The Ekadasi fasting observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month in traditional North Indian calendar is known as Padma Ekadasi. In 2024, Padma Ekadasi date as per North Indian calendar is September 14. It must be noted that the Devshayani Ekadasi observed in the month of Ashada month is also referred as Padma Ekadashi. Padma Ekadasi is observed during the Chaturmas period. This Ekadasi is also referred as Vamana Ekadasi, Parsava Parivartini Ekadashi and Jaljhlini Ekadasi. The name of this Ekadasi varies from region to region. But the legend associated with this Ekadasi remains the same. It is said that Lord Vishnu who is sleeping during the Chaturmas period changes his sleep position on this Ekadashi day. All the usual fasting rules associated with Ekadasi fasting is observed on the day. Some people opt for a strict complete fast.

In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman carried the mountain with the Sanjeevani Herb to save the life of Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, who was struck and rendered unconscious by the arrow of Indrajit, son of Ravana. For thousands of years, scientists, Ayurveda practitioners and common people, have been trying to identify the exact Sanjivani Herb that brought back Lakshmana to consciousness. Sanjeevani literally means something that offers life. Now a group of scientists from Bangalore have zeroed in on two plants grown in the Western Ghats , Aravali and the Vindhyas, which could be the Sanjivani herb that saved the life of Lakshman. Kalyan Ray writes in Deccan Herald A fern Selaginella bryopteris and an orchid Flickingeria fimbriata, could be the potential species representing Sanjeevani, said researchers from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore and College of Forestry , Sirsi. “S.bryopteris is known to offer protection against heat shoc