Parivartini Ekadashi fasting story

Parivartini Ekadashi fasting story

Parivartini Ekadashi is a holy fast dedicated to Lord Shri Vishnu, observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi. The importance of this fast has been mentioned in the religious scriptures because it gives the message of the story of Sri Hari changing sides, remembering Vaman and the virtuous results. During Ekadashi fast, devotees remember Shri Hari through food sacrifice, chanting, awakening, remembering Hari Naam, reciting Geeta, Vishnu Sahasranama and Tulsi worship.

According to the story, many types of sins, tribulations, fear and mental disturbance are removed from the life of the devotee who hears the glory of this fast and observes it with devotion. In many stories, there is the incident of a king, Brahmin, householder, couple or a cursed person, who observes this fast on the advice of a sage and his life is changed by the grace of Shri Vishnu. This teaches us that a fast observed with faith, truth, restraint and determination definitely bears fruit.

On the day of this fast, Lord Vishnu is worshiped after morning bath. Yellow flowers, basil leaves, incense sticks, naivedya, fruits and panchamrit are offered. Devotees maintain virtuous conduct throughout the day, stay away from sensual pleasures and do kirtan or remembrance of Hari at night. It is considered customary to perform Parana ritually on Dwadashi Tithi.

The main message of Parivartini Ekadashi is that man should not only fast externally, but should also give up anger, greed, violence, deceit and untruth from within. This fast observed wholeheartedly in the name of Shri Hari gives devotion, peace, wisdom and well-being.

Result of Parivartini Ekadashi

• Story of Sri Hari changing sides, remembering Vaman and the virtuous results
• Grace of Shri Vishnu, extinction of sin and increase in virtue
• Purification of mind, restraint and spiritual progress
• Family, resolution and auspiciousness in the path of life