Varuthini Ekadashi 2024:
Held in high esteem among all fasts, Varuthini Ekadashi, observed this year on May 4th, Saturday, is a symbol of comfort and good luck. It is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi fasting profoundly influences both the mind and body, and it also helps to eradicate negative past impressions.
Auspicious Timings for Varuthini Ekadashi (Varuthini Ekadashi 2024 Shubh Muhurat)
The auspicious start of the Ekadashi date begins on May 3rd, Friday, at 11:24 PM and concludes on May 4th, Saturday, at 8:38 PM. The fast-breaking time (Paran) will be on May 5th, from 5:37 AM to 8:17 AM.
Varuthini Ekadashi Worship Method (Varuthini Ekadashi Pujan Vidhi)
On the day of the Ekadashi, rise early for a purifying bath and don fresh clothes. After cleaning the temple space, bathe the idols, dress them and light the temple lamp. Then, resolve to fast and meditate upon Lord Vishnu. Do not forget to worship Goddess Lakshmi alongside Lord Vishnu and include holy basil in the offering.
Varuthini Ekadashi Remedies (Varuthini Ekadashi Upay)
1.
Observing a fast on this day is highly meritorious. Should fasting be impossible, abstain from grains at the very least and worship Krishna's Madhusudan form. Offer fruits and Panchamrit, with reciting 'Madhurashtakam' being optimal. For overcoming difficult problems, recite 'Gajendra Moksha'. For issues related to progeny, 'Gopal Sahasranama' is recommended, and for devotion and liberation, 'Vishnu Sahasranama'. For penance of sins, an excerpt from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is apt.
2.
Engage in 'Madhurashtakam' recitation for love, joy, and auspiciousness on Varuthini Ekadashi. Tackle the toughest problems with 'Gajendra Moksha' recitation. For lineage-related concerns, 'Gopal Sahasranama' recitation is beneficial, and for devotion and emancipation, 'Vishnu Sahasranama'. To atone for sins, turn to the eleventh adhyaya of the Bhagavad Gita.
The Story Behind Varuthini Ekadashi Fasting (Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha)
The tale associated with this fast tells of a king named Mandhata, who reigned on the banks of the Narmada river, renowned for his generosity and ascetic practices. While he was engaged in deep penance, a wild bear appeared and bit his leg. Incredibly, the king remained absorbed in his penance despite this. Eventually, the bear dragged him into the forest.
Though alarmed, the king kept his composure and, adhering to his ascetic discipline, tranquilly invoked Lord Vishnu. Hearing his prayer, the Lord appeared and slayed the bear. The bear had already consumed the king's leg, which plunged him into grief. To assuage his sorrow, Lord Vishnu advised him to go to Mathura, observe Varuthini Ekadashi fasting and worship the Varaha incarnation. Healed by the fast's influence, King Mandhata soon regained his comeliness and limbs. Thus, anyone tormented by fear should solemnly observe this Ekadashi, for it is believed that doing so grants one ascension to heaven. The merit of this fast supersedes even that of bathing in the sacred Ganges, and reciting its glories equals the fruits of donating a thousand cows. It is a day of deliverance from sin and the attainment of moksha.
