Parivartini Ekadashi

Ekadashi dates have special significance in Sanatan Dharma, and among them Parivartini Ekadashi is considered extremely auspicious and beneficial. This Ekadashi is celebrated on the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. On this day Lord Shri Hari Vishnu turns sides in Yog Nidra, hence it is also called ‘Parsva Ekadashi’, ‘Padma Ekadashi’ and ‘Parivartini Ekadashi’.

By observing the fast of Parivartini Ekadashi, all the sins of life are destroyed and the door to salvation opens. This fast especially comes in the middle period of Chaturmas, when the seekers make spiritual progress through fasting, penance, chanting, service and meditation.

Mythological context and importance of Parivartini Ekadashi

It is mentioned in Padma Purana that on this day Lord Vishnu turns on the bed of Sheshnag in Kshirsagar. By observing fast on this day, even great sins like brahmahatya are destroyed. When Dharmaraj Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna about the importance of this fast, then Lord Krishna said— The virtue of this fast is greater than the penance and yajna done for thousands of years.

By observing fast on this Ekadashi, happiness, good fortune and prosperity come in life and ultimately the path to attain salvation becomes easy.

Importance of donation and service

Parivartini Ekadashi is not only the day of fasting and abstinence, but also the best day of donation and service. The donation done on this day is as fruitful as a thousand yajnas. It is said in the scriptures—

Yagyadanatapahkarma na tyajyam karyameva tat.

Yagya daanam tapashchaiva pavanaani manishinaam॥

That is, these three great deeds of yajna, daan and tapasya make a man pure and life blessed.

The virtue of donation and service on Parivartini Ekadashi

On this auspicious day, donating food, clothes, medicine, education and food to the needy, handicapped, helpless and poor gives eternal virtue. Participate in the service project of Narayan Seva Sansthan to provide lifelong food (one day in a year) to handicapped children and get the divine virtue benefits of this holy occasion.