Varuthini Ekadashi, also known as Baruthani Ekadashi, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. This day holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is observed with fasting and prayers to Lord Vishnu. The festival is believed to cleanse the soul and bring prosperity and happiness to devotees. According to Hindu mythology, Varuthini Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Krishna gave the holy message of this Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, in the epic Mahabharata. It is said that observing a fast on this day can wash away sins and bring blessings from the divine. Varuthini Ekadashi 2024 Date and Vrat Katha: Know Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Parana Timings Related to the Auspicious Day Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Varuthini Ekadashi Dos and Don'ts

• Devotees observe a strict fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, abstaining from food and water for the entire day. The fast is broken on the next day, Dwadashi, after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• On Varuthini Ekadashi, it is believed that acts of charity, such as feeding the poor and donating to the needy, bring immense merit. It is also considered auspicious to perform pujas and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu on this day.
• As per traditions, devotees should avoid consuming grains, beans, and certain vegetables on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi.
• To enhance financial stability, it is advised to offer incense sticks to a picture of Vishnu. Similarly, offering blue flowers to Vishnu is believed to protect against accidents.
• Offering turmeric to a picture of Lord Vishnu is said to turn your fortunes around. For businesses facing losses, offering blue flowers with a picture of Lord Krishna may bring positive changes.
• For a harmonious married life, offering dry color to an idol of Laxmi Narayan is recommended. Similarly, offering red colour (dry) to a picture of Radha Krishna is believed to ward off accidents.
• Offering roli to a picture of Radha and Krishna is considered auspicious. To overcome a serious illness, offering green pulses (raw) to a picture of Lord Vishnu may be beneficial.
• While anger is a natural emotion, it is advised not to get angry with others on this day. Dishonesty should also be avoided, as God values honesty.
• Sleeping in the afternoon on an Ekadashi is discouraged, as it is believed to displease God. Additionally, it is advised to avoid consuming oil and instead cook meals in clarified butter (ghee) for the day.
• Cooking meals with brass utensils is recommended on this day, as it is believed to purify food and remove toxins from the body. Even if not fasting, it is advised to avoid consuming garlic and onion and stick to Saatvik (pure) food.

Legend has it that observing Varuthini Ekadashi with devotion and sincerity can help one attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, this festival holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus, who believe that by observing the rituals and practices associated with Varuthini Ekadashi, they can lead a virtuous and fulfilling life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2024 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).