Parivartini Ekadashi – When Lord Vishnu Turns His Side

The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada is known as Parivartini Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Vishnu changes His side while resting in His four-month-long yogic sleep. That is why people call it Parivartini Ekadashi. This Ekadashi also carries other names such as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, Parshva Ekadashi, and Vamana Ekadashi.

According to religious beliefs, fasting on this day frees a person from all sins and grants liberation.

Importance of Parivartini Ekadashi

In Hinduism, fasting on Ekadashi holds great importance. Observing Parivartini Ekadashi brings happiness, prosperity, and relief from difficulties. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in His Vamana form. Scriptures say that one who keeps this fast with true devotion receives the same merit as performing a Vajapeya Yajna. Along with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi also blesses the devotee. Charity and good deeds on this day hold special significance.

Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)

Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
Light a ghee lamp in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol or picture and take the vow of fasting.
Bathe Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Ganga water).
Offer yellow flowers, sandalwood, Tulsi leaves, and sweets to Him.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
Stay on a Nirjala fast throughout the day, and in the evening, after worship, you may take fruits.
The next day, on Dwadashi morning, perform puja and then break the fast.

Parivartini Ekadashi – Vrat Katha

According to ancient legends, there was a mighty and generous king named Bali in the Treta Yuga. Due to his pride, he conquered even the heavens. Indra and the other deities approached Lord Vishnu for help.

Lord Vishnu then incarnated as Vamana and visited King Bali. Vamana asked the king for three steps of land as alms. Bali promised to give it. At once, Vamana assumed His cosmic form. With one step He covered the entire earth, with the second He measured the whole sky. For the third step, there was no space left, so King Bali offered his own head. Lord Vamana placed His third step on Bali’s head and sent him to the underworld.

Pleased with Bali’s generosity, Lord Vamana blessed him and made him His gatekeeper forever.

Parivartini Ekadashi – Mantras

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Om Vishnave Namah
Om Narayanaya Namah
Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Vikramaya Vidmahe, Vishwaroopaya Dhimahi, Tanno Vamana Prachodayat