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Varuthini Ekadasi May 2024 - Puja - Mantra - Importance

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of moon in March/April. In 2024, the date Varuthini Ekadasi is May 4. It is believed that observing Varuthini Ekadasi will make a person fortunate, prosperous and helps in redemption of sins and in attaining moksha. The greatness of this Ekadasi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira (the eldest of Pandavas) by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana.

Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar.

Varuthini Ekadasi Mantra

Om Varahaya Namah
ॐ वराहाय नमः



Importance of Varuthini Ekadasi

Varuthini in Sanskrit means protective armor or that which protects.

Varaha form of Bhagavan Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadasi.

Certain things should be completely avoided on the day and this includes oily food, food made using oil, gambling, sleep during day, smoking, eating paan, alcohol, using neem or babul to clean teeth, saying or thinking ill of others, getting angry and telling lies.

Honey should be completely avoided on the day.

One should eat on bronze metal plate on the day.

Benefits of Observing Varuthini Ekadasi

It is believed that by observing Varuthini Ekadashi one can attain the result of performing different types of charities. All the regular fasting rules attached to Ekadasi are observed during Varuthini Ekadasi.

It is believed that those women who observe the Varuthini Ekadasi will soon step into a fortunate phase in life.

For worldly success and fulfillment of materialistic desires.

For a beautiful body and for retaining youthhood for longer period.

To get immense strength.

To overcome sins of previous birth.

It is believed that Vishnu himself will appear to protect those who follow Dharma and perform Varuthini Ekadasi fasting.

Story of Varuthini Ekadasi Fasting

The story of Varuthini Ekadasi is associated with a king named Mandada and it was narrated by Sri Krishna to Yudhishtira. The king used to perform tapas and intense penance on the banks of Narmada River.

One day the king was meditating on Bhagwan Vishnu in a nearby jungle. Suddenly a bear appeared and attacked the king. He bit off the leg of King Mandhata.

The king was so immersed in meditation that he did not feel any pain and was neither aware of the attack of the bear.

The bear dragged the king into the jungle.

When the king came out of his meditation, he saw the bear and his badly bruised leg and body.

The king meditated on Vishnu again and offered prayers.

On hearing the prayers of the king, Vishnu appeared in the forest and the bear was subdued.

Vishnu asked the king to worship his Varaha form and perform Ekadasi vrat.

The king performed puja of Varaha and performed Ekadasi fasting. Soon the king regained his former self. His leg also reappeared.  

How to observe Varuthini Ekadasi?

On the Dashami day, the day before the Varuthini Ekadasi those devotees who are fasting does not consume food made from urad dal, red lentils, chickpeas, spinach, kondo, and honey. Usually only a single meal is taken on the day and it is never served on bell metal plate. Food is consumed in one’s own house and the devotee abstains from gambling and sex.

On the Varuthini Ekadasi day, people spend the day in reading the Bhagavata Purana and minimum contact with people – this is to abstain from talking. Rice is avoided. Usually people do not sleep during day time. Some people also stay awake during night. Betel nuts and leaf are avoided. The person observing the vrat stays awake chanting the name of Bhagavan Vishnu.

On the Dwadasi day, the day after Varuthini Ekadasi, the same routine as observed on Dashami is followed. Men usually avoid shaving. Taking an oil bath is also avoided. Non-vegetarian food is not consumed on the day.

Varuthini Ekadasi Puja

The puja is performed in the morning and evening on Ekadasi.
The person performing the puja should wear yellow color dress after taking bath.
Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind.
Keep a painting or sculpture of Varaha form of Vishnu on a yellow color cloth on the northside of the house.
Light lamp using pure cow ghee.
Offer natural agarbatti of flowers.
Offer Tulsi leaves.
Tilak should be of Kesar or saffron.
Offer seasonal yellow fruits like mango or banana. This should be later shared and eaten as prasad by family members or relatives or neighbors or friends.
Chant "Om Varahaya Namah' (ॐ वराहाय नमः) 108 times. Count should be kept on a Tulsi or white chandan mala.

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