India is a country of festivals, rituals, and culture, and each month is filled with spiritual events that witness devotion, prayers, and tradition. prayers. Among the auspicious days of the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is a very unique day. Ekadashi normally occurs twice a month on the eleventh day of the waxing and waning moon. It is one of the most significant Ekadashi in the calendar of Hindus.
Parivartini Ekadashi this year will fall on Friday, 5 September 2025. Devotees from all over India and outside India will take fasts, recite prayers of Lord Vishnu, and take blessings from his beloved Lord Vishnu.
Meaning of Parivartini Ekadashi:
The term “Parivartini” means “turning” or “changing.” As per faith, during this Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu, who sleeps through the four sacred months of Chaturmas (between Devshayani Ekadashi and Prabodhini Ekadashi), turns his side. This metonymic “turning” is the reason why the day is named Parivartini Ekadashi. It is a celestial change in the cosmic cycle and is of great significance for their devotees.
Importance of Parivartani Ekadashi
- Parivartini Ekadashi is celebrated in order to honor Lord Vishnu, the universe protector.
2. Redemption of sins: Devotees feel their past sins are cleansed which they made in past.
3. Release of ancestors: Charity and prayer on this day lead to welfare of deceased soul and give you positive energy.
Rituals and Fasting
The following are the primary rituals of devotees:
1. Early Morning bath: Individuals get up early in the morning before sunrise and bathe. Many take a holy bath at rivers or sacred water reservoirs.
2. Clean puja spot and home: A spot for worship is adorned with flowers, and the home is cleaned.
3. Lord Vishnu Puja: An idol or photo of Vishnu is kept, and the devotees present tulsi leaves, incense, flowers, and so on as per their thought.
4. Fasting: All devotees strictly fast without rice, pulses, or grains. Fruits, milk, and water are taken by some for 24 hours.
5. Chanting Vishnu Mantras during fast: Worshipers chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama all day.
6. Charity: Distributing food, clothes, or money to needy people round them who used to be on footpaths or in temples.
7. Jagran or Bhajan in Temples: People keep awake the whole night, singing hymns and playing drums and devotional songs.
The fast is typically broken the following morning, on Dwadashi.
Also Read: Sadhguru Quotes with Hindi Translation: Wisdom for Life, Love & Inner Peace
Story Behind Parivartini Ekadashi
As per ancient Hindu times, Lord Vishnu adopted the Vamana Avatar a dwarf Brahmin who was small in those days of King Bali to vanquish the pride of the king. Bali had conquered the 3 worlds and was filled with pride and honor. Vamana requested three paces of land. With his first two paces, he encircled the earth and heaven. When there was no space left, Bali offered his head for the third place. Satisfied with his dedication, Vishnu appointed Bali as the king of the underworld (Patal Lok) but also assured him of protection and safety.
Do’s and Don’ts of Parivartini Ekadasi
1.Do take light food if you can’t fast completely, such as milk, fruits, and nuts.
2. Don’t have rice, grains, and salty foods, which are not to be consumed on Ekadashi.
3. Spend time praying for God rather than in worldly pursuits.
4. Donate to the poor, giving them food and fulfilling their needs.
5. Be positive all day.
Also Read: Timeless Wisdom of the Bhagwat Geeta: Lessons for Inner Peace and Balance
