Varuthini Ekadashi 2026: date, time, Pooja Vidhi and Significance

In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi Tithi is considered a sacred day to receive the special blessings of Lord Sri Hari Vishnu. Both Ekadashis that occur every month hold their own significance, but Varuthini Ekadashi, which falls in the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha month, is regarded as extremely exalted and highly meritorious.

This Tithi removes sins, sorrows, misfortune, and obstacles from a devotee’s life and paves the way for happiness, prosperity, and moksha (liberation).

The word Varuthini means “the one who protects.” This Ekadashi protects its devotees from all troubles and makes them worthy of receiving the grace of Lord Sri Hari. According to the scriptures, a person who observes this fast with faith and discipline has all the sins of many lifetimes destroyed and attains the abode of Vaikuntha.

When is Varuthini Ekadashi 2026?

According to Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Vaishakha month begins on 13 April 2026 at 1:16 AM and ends on 14 April 2026 at 1:08 AM.

In the Hindu Panchang, the Udaya Tithi (Tithi prevailing at sunrise) holds special importance. Therefore, the Varuthini Ekadashi fast will be observed on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

Mythological Significance

The Puranas contain a beautiful description of the glory of Varuthini Ekadashi. It is explained in detail in the conversation between Lord Sri Krishna and Dharmaraj Yudhishthira.

When Yudhishthira asked, Lord Sri Krishna told him that this Ekadashi bestows good fortune, happiness, and prosperity in this world, and opens the path to moksha in the next world. The merit of this fast is said to be equivalent to thousands of years of penance.

According to the scriptures, worshipping Lord Vishnu’s Varaha Avatar on this day holds special significance. Staying awake at night and remembering Lord Madhusudana liberates the devotee from all sins and leads him to the supreme abode.

This fast not only grants worldly pleasures but also becomes a medium for purifying the soul and connecting with God.

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi

The auspicious beginning of this holy fast is considered from the Dashami Tithi itself. On the night of Dashami, one should take sattvic food and resolve to remain pure in mind, speech, and action.

On the day of Ekadashi, wake up during Brahma Muhurta in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean yellow or white clothes. Then, take a vow of the fast in front of Lord Sri Hari Vishnu.

Items used in the worship:

• Tulsi leaves
• Yellow flowers
• Incense and lamp (Dhoop & Deep)
• Panchamrit
• Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
• Fruits and Naivedya (offering)

Offer Tulsi to Lord Vishnu and chant Vishnu Sahasranama and the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”. Keep the fast throughout the day while remembering the Lord. Staying awake at night with bhajans and kirtan is considered highly meritorious.

On Dwadashi, the fast should be broken (Parana) in the morning after feeding Brahmins, donating clothes, performing Annadan (food donation), and giving Dakshina.

Importance of Donation (Daan) on Varuthini Ekadashi

In Sanatan Dharma, charity is counted among the highest meritorious acts. Charity performed especially on Ekadashi is believed to yield special results.

The scriptures state:

“Tapah param kritayuge tretayam gyanamuchyate | Dwapare yagyamevahurdanamekam kalau yuge ||”

Meaning: In Satyuga, penance is supreme; in Treta, knowledge; in Dwapara, yagya; and in Kaliyuga, charity is the greatest means for the welfare of humanity.

Donation on Varuthini Ekadashi liberates a person from the sins of many lifetimes. It is not merely a religious ritual but a living form of compassion, mercy, and service.

What to donate on this day?

The scriptures call Annadan (food donation) the greatest of all donations. Feeding the hungry is considered the highest merit. On this day, serving food to any hungry, suffering, or helpless person is regarded as true worship of Lord Sri Hari.

On the auspicious occasion of Varuthini Ekadashi, you can contribute to the sacred act of feeding the poor, needy, specially abled, and underprivileged children.

Varuthini Ekadashi is a great festival of self-purification, self-control, devotion, and service. May this holy Ekadashi, by the grace of Lord Narayana, bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress in your life.

Jai Shri Hari!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is Varuthini Ekadashi 2026?
A: Varuthini Ekadashi in 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins on the night of 13 April and ends on the night of 14 April, but the fast is kept on 14 April as per Udaya Tithi.

Q: What is the significance of Varuthini Ekadashi?
A: Varuthini Ekadashi is a highly meritorious Tithi dedicated to Lord Sri Hari Vishnu. It is believed that observing the fast, performing puja, and giving charity on this day destroys sins, removes life’s obstacles, and paves the way for moksha.

Q: Which deity is worshipped on Varuthini Ekadashi?
A: On this day, Lord Vishnu and especially His Varaha Avatar are worshipped.

Q: Does observing the Varuthini Ekadashi fast grant moksha?
A: According to religious beliefs, this fast, when performed with faith and proper procedure, frees a person from sins and leads them towards the attainment of Vaikuntha Dham.