Parsva Ekadashi: Timings, Vrat Katha, Rituals, and Significance

Parsva Ekadashi is one of the virtuous vrats that falls on the ‘Ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) during the lunar month of ‘Bhadrapada’ in the traditional Hindu calendar. If you follow the English calendar, it is observed between the months of August to September.

This year, 2023, the Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Ekadashi Tithi will commence after the conclusion of the Arunoday time. As a result, the Bhagavatas, also known as the Vaishnavas, will be observing the Parsva Ekadashi fast on the subsequent day, which falls on September 26, 2023. This specific Ekadashi Vrat is referred to as Bhagavata or Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi.

Parsva Ekadashi 2024 is on September 14, Saturday

4 months and 14 days to go for the event

Parsva Ekadashi occurs at the time of ‘Dakshinayana Punyakalam’ that is, the night time of the Gods and Goddesses. As this ekadashi observance, falls during the ‘Chaturmas’ period, it is considered to be very auspicious. It is a popular belief that by observing the Parsva Ekadashi vrat, the observer will be granted forgiveness for all his/her committed sins.

Important Timings On Parsva Ekadashi 2024

Parsva Ekadashi is observed with immense dedication and enthusiasm all over India. It is known by different names like ‘Padma Ekadashi‘, ‘Vamana Ekadashi’, ‘Jayanti Ekadashi’, ‘Jaljhilini Ekadashi’ and ‘Parivartini Ekadashi’ in different regions of the country. According to the Hindu mythology it is believed that during this period Lord Vishnu take rest and He shifts his sleeping position to the right side from the left side, and hence the name ‘Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi’. In some places, Lord Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on the day of Parsva Ekadashi. By observing the sacred vrat of this ekadashi a person will be blessed with the divine blessings of Sri Hari Vishnu, who is the preserver of this Universe.

Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Padma Puran)

Listen to Padma Puran Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha In Hindi

Listen to Padma Puran Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha In English

The Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha, as mentioned in the Padma Puran, is as follows:

Yudhishthira asked, 'Keshav, what is the name of the Ekadashi that falls on the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, and who is the presiding deity, and what are its rituals? Please tell me.'

Lord Sri Krishna replied, 'O King, in this matter, I will narrate an astonishing story told by Lord Brahma to the great sage Narada.'

Narada asked, 'Lord Chaturmukh, for the glorification of Lord Vishnu, I wish to hear from your divine mouth about the Ekadashi that occurs in the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada. Please describe its significance.'

Brahma replied, 'O revered sage, your question for revering Lord Vishnu is very commendable. Why would it not be, you're one of the foremost Vaishnavs, after all! This Ekadashi is known as 'Padma Ekadashi,' and on this day, we worship Lord Hrishikesha. Observing this sacred fast is highly virtuous and recommended.

There was a righteous king named Mandhata from the Solar Dynasty (Suryavansh) in the past. He was renowned for his unwavering commitment to Dharma and the welfare of his subjects. He treated his people as his foster children. Under his rule, there was never a drought, mental worries were absent, and diseases did not afflict his kingdom. His subjects were fearless and had ample food and riches. The King's treasury was filled only with revenue obtained through righteous means.

In his kingdom, people of all castes and ashrams were engaged in their respective religions and Dharma. The land of Mandhata's kingdom was fruitful, like Kamadhenu Cow. During his reign, the people enjoyed a lot of happiness. Once, despite his noble rule, his kingdom faced a severe drought for three years. This calamity caused great suffering to his people, and they started to perish. The entire population approached the King with their distress.

The people said, 'O King, please listen to our plea. In the Puranas, water is referred to as 'Nara,' and it is the dwelling place, "Ayana", of the Supreme Being. Narayana, the Lord Vishnu, resides in the water. Narayana is the form of Lord Vishnu, who pervades all, and He resides in the water element everywhere. He takes the form of the clouds and is the cause of rain, and through rain, grains are produced, which sustains all life. O King, due to no rain, drought has arisen, and due to drought, famine, and people are dying. Please find a solution to end this drought and save us from the suffering.'

