Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Varuthini Ekadashi Parana

Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

(The Sacred Story of Vaishakh Krishna Paksha Ekadashi)

Arjuna once respectfully asked Shri Krishna:

“O Lord, please tell me about the Ekadashi that falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Vaishakh month. What is its name? What are the rules of observing this fast, and what spiritual results are obtained from it? Kindly explain everything in detail.”

Lord Shri Krishna replied:

“O Arjuna, the Ekadashi that occurs during the Krishna Paksha of the Vaishakh month is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. This sacred fast brings great fortune and destroys all sins of a living being.

If a virtuous woman who is suffering in life observes this fast with devotion, she receives good fortune and prosperity. Due to the power of this Ekadashi, the great king Mandhata attained heaven. Similarly, Dhundhumara and many other rulers also reached heavenly realms because of this sacred fast.

The spiritual merit obtained from observing Varuthini Ekadashi is equal to the merit gained from performing ten thousand years of severe penance.”

Shri Krishna further explained:

“The merit obtained by donating gold during a solar eclipse at the holy place Kurukshetra is equal to the merit gained by observing the fast of Varuthini Ekadashi.

By observing this sacred vrat, a person experiences happiness in this world and ultimately attains heaven.”

O Arjuna, the scriptures describe many forms of charity.

Donating an elephant is considered greater than donating a horse, and donating land is considered even greater than donating an elephant. Donation of sesame seeds is regarded as more virtuous than land donation. Donating gold is greater than donating sesame seeds, but donating food is considered superior even to the donation of gold.

In this world, there is no charity greater than food donation, because it satisfies ancestors, deities, and human beings alike. The scriptures also regard the sacred gift of a daughter in marriage as equal in merit to the donation of food.

A person who observes the fast of Varuthini Ekadashi receives the same spiritual merit as performing great acts of charity such as food donation and the sacred gift of a daughter in marriage.

Those who, out of greed or laziness, misuse their daughter's wealth or live off it improperly suffer in hell until the end of cosmic destruction, or they are born as a cat in the next life.

Those who lovingly give their daughter in marriage with proper sacred rituals and sacrificial ceremonies accumulate such immense merit that even Chitragupta, the divine recorder of deeds, cannot fully describe it. Observing the fast of Varuthini Ekadashi grants merit equal to such a sacred act.

Rules for Observing Varuthini Ekadashi

A devotee who observes this fast should begin following certain rules from the day of Dashami (the tenth lunar day). The following items and actions should be avoided:

• Eating from bronze utensils

• Consuming non-vegetarian food

• Eating masoor lentils

• Eating chickpeas

• Consuming kodo millet

• Certain herbs

• Honey

• Food prepared in another person's home

• Eating twice on the day of Ekadashi

The person observing the fast should practice complete celibacy. One should not sleep during the night but instead spend the time in devotional practices such as chanting, singing devotional hymns, and reflecting on sacred scriptures.

Additionally, the devotee should:

• Avoid criticizing others

• Stay away from the company of sinful or immoral people

• Refrain from anger and false speech

• Avoid the consumption of oil and grains during the fast
  
  

O Arjuna, those who observe this Ekadashi fast according to proper rules attain heavenly realms. Therefore, one should remain cautious of sinful actions and follow the path of righteousness.

Merely reading or listening to the greatness of this sacred fast grants the spiritual merit equal to donating one thousand cows. The benefits of this vrat are said to be even greater than bathing in the holy river Ganges.

Synopsis (Katha-Saar)

Patience and self-discipline are the foundation of good fortune. When a person maintains control over actions, speech, and senses, happiness and prosperity naturally increase in life.

However, if a person lacks self-control, then all penance, sacrifices, devotion, and worship become meaningless. Therefore, practicing discipline and righteousness is essential for spiritual progress and true prosperity.