Parsva Ekadashi

Parsva Ekadashi - Rituals and Significance

Parsva Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most auspicious and virtuous festivities which takes place on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of Bhadrapada month in the Shukla Paksha as per the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this auspicious festival falls in the month of either August or September.

The celebration of this Hindu festival takes place during ‘Dakshinayana Punyakalam’ which represents the night time of the deities. Parsva Ekadashi when falls at the time of ‘Chaturmas’ period is regarded as highly fortunate and auspicious. As per the Hindu beliefs, it denotes the period of time duration when Lord Vishnu was taking rest and took a right shift in the position from the left side. Thus, it is also called as the ‘Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi’. At some particular places, on this festival, Lord Vamana is worshipped who is regarded as the incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu.

Parsva Ekadashi Fast

The fast of Parsva Ekadashi is observed with great enthusiasm and immense devotion across various parts of the country. It is also popularly celebrated as ‘Parivartini’, ‘Jaljhulini Ekadashi’ and ‘Vamana Ekadashi’ in different regions of India. According to the Hindu mythology, the devotees who observe a Parsva Ekadashi Vrat are granted forgiveness for all their past sins and are blessed with the virtuous and divine blessings of the deity Vishnu who is the preserver of the Universe.

What is the significance of Parsva Ekadashi?

Parsva Ekadashi Vrat is being observed by the devotees since ages. As per the Hindu beliefs, it is regarded that the devotees who observe this fast with dedication are bestowed with good health, wealth and happiness. The most significant aspect of this Vrat is that it relieves the observer from his or her past sins and also liberate the devotees from the cycle of death and birth. By keeping a fast on this auspicious day, the individuals get benefited with high spiritual gains as well as it also supports in strengthening the willpower of the observers.

Parsva Ekadashi is regarded as the most auspicious and supreme Ekadashi among all because of it falls in the Chaturmas. The various rituals performed during this time and the virtues (Punyas) accumulated possess high value in comparison with rituals performed in other months. In the ‘Brahma Vaivarta Purana’, the significance of Parsva Ekadashi has been highlighted in the form of an in-depth conversation held between King Yudhisthira and Lord Krishna.

What are the rituals of Parsva Ekadashi?

• On the eve of Parsva Ekadashi, the devotees usually observe a Parsva Ekadashi Vrat.
• The fast is observed for a time duration of 24 hours which starts from Sunrise of Ekadashi to the Dwadashi tithi. In the milder form of the fast, the devotees consume one meal but it should be before sunrise.
• The devotees conclude the fast after giving food to the Brahmins and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• On the eve of Parsva Ekadashi, the devotees, as well as the other individuals, are not allowed to cook and eat beans, rice, and grains.
• The observers are also required to recite Mantras and sing bhajans in order to please Lord Vishnu. Reading of ‘Vishnu Sahasranaam’ is considered as highly auspicious on this day.