✨ Spiritual Context – The Story of Varuthini Ekadashi
The glories of Varuthini Ekadashi, observed in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Vaishakha, are found in the Bhavishyottara Purana, where Lord Krishna lovingly narrates its significance to King Yudhishthira. “O King,” said Krishna, “Varuthini Ekadashi bestows both material wellbeing and spiritual elevation. It protects the devotee like a strong shield – a ‘varutha’ – hence the name.”
The story associated with this sacred day involves a great and charitable king named Mandata. He was known across the three worlds for his virtuous rule and devotion. However, due to past karma, he was once cursed by a sage and fell into a degraded state. Seeking redemption, he went into exile and performed various austerities.
Eventually, he met a group of pious sages who instructed him to observe Varuthini Ekadashi. They explained that observing this vrata with sincerity would burn away his past sins and restore his former glory. Encouraged, King Mandata performed the fast with complete devotion — abstaining from grains, dedicating the day to Lord Vamana (a form of Vishnu), and engaging in prayers and charity.
Pleased with his sincerity, Lord Vamana appeared in his vision and said, “O noble soul, because of your steadfast observance of Varuthini Ekadashi, your sins are destroyed and your former splendour shall return.” Instantly, the king was liberated from the effects of the curse and returned to his royal form. He ruled again with compassion and Krishna consciousness, sharing the glories of this Ekadashi with his people.
Another story speaks of a handicapped king named Dhundhumara who regained his lost limb and strength simply by observing this Ekadashi. These tales show us that Varuthini Ekadashi not only purifies karma but can also protect and restore, physically and spiritually.
This Ekadashi is especially dear to devotees because it assures us that no matter our past, sincere bhakti can revive us. Whether we’ve made mistakes, faced injustice, or feel spiritually weak, this sacred day brings divine protection, helping us emerge stronger and closer to Krishna.
📜 Importance Based on Scriptures
The scriptures proclaim Varuthini Ekadashi as a vrata of spiritual shielding and transformation. According to the Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Krishna says that those who observe this Ekadashi gain protection from sins and suffering — just as a soldier is shielded by armour (varutha).
It is one of the rare Ekadashis that bestows both material blessings and spiritual merit. Fasting on this day removes sins like theft, ingratitude, and pride, and bestows qualities like humility, strength, and clarity. In fact, Krishna tells Yudhishthira that fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi equals giving charity in all sacred places.
Devotees are encouraged to engage in extra japa, avoid gossip, idle talk, and quarrels, and immerse themselves in reading about the Lord’s pastimes. It is also a powerful day to pray for healing — whether emotional, physical, or karmic.
For those on the path of bhakti, this Ekadashi provides a divine opportunity to remove inner weaknesses, receive protection from illusion (maya), and increase spiritual momentum. Observing Varuthini Ekadashi with devotion ensures that Krishna personally guards the devotee on their journey back to Him.
🛕 Rituals and Observance
Observing Varuthini Ekadashi begins with a pure intention to honour Lord Vishnu, particularly in His Vamana form. Devotees wake before sunrise, bathe, and offer prayers to the Lord, taking a sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast with sincerity.
The basic requirement is to avoid all grains, beans, lentils, and pulses. Foods typically consumed include:
- Fruits (mangoes, bananas, berries)
- Root vegetables (potato, sweet potato)
- Sabudana (tapioca), sama rice
- Dairy (milk, yogurt, ghee)
- Nuts, dry fruits, and honey
One may observe different levels of fasting — from full (nirjala) to fruit or milk-only fasts — based on personal capacity. But the mood must remain spiritually focused.
Throughout the day, devotees chant extra Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, hear or read about Lord Vamana or other Vishnu lilas, and engage in charity and kindness. Many attend ISKCON programs, stream lectures, or sing bhajans at home.
Lighting lamps, offering Tulasi leaves, and performing Tulasi arati bring added merit. Avoiding idle talk, harsh speech, and negative emotions enhances the spiritual effect of the fast.
This is not merely a day of austerity — it is a day of divine connection. Every activity, from eating to thinking, is offered as seva to Krishna, who protects His devotees like a strong shield.
🌍 Why This Ekadashi Matters in Kali Yuga
In our modern age of Kali Yuga, where spiritual confusion, health issues, and inner turmoil are common, Varuthini Ekadashi becomes extremely relevant. The word Varuthini implies “protected” or “shielded”, and that’s exactly what devotees need — spiritual protection.
We are constantly bombarded by distractions, material desires, and stress. Ekadashi is Krishna’s divine arrangement to pause the chaos and invite peace, focus, and inner strength. Varuthini Ekadashi in particular is ideal for those feeling spiritually vulnerable, emotionally tired, or seeking forgiveness and healing.
Its stories reassure us that even kings who were cursed or disabled could find restoration and renewal. If they could recover through bhakti, so can we. Varuthini Ekadashi thus serves as a spiritual detox, allowing us to release what burdens us and align again with our purpose.
In Kali Yuga, even small acts of devotion carry great weight. Fasting, chanting, and reading Krishna’s glories on this day bring immense blessings. ISKCON encourages seeing Ekadashi as a day to feast the soul, not just fast the body.
When observed with sincerity, Varuthini Ekadashi can shield us from the effects of past karma, helping us walk forward with clarity, courage, and Krishna’s mercy guiding our steps.
🧠 Scientific Reasoning
Although Varuthini Ekadashi is observed for spiritual reasons, modern science reveals many physical and psychological benefits of fasting that align with Vedic wisdom.
When you fast — especially from grains and heavy food — your digestive system gets a break, allowing your body to shift energy from digestion to healing. Fasting activates autophagy, a process where the body cleanses damaged cells and regenerates new ones. This contributes to better immunity, lower inflammation, and even mental clarity.
Avoiding grains and beans, which are harder to digest, is particularly helpful on Ekadashi. Instead, taking fruits, milk, and light foods keeps the body calm and supports sattva, the mode of goodness essential for meditation and spiritual practice.
Fasting also boosts self-discipline, reduces cravings, and helps regulate emotional responses. This mental clarity allows devotees to focus better on chanting, prayer, and reflection.
From an Ayurvedic and yogic standpoint, Ekadashi aligns with lunar energies. On the 11th day of the moon cycle, bodily and emotional energies are heightened, making it a perfect time for inner purification.
Thus, Varuthini Ekadashi is a gift for both body and soul — a divine wellness practice that heals us from within while drawing us closer to Krishna.
🌅 Breaking the Fast on Dwadashi
To complete the Varuthini Ekadashi vrata, one must break the fast on the next day, Dwadashi, during the Parana window. This is the most crucial step in ensuring the spiritual and scriptural efficacy of the vrata.
✅ Steps to Break the Fast:
- Wake before sunrise and complete your morning sadhana.
- Prepare or offer a grain-based prasadam (like kichdi, rice, or roti).
- Offer the food to Krishna with love, then break the fast within the proper time.
🕰️ Parana Timings – 25 April 2025:
| Location | Parana Start | Parana End |
|---|---|---|
| India (IST) | 05:53 AM | 10:07 AM |
| Australia (Melbourne) | 06:55 AM | 10:30 AM |
| New Zealand (NZST) | 06:54 AM | 10:30 AM |
Breaking the fast after the end of Dwadashi or before sunrise is not recommended and is considered a flaw in the vrata. If possible, break fast within the first half of the Parana window for maximum benefit.
Thank the Lord, honour prasadam, and carry the protective and purifying energy of Varuthini Ekadashi into your life.