The King responded, 'Your words are true. It is said that 'anna' (food) is Brahma. All living beings are sustained by 'anna,' and the world thrives on 'anna.' It is often told in the world and described in great detail in the Puranas that the people suffer due to the atrocities of the kings. When I think wisely, I do not see any wrongdoings I have committed for such distress to my kingdom. Still, I will do my best to benefit my people and bring them out of their misery.

Having made this decision, King Mandhata, accompanied by a small group of people, embarked on a journey into the dense forest, first paying his respects to the Creator. Upon reaching the forest, he visited the hermitages of renowned sages and ascetics, wandering among them. One fortunate day, he had the privilege of meeting the son of Lord Brahma, Angira Rishi. As soon as the King laid eyes on the sage, he alighted from his chariot, brimming with joy. With folded hands and a composed mind, he humbly bowed at the feet of the revered sage.

The sage reciprocated the gesture with a greeting of "Swasti" and inquired about the well-being of all the seven regions of the King's kingdom. King Mandhata conveyed his well-being and, in return, inquired about the sage's health. The sage graciously offered a seat and a refreshing drink to the King. As the King accepted these offerings and took his place beside the sage, he politely inquired about the purpose of their visit.

Then, the King expressed his concerns, saying, "O Lord! I have diligently followed the righteous path and upheld the religious traditions while ruling the land bestowed upon me, yet there has been no rain for three years in my kingdom. I am unable to discern the cause of this drought."

In response, the sage explained, "Maharaj, you are currently in the most virtuous age, the Satyayuga, where people are deeply engrossed in contemplating the Divine. During this era, the practice of religion is at its zenith, with Dharma standing firm on all four of its legs. In this age, only Brahmins lead ascetic lives and not others. However, a Shudra in your kingdom is engaged in penance, Maharaj. This anomaly is the reason for the clouds withholding their rain. You must take steps to rectify this situation, thereby appeasing the Anavrishtika (Drought) defect."

The King replied, "Munivar! Firstly, this individual is engaged in penance, and secondly, he is innocent. Therefore, I cannot harm him. Please provide guidance on a religious practice that will appease the mentioned defect."

The sage responded, "Maharaj! In that case, observe the Ekadashi fast. By observing the famous 'Padma' Ekadashi in the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, you will undoubtedly bring about good rainfall. Naresh, you should observe this fast along with your subjects and family."

Upon hearing these words from the sage, the King returned to his palace. He observed the 'Padma' Ekadashi fast during the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, along with subjects from all four varnas. As a result of this fasting, the clouds began to release rain. The earth was flooded with water and flourished with lush green crops. The people rejoiced in the blessings of this fast.

Lord Shri Krishna advises, "King! Therefore, it is imperative to perform the rituals of this significant fast. On the day of 'Padma' Ekadashi, a filled pitcher of water should be covered with a cloth and donated to a Brahmin, along with offerings of curd and rice, an umbrella and shoes. While making this donation, recite the following mantra:
"Namo Namaste Govind Buddhishravanasanjnaka,
Aghaughasankshayam Kritva Sarvasaukhyaprado Bhava,
Bhuktimuktipradaschaiva Lokanam Sukhadayakah.'"

Rajan! By reading and listening to this mantra, a person becomes absolved of all sins."

Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Brahma Vaivarta Puran)

Listen to Brahma Vaivarta Puran Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English

Listen to Brahma Vaivarta Puran Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha In Hindi

The Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat Katha, as mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, is as follows:

Yudhishthira asked Lord Sri Krishna, "Could you kindly disclose the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month? Additionally, I beseech you to enlighten me about the Deity revered during this Ekadasi and the spiritual rewards bestowed upon those who faithfully observe it. My Lord, your wisdom would greatly illuminate this matter for me."

Lord Sri Krishna responded, "Yudhishthira, this particular Ekadasi is known as Vamana Ekadasi. It holds the power to grant profound merit and ultimate liberation from the entanglements of material existence to those who faithfully observe it. It is also referred to as Jayanti Ekadasi, as it has the potency to cleanse one of all previous sinful actions. Simply hearing about its divine glories can absolve one of past wrongdoings. This fast is highly auspicious, equivalent in merit to performing the grand Ashwamedha Yagya. No superior Ekadasi exists, as it readily offers the path to liberation from the relentless cycle of material existence."

