Parivartini Ekadashi / Vamana Ekadasi

Parivartini Ekadashi / Vamana Ekadasi
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On this Ekadasi day Lord Vishnu who reclines on Aadishesha turns to another side and this turn is called as Parivarthan.
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Parsava Ekadashi which is also known as Parivartini, Vamana and Jayanti Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Bhadrapada i.e. August and September. It is important to note that ‘Parivartini’ means ‘of change’ and denotes a time when Shesh-Shayi Narayan (form of God laying on the serpent Shesh) changes his position, posture, direction and faces the East. One must note that this Ekadasi happens during the Dakshinayana Punyakalam. It is interesting to note the famous age old belief that Lord Vishnu who takes rest during this period changes his posture of sleep namely he turns from left side to right side. It is because of this reason that this Ekadashi is also known as Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi.

As a matter of practice Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadashi day. The reason as to why this Ekadasi is also known as Vamana Ekadashi is simply because Vamana Avatar took place during this period. As a matter of fact King Mahabali was sent to pathalam on this day and therefore the Onam festival which celebrates the return of Mahabali takes place during this period.

Historical literature reveals that the importance and relevance of this Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, by Lord Krishna. Yudhisthira was inquisitive regarding the history, relevance and purport of the Ekadashi and wanted Lord Krishna to enlighten him. In reply to the queries he was informed that Ekadashi bestows both great merit and ultimate liberation from material bondage and that if one truly desires salvation from the material world he should fast on Vamana Ekadashi.

It is believed that those who observe this Ekadashi will be absolved of their sins. As per the religious calendar this Ekadashi also happens during the Chaturmas period. As a matter of practice those who undertake fast on this day avoid grains and rice.Practically while observing this holy fast a Vaishnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in his form as Vamanadeva i.e. the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus petals.
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HSVJ

Today Putrada Ekadashi

Putrada Ekadashi
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The story of Putrada Ekadashi
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In the ancient time, Sukentumaan was the king of Bhadravati Puri. Even after many years of marriage, they did not had any child. Both king and his queen were tensed and lived in depression. King was tensed thinking, “who will give fire and cremate his body after his death?”. Father of the king was also worried about the predecessor and the Tarpan and Pind Daan after his death.
Once, in this depression king went to the jungle on his horse. He moved to the dense forest and started hearing voices of different animals. While moving in the forest, the king felt thirsty. In search of water he moved deep inside the forest where he saw a lake. Near the water body he saw the Ashram of Sages. Here some Munis were studying Vedas. King came down from his horse and drank water from the lake. His left eye started fluttering. King thought of this as an indication of something good. King bowed to each Rishi one after the other. The Sages were pleased by the king and blessed him. Then, the king asked their reason for gathering. Rishis replied, “we are Vishva Deva and we came near the lake to have a bath. Today is Putrada Ekadashi and people who will observe this fast will conceive a child.”
Listening this, king Sukentumaan asked the Vishva Devas to bestow him with the blessing of having a son. Muni said “today is Putrada Ekadashi. Observe this fast and worship Lord Narayana”. As told by Rishi, King observed the vrata and performed all the rituals in a proper manner. After conclusion of the vrata the king gave salutation to all the Rishis and went back to his kingdom. After sometimes queen become pregnant and gave birth to a tender bodied son. Later on he became a great warrior and a good ruler.
This way the people who observes this fast, all his obstacles in having a child are removed and gets blessed with a son. A person who hears and follows the greatness of this vrata achieves salvation after his death.