Parivartini Ekadashi 2024: Vrat Katha, Auspicious Timings, Mantras & Spiritual Significance

In & the Hindu calendar, the eleventh day of the month is known as Ekadashi. It occurs twice every month—once during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) and once during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha). The Ekadashi that falls after the full moon is known as Krishna Paksha Ekadashi, while the one that occurs after the new moon is called Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.

Both these types of Ekadashi hold great significance in Hinduism. On Ekadashi, devotees worship Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings by fasting and performing prayers. This September 14th, Parivartini Ekadashi is being observed. Let’s explore its auspicious timings and understand its significance through the mouth of Lord Shree Krishn himself when Arjun asked him about it.

Parivartini Ekadashi Timings and Date

Event	Date	Time
Parivartini Ekadashi	Saturday, 14 September 2024
Fast Breaking (Parana)	Sunday, 15 September 2024	between 6:12 AM and 8:38 AM
Ekadashi Tithi begins	Friday, 13 September 2024	10:30 PM
Ekadashi Tithi ends	Saturday, 14 September 2024	08:41 PM
Hari Vasara Ends	Sunday, 15 September 2024	6:12 PM

Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Arjuna, the son of Pandu, once asked Lord Krishna, “O Lord, what is the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (Bhado)? What are the rituals for observing this fast, and what benefits does one receive? Please explain all these details to me.”

In response, Lord Krishna said, “O Parth! The Ekadashi in the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada is known as Parivartini Ekadashi, also called Jayanti Ekadashi. Merely listening to the story of this Ekadashi absolves one of all sins and grants access to heaven. This fast is so powerful that even the most sinful individuals are liberated through its observance. Anyone who worships me on this day is assured of reaching my divine abode.”

Lord Krishna further explained, “On this day, those who worship Lord Vishnu in His Vamana avatar (dwarf incarnation) simultaneously honour the trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. On Parivartini Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu, who is resting, changes his position, which is why it is called ‘Parivartini Ekadashi.”

Hearing this, Arjuna was amazed and asked, “O Janardana, I am curious to know how you sleep and turn while resting. Why did you bind King Bali, and what was the significance of your Vamana form? Also, please explain the rituals of the Chaturmasya fast and what duties people should perform while you rest.”

The Story of Vamana and King Bali

Lord Krishna continued, “O son of Kunti, listen attentively to this story that destroys all sins. In the Treta Yuga, there was a demon named Bali. He was a great devotee, generous, truthful, and a protector of Brahmins. Through his devotion and penance, he became so powerful that he began ruling over Indra’s kingdom in heaven.

Indra and the other gods could not accept their defeat, so they approached me and requested help. They asked me to restore their kingdom, as I am the protector of the universe. To fulfil their request, I took the form of Vamana, a radiant young Brahmin boy, and approached King Bali.”

Arjuna, eager to hear more, asked, “How did you defeat Bali in the Vamana form? Please explain in detail.”

Lord Krishna replied, “As Vamana, I approached King Bali and humbly requested three paces of land as a donation. Initially, Bali laughed at my small request but ultimately agreed. After he promised me the land, I expanded my form and measured the entire universe in two steps. My foot reached the earth, my thigh spanned the heavens, my waist reached the skies, and my head touched the highest realms of existence. The sun, stars, and all deities began to praise me.

Then, I asked Bali where I should place my third step. Bali, realizing my divine nature, humbly offered his head for my third step. I placed my foot on his head, sending him to the netherworld (Patal Lok), but his devotion moved me. As a result, I granted him a boon—he asked that I remain with him forever. Pleased with his devotion and sacrifice, I promised to stay with him in Patal Lok. Since then, one of my forms resides with King Bali, while another rests on Sheshnag in the Kshir Sagar (Ocean of Milk).”

Lord Krishna concluded, “Observing the fast of Parivartini Ekadashi frees one from all sins and grants them access to heaven. Listening to the story of this Ekadashi gives the same merit as performing the Ashwamedha Yajna.”

What Should Devotees Do on Parivartini Ekadashi?

• Wake up early in the morning, clean the house and the place of worship, and take a bath.
• Wear traditional, clean clothes, such as a dhoti and kurta for men or a saree for women.
• Bathe the idol or image of Lord Vishnu with holy water of Ganga River. 
• Light a diya of clarified butter (ghee) and incense sticks.
• Offer food to Lord Vishnu.
• Sing hymns and perform the aarti of Lord Vishnu.
• Fast throughout the day and listen to the story of Parivartini Ekadashi.
• Break the fast on the next day (Dwadashi) by eating food and distributing it to others.
• On Dwadashi, feed Brahmins, offer them donations, and distribute prasad (holy food).

Mantras to chant to please Lord Vishnu

• Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya
• Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. Hare Ram, Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
• Om Narayanay Vidyaahe, Vasudevaay Dhimahi, Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat
• Om Vishnave Namah
• Shree Krishna Govind Hare Murare, Hey Nath Narayana Vasu Devay

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