies the completion of the puja and spreading of positive energy.
- Offer prasad or food to Lord Vishnu, and then distribute it among the devotees. Sharing prasad shares the blessings of Lord Vishnu with all his devotees.
- Conclude the puja by seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu and thanking him for his grace. Seeking blessings and thanking Lord Vishnu signifies gratitude and humility that every devotee should possess.
Significance of Each Step in the Puja
Each step of the puja has its significance, including:
- Lighting the diya or lamp removes darkness from our lives.
- Offering flowers, fruits, and coconut symbolizes devotion and surrender to Lord Vishnu.
- Abhishekam cleanses our sins and purifies our souls.
- Offering sandalwood paste, turmeric, and kumkum signifies offering auspiciousness to Lord Vishnu.
- Aarti signifies the completion of the puja and spreading of positive energy.
- Offering prasad shares the blessings of Lord Vishnu with all his devotees.
- Seeking blessings and thanking Lord Vishnu signifies gratitude and humility that every devotee should possess.
By following the correct procedures and performing the puja with devotion, one can attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu and experience a sense of peace and harmony.
Significance and Stories Associated with Varuthini Ekadashi
The day is observed in honor of Lord Vishnu and holds immense significance in the Hindu culture. Let’s delve deeper into the stories and significance of Varuthini Ekadashi.
Story of Lord Vamana and King Mahabali
According to Hindu mythology, Varuthini Ekadashi is the day when Lord Vishnu appeared as Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin, to help the Devas defeat the Asuras. The King of Asuras, Mahabali, was known for his kindness and generosity. However, his growing power and influence began to worry the Devas. In order to stop him, Lord Vishnu took the form of a Brahmin and visited Mahabali, asking for three paces of land. Mahabali granted his wish, but Vamana grew in size and covered the entire earth and the heavens in two steps. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed Mahabali and granted him a place in the underworld.
Story of Sage Markandeya and Yama, the God of Death
Another story associated with Varuthini Ekadashi is about Sage Markandeya and Yama, the God of Death. According to the legend, Markandeya was destined to die at a young age. However, he was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu and had taken a vow to observe Ekadashi fasts regularly. On the day of his death, he was praying to Lord Vishnu when Yama arrived to take him. But as he was holding the idol of Lord Vishnu, Yama’s noose missed him and instead caught the idol. In anger, Markandeya kicked Yama and he fell down unconscious. Pleased with Markandeya’s devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared and revived Yama. Since then, Varuthini Ekadashi is celebrated as a day to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and avoid the clutches of death.
Significance of Observing Varuthini Ekadashi
Varuthini Ekadashi is considered one of the most auspicious days to worship Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. Observing a fast on this day is believed to cleanse the mind and body of impurities, and bring peace and prosperity to one’s life. It is also believed that observing this fast can help one overcome sins and attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Benefits of Observing The Day According to Hindu beliefs
According to Hindu beliefs, observing Varuthini Ekadashi can bring several benefits to one’s life. It is believed that fasting on this day can:
- Purify the mind and body
- Help overcome sins and negative karma
- Bring prosperity and happiness
- Strengthen the bond between the devotee and Lord Vishnu
- Provide protection from negative energies and evil forces
Conclusion
In conclusion, Varuthini Ekadashi is an auspicious day that is observed by Hindus all over the world. The day is believed to be a time for purification, renewal, and spiritual growth. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Vishnu and is believed to bring blessings to those who observe it with devotion and sincerity. The day is marked by fasting, puja, and offering of prayers and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Observing the fast is believed to help devotees overcome their sins, attain spiritual purity and bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness into their lives. With the guidance of the puja vidhi, stories, and the significance of the day, devotees can fully immerse themselves in the observance of Varuthini Ekadashi and receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
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