Parivartini Ekadashi 2026: Seek Lord Hari’s Blessings by Worshipping Lord Vamana, Know Date and Rituals

Ekadashi is considered an extremely sacred day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and spiritual purification. Each Ekadashi observed throughout the year carries its own religious message and spiritual significance. Among these, Parivartini Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada holds special importance. It is also known as Padma Ekadashi, Parshva Ekadashi and Dol Gyaras.

According to religious belief, during Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu remains in Yog Nidra in the Kshirsagar, and on Parivartini Ekadashi, He changes His sleeping position. It is because of this divine change that the day is known as Parivartini Ekadashi.

This day is not merely an occasion for fasting; it is also an opportunity to turn the mind towards devotion to God, connect our actions with righteousness, and purify life through selfless service.

When is Parivartini Ekadashi 2026?

According to Drik Panchang, Parivartini Ekadashi will be observed on September 22, 2026. The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 8:00 PM on September 21, 2026, and ends at 9:43 PM on September 22, 2026. The Ekadashi fast is broken on the following day during Dwadashi Tithi. In 2026, the Parana will be performed on September 23 between 6:24 AM and 8:49 AM.

The timings associated with fasting and Parana may vary slightly according to the local Panchang, so devotees are advised to follow the Panchang applicable to their region.

Worship Lord Vishnu in His Vamana Avatar

Religious scriptures describe the worship of Lord Vishnu in His Vamana incarnation as especially significant on Parivartini Ekadashi. Lord Vamana defeated the ego of King Bali through humility and righteousness, conveying the message that true strength does not lie merely in material wealth but in dharma, truth and surrender. 

On this day, light a lamp before Lord Vishnu and His Vamana form and chant this mantra with devotion-

Hemadri-shikharakaram shuddha-sphatika-sannibham.
Purna-chandra-nibham devam dvibhujam vamanam smaret.

Meaning: I remember and bow to the divine two-armed Lord Vamana, who is radiant like the peak of Mount Sumeru, pure like a flawless crystal gem, and gentle and luminous like the full moon.

Religious Significance of Parivartini Ekadashi

Parivartini Ekadashi falls during the sacred period of Chaturmas. Therefore, this day is considered especially important for worshipping Lord Vishnu. According to religious belief, observing a fast, performing puja, chanting mantras, listening to religious stories and engaging in charity on this day brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu. 

The story and glory of this Ekadashi are described in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana through a dialogue between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira. It describes the greatness of the Ekadashi fast and its meritorious effects.

The true purpose of Ekadashi is to discipline the mind and move closer to the Lord.

Ekadashyam niraharo bhaktya pujayate Harim.

Meaning: On Ekadashi, one should worship Lord Narayana and devote the mind to the service and remembrance of God.

Parivartini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a bath. Adding Gangajal to the bathing water is considered auspicious. Then wear clean yellow or white clothes and take a vow to observe the fast before Lord Vishnu.
• Clean the place of worship, spread a yellow cloth over a platform, and install an idol or image of Lord Vishnu. Offer yellow sandalwood paste, yellow flowers, Akshat and Tulsi leaves to the Lord. Light a ghee lamp and offer incense.
• Next, offer Panchamrit, fruits and sattvic sweets as Bhog. Meditate on Lord Vishnu with devotion and chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.” If possible, recite Vishnu Sahasranama and listen to the story of Lord Vamana.
• At the end of the puja, perform the Aarti and pray for the happiness and peace of the family as well as the welfare of all living beings.

Things to Keep in Mind During the Ekadashi Fast

• It is customary to avoid grains and cereals during the Ekadashi fast. Devotees may observe a waterless fast, consume water, or have fruits and other permitted foods according to their capacity and health.
• During the fast, fruits, milk, makhana, sabudana and rock salt are traditionally consumed as sattvic foods. At the same time, avoid anger, arguments, criticism and harsh speech, and keep the mind focused on devotion to God.
• Avoid cutting hair and nails and refrain from sleeping during the daytime on this day.
• Keep the mind sattvic. If the fast involves giving up grains, one should also strive to give up ego, anger and bitterness in one’s behaviour.

Importance of Donation on Parivartini Ekadashi

Donation is not considered merely a means of giving money; it is regarded as a practice of sacrifice, compassion and selfless service. A donation becomes meaningful when it is offered with faith rather than ego and with a spirit of service rather than for display.

The Taittiriya Upanishad says-

Shraddhaya deyam. Ashraddhaya adeyam.

Meaning: Charity should be given with faith and not without faith.

Goswami Tulsidas Ji also described the importance of charity by saying-

Pragat chari pad dharma ke, kali mahun ek pradhan.
Jen ken bidhi dinhen dan, karai kalyan.

Meaning: Truth, compassion, austerity and charity are regarded as the four pillars of dharma, among which charity is considered especially important in Kali Yuga. Charity given in any appropriate manner contributes to welfare.

Donate Food on Parivartini Ekadashi

Feeding a hungry person is a way of bringing a sense of belonging and compassion into their life. In the Sanatan tradition, food is regarded as the foundation of life, which is why food donation is considered especially meritorious.

With this spirit of service, Narayan Seva Sansthan is running a noble food-service initiative for underprivileged, poor, helpless and differently-abled children. This Parivartini Ekadashi, remember Lord Vishnu and connect your devotion with service. Contribute towards providing nutritious and sweet food to a child in need.

From Devotion to Seva

Parivartini Ekadashi does not merely teach us the rules of fasting; it conveys a message of positive transformation in life. Just as the religious belief that Lord Vishnu changes His sleeping position makes this day special, let us also resolve to bring a positive change into our own lives. Let us move from ego to humility, from selfishness to selflessness, from indifference to compassion, and from worship towards service.

On this Parivartini Ekadashi, worship Lord Vishnu in His Vamana form, remember the name of Hari, observe the fast and religious rituals with devotion, and resolve to bring happiness into the life of someone in need.

Jai Shri Hari!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will Parivartini Ekadashi 2026 be observed?
A: Parivartini Ekadashi will be observed on September 22, 2026.

Q: What are the other names of Parivartini Ekadashi?
A: Parivartini Ekadashi is also known as Padma Ekadashi, Parshva Ekadashi and Dol Gyaras.

Q: Which deity is worshipped on Parivartini Ekadashi?
A: According to religious tradition, Lord Vishnu in His Vamana incarnation is worshipped on this day.

Q: Why is it called Parivartini Ekadashi?
A: According to religious belief, during Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu, who is in Yog Nidra, changes His sleeping position on Parivartini Ekadashi. This is why it is called Parivartini Ekadashi.

Q: Can rice be eaten on Parivartini Ekadashi?
A: No. According to religious tradition, eating rice is considered prohibited during the Ekadashi fast.

Q: When should the Parivartini Ekadashi fast be broken?
A: The Parivartini Ekadashi fast should be broken on September 23, 2026, between 6:24 AM and 8:49 AM. Parana should be performed after sunrise during Dwadashi Tithi.