The significance of this Ekadasi is that it celebrates the day when Lord Vishnu turns over on His other side while sleeping, also known as Parivartini Ekadasi.

It is widely acknowledged that venerating Lord Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on this sacred day is akin to worshipping all other divine entities, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Moreover, it ensures that one attains the heavenly abode of Sri Hari, known as Vaikunta, upon departing from this mortal realm. Across all three realms, there exists no fast more paramount and spiritually significant than the observance of Vamana Ekadasi.

Dharmaraja Yudhishthira asked, "Keshav, I have a question that perplexes me. Please explain how the Supreme Lord sleeps and turns over on His side. Additionally, I am curious about the fate of all other living beings when You are in slumber. Furthermore, could You enlighten me about how You subdued the demon king Bali? Lastly, I seek guidance on the observance of Chaturmasya. Your merciful responses to these inquiries would greatly benefit me."

Sri Krishna replied, "Rajan, let me gladly recount a historical event, the mere hearing of which absolves all one's sinful reactions. In the Treta yuga, there was a king named Bali, born into a family of demons (Daityas). Remarkably, he was deeply devoted to Me. Bali sang numerous Vedic hymns in My praise and diligently conducted homa rituals to gratify Me. He greatly respected the Brahmins and regularly involved them in sacred sacrifices.

Nevertheless, Bali engaged in a conflict with Indra and eventually defeated him in battle. Consequently, he assumed control of the entire celestial realm, which I had initially bestowed upon Indra. After that, Indra, along with all the other devas (demigods) and numerous revered sages, approached Me. They humbly bowed down and offered fervent Vedic prayers, beseeching Me for intervention in the matter involving Bali, following which I consented to manifest as Vamanadev, My fifth incarnation, to assist them."

Although I appeared as a dwarf, I was a Brahmana, and I approached the righteous King Bali to request some land as alms. I asked him, 'Oh, Daityaraj Bali, could you generously give me just three steps of land as charity? Such a small piece of land would be like having the entire three worlds for me.' Without much thought, Bali agreed to grant my request. As soon as he made that promise, my body grew into an enormous and divine form. My feet covered the whole Bhu Loka (Earthly Realms), all the Bhuvar Loka with My thighs, the Swarga Loka with My waist, Mahar Loka with My stomach, Jana Loka with My chest, Tapo Loka with My neck, and Satya Loka with My head and face. I encompassed the entire material universe, including all the planets and the stars."

Upon witnessing this incredible Trivikrama form of Mine, where I covered the entire Earth with one step and the heavenly realms with the second, all the demigods, including Indra and Shesha, the king of the snakes, were moved to sing Vedic hymns and offer heartfelt prayers to me. I then took Bali by the hand and asked, 'Oh virtuous one, I have placed one step covering the whole Earth and the second step covering the celestial abodes. Where can I place my foot for the third step of land you promised me?'

Humbled by this, Bali Maharaja bowed down and offered his head for me to place my third step. Oh, Yudhishthira, I set my foot on his head and sent him to the depths of Patalaloka. Witnessing his profound humility, I was incredibly pleased and declared I would permanently reside in his palace. Subsequently, on Parivartinii Ekadasi, which occurs in the bright part of the Bhadra month, Bali, the grandson of Prahlad and the son of Virochana, installed a Deity, an Idol, form of me in his abode.

Oh king, from then until Haribodhinii Ekadasi, which takes place during the bright part of the Karttika month, I remain in a deep slumber within the ocean of milk. The merit earned during this period, known as Chaturmas, is compelling and auspicious.

On this auspicious day, devoted worshippers should offer their reverence to Lord Trivikrama, Vamanadeva. Giving a qualified person a serving of curd mixed with rice and some silver is recommended. Additionally, staying awake throughout the night is essential. This simple observance has the remarkable power to liberate one from all worldly attachments and limitations.

Those who faithfully observe this sacred Parivartini Ekadashi in the manner I have described are destined to experience boundless joy both in this world and the hereafter. Anyone who listens to this narrative with genuine devotion will find their way to the realm of the demigods, radiating like the resplendent Moon. Such is the extraordinary potency of observing this Ekadashi, equivalent to the merit earned from conducting a thousand Ashwamedha Yagya ceremonies.

