Parivartini Ekadashi, 17th September 2021- Importance and Benefits

According to the ephemeris or Hindu Panchang, Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month is known as Parivartini Ekadashi. On this Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu- the preserver, who is always portrayed as taking rest on Sheshnaag in Ksheer sagar with Goddess Laxmi by his side, changes his side. Hence it is called Parivartini Ekadashi.

This is an important occasion as per Hindu traditions and devotees of Lord Vishnu keeps fast on this day and spends their day in praising and worshipping the Lord along with Goddess Laxmi. This year, the fast of Parivartini Ekadashi is falling on Friday, September 17. The fasting has special significance among all Ekadashi fasts. This Ekadashi is also known as Jal Jhoolni or Padma Ekadashi. 

Associated Rituals with the festival

This Ekadashi is known by many names like Padma Ekadashi, Jaljulni Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi, Dol Gyaras etc. On this day there is a tradition to worship Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. Along with this, Lakshmi ji is also worshiped on this day, hence it is also known as Padma Ekadashi. By observing fast and worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day, one gets free from all sins and bad deeds and gets their blessings and prosperity.

There is also a tradition to worship Lord Krishna on this day. It is a common religious notion that Lord Krishna was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So, in a broader sense devotees are revering Lord Vishnu only. Mother Yashoda is also worshiped on this day. 

The popular belief attached with Padma Ekadashi is that through worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this day, financial constraints of any kind are removed and the devotees gains special blessings of the Goddess of wealth i.e. Maa Lakshmi ji.

Story of Parivartini Ekadashi

The story of Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu is recited and heard on Parivartini Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar decided to test King Bali. King Bali had reign over the three worlds, but he was the most generous man on the earth and used not to deny any Brahmin who came to him any donations or whatever he had asked for. He never sent any saint or seer empty handed. Lord Vishnu fearing his reign over Dev Lok played a trick with him and asked for three steps of land. The demon Guru Shukracharya also made Bali aware of Lord Vishnu's treachery, but despite his indications, he promised to give three steps of land to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana. In two steps, Lord Vishnu measured the three world, there was nothing left for the third step, so Bali, fulfilling his promise, lowered his head under his foot. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, Bali was given the reign of Pataal Lok or nether world, but at the same time he had also requested Lord Vishnu to stay with him.

Astrological significance

According to the Hindu calendar, Sun will change his zodiac sign and enter Virgo on this day. This will give rise to Kanya Sankranti. According to astrology, when the Sun enters from one zodiac to another, the process is called Sankranti, since on September 17, the Sun will change its place and enter Virgo, so it will be called Kanya Sankranti. In such a situation, this time the change of Ekadashi {Parivartini Ekadashi} will be in Kanya Sankranti.

2021 Kanya Sankranti Phalam

Kanya Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurta

Kanya Sankranti on Friday, September 17, 2021

Kanya Sankranti Punya Kaal - 06:07 AM to 12:15 PM

Duration - 06 hrs 08 mins

Kanya Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal – 17th September from 06:07 AM to 08:10 AM

Duration - 02 hours 03 minutes

How to keep fast on Parivartini Ekadashi

Food should not be taken during Ekadashi fast, rather one should not take food after sunset of Dashami Tithi a day before Ekadashi. After eating on dashami, one should do dental cleaning at night so that no grain of food remains in the mouth. On the day of Ekadashi, wake up before sunrise and take a vow of Ekadashi fast in front of Lord Vishnu with water, akshat, flowers and rice in hand. This resolution is called sankalp and is both fruitful and without any selfish motive.

After that, do Shodashopachar worship of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi. Light a lamp in front of Tulsi plant in the evening. Worship God while keeping awake at night. On the second day, on Dwadashi, break the fast by offering food to Brahmins and giving proper donation and dakshina and after that break the fast with saatvik food. Devotees eat “baalan kakdi” a type of cucumber easily available in vegetable market, as Prasad on this Ekadashi.

Other cautions

• Those who are not fasting even on the day of Parivartini Ekadashi or other Ekadashi, they should not eat rice.
• One should not lie on the day of Ekadashi fast and follow celibacy on this day.
• On the day of Parivartini Ekadashi, any member of the household should avoid tamasic food like meat, alcohol etc.
• The fast of Parivartini Ekadashi should be completed by giving food to poor Brahmins or donating money or other articles to them directly.

Benefits of observing fast on Parivartini Ekadashi

Fruit of performing this Ekadashi on Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month is equivalent to Vajpeya Yagya. With this, all the troubles, sufferings from life are destroyed and the person attains salvation after death.

Offering 108 rose flowers to Goddess Lakshmi on this day improves prosperity and happiness. Every person should observe this Ekadashi to get respect, prestige, position, wealth and food in life. This fast should also be done with the desire of a happy marriage. Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this Ekadashi makes it easy to attain Ashta Lakshmi.

• By keeping the fast of Parivartini Ekadashi, the result so obtained is similar to the Vajpeya Yagya.
• By donating wheat, money, fruits, clothes and vermilion on this day, one gets rid of debt.
• Feeding fodder to mother cow before meals on this day ends poverty.
• By observing fast on this Ekadashi and worshiping Vishnu, sins are destroyed and salvation is attained.
• By observing this Ekadashi fast one gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi and Shri Krishna.