Rituals during Parsva Ekadashi:

• Devotees observe a fast on the day of Parsva Ekadashi. It is normally observed for a period of 24 hours, from the sunrise of ekadashi to the dwadashi tithi. Sometimes even on Shukla Paksha ‘dashami’ (10th day) the devotees eat one meal, that too before sunrise. The fast is broken after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and giving food to a Brahmin.
• Some devotees owing to health complications are unable to observe this strict fast; they can however keep partial fasting. Eating of dairy products, fruits and vegetable is allowed. On the day of Parsva Ekadashi eating grains, rice and beans is not allowed, even for those not observing any fast.
• Fasting on Parsva Ekadashi does not only mean abstaining from eating food, instead the observer of this vrat should perform activities that bring him/her closer to God. Therefore on this day, one must recite Vedic mantras or bhajans in praise of Lord Vishnu. Reading Hindu religious books like ‘Vishnu Sahasranaam’ is considered very favourable.

Significance of Parsva Ekadashi:

The Parsva Ekadashi has been observed since the ancient times. It is believed that the Parsva Ekadashi vrat bestows the observer with happiness, wealth and good health. Moreover it relieves from the sins of the past and also liberates the person from the continuous cycle of birth and death. By observing the Parsva Ekadashi vrat, devotees benefit spiritual gains and it also helps them to strengthen their will power. Parsva Ekadashi is considered to be superior than the other ekadashi observances as it falls during the ‘Chaturmas’ period and the ‘Punya’ or virtues accumulated during this time is of higher value as compared to the normal months. The significance of Parsva Ekadashi is also explained in the ‘Brahma Vivarta Purana’ in the form of a conversation between Lord Krishna and King Yudhisthira.

FAQs

Why is Parsva Ekadashi called Parivartini Ekadashi?

Parsva Ekadashi has different names, like Padma Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi, Jayanti Ekadashi, Jaljhilini/Jal Jhulni Ekadashi/Gyaras, Dol Gyaras, and Parivartini Ekadashi.
The meanings of some of these names are as follows:
Parsva Ekadashi: Parsva (Paarshv) in Sanskrit means "Side". It denotes Lord Vishnu turning his side while sleeping.
Vamana Ekadashi: It is mentioned in the Puranas that during this day, Lord Vamana manifested in the Trivikrama form, and King Bali installed the Idol of Lord Vamana in his palace in Patala/Sutala Loka, granting it the name of Vamana Ekadashi.
Jayanti Ekadashi: As mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, this Ekadashi grants absolute liberation from past sinful karmas. So, it is also called Jayanti Ekadashi, which translates to "Victorious" Ekadashi.
Parivartini Ekadashi: Since, on this day, Lord Vishnu turns his position while he is asleep, this Ekadashi is also called Parivartini Ekadashi. Parivartan in Sanskrit has different meanings like Change, Move Around, Turning, etc.

Which God is worshipped on Parsva Ekadashi?

The Shukla Paksha Ekadashi falling on the Hindu Calendar month of Bhadrapad is observed as Parsva Ekadashi. The Padma Purana mentions various forms of Lord Vishnu to be revered during different Ekadashi observances. According to the Vrat Katha of Padma Purana, the Hrishikesh form of Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity for the Ekadashis falling in the month of Bhadrapada, specifically Aja Ekadashi and Parsva Ekadashi. However, the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat Katha in Brahma Vaivarta Purana designates Lord Vamana and Lord Trivikrama, the colossal form Lord Vamana assumed to subdue King Bali, as the deities of Parsva Ekadashi.
It's noteworthy that on the day following Parsva Ekadashi, Vaman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana Avatar, and is also known as Vamana Dwadashi.

What is the Parana time for the Parsva Ekadashi 2024?

Parana in Hinduism refers to the concluding meal or ritual that marks the end of a fast (Vrat). During the Ekadashi Vrat, the Parana is done after the Harivasara period has ended. The Parana time for the Parsva Ekadashi 2024 is from September 15, 6:17 am to 8:43 am.
(The mentioned timing is in IST, for Ujjain. Click here to change the location.)

Parsva Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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