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Festivals of India: Varuthini Ekadasi

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Also known as Baruthani Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi is a significant festival that holds deep spiritual and cultural importance. Falling on the 11th lunar day, or Ekadashi, of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra or Vaishakha, the festival typically falls in April or May of the Gregorian calendar.

The origins of Varuthini Ekadashi are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology. The festival’s name, Varuthini, is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning armoured or protected, signifying the spiritual protection bestowed upon devotees who observe this sacred day. The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, particularly his fifth avatar, Vamana, and devotees believe that observing this Ekadashi is believed to bring devotees closer to the divine and offer protection from negative energies and evil influences.

The significance of this festival is highlighted in various Hindu texts, including the Bhavishya Purana, where Lord Krishna narrates its importance to King Yudhishthira. According to these scriptures, observing Varuthini Ekadashi brings numerous benefits, including protection from evil and good fortune, prosperity in this life and the next, liberation from curses and sins, and blessings equivalent to rigorous penance.

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The celebration of Varuthini Ekadashi involves a series of rituals and practices that devotees follow with great devotion. The primary observance is fasting, which is considered crucial for reaping the spiritual benefits of this day. Devotees typically observe a strict fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, abstaining from certain foods and activities. Many choose to fast completely, while others may have a single meal while grains, certain vegetables, and specific foods are avoided. The consumption of Havishyanna, or boiled food without spices, salt, and oil from the previous day, is recommended.

The day is marked by various religious and spiritual activities. Devotees wake up during Brahma Muhurta, the auspicious pre-dawn hours, and take a purifying bath. This is the time before dawn that is considered a sacred time for meditation and spiritual practices. It is also known as the creator’s hour. Brahma muhurta is a 48-minute period that begins 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise, with the exact timing depending on the location and the time of sunrise, though it usually occurs between 3:30 and 5:30 am. A wooden platform is set up with an image of Lord Vishnu, covered in red or yellow cloth, and offerings of Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Ganga water, are made to Lord Vishnu. Incense, lamps, and camphor are lit as offerings, and mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are chanted by devotees, and an aarti is performed. Many engage in meditation and spiritual contemplation throughout the day.

Performing acts of charity is considered highly auspicious on Varuthini Ekadashi. Devotees are encouraged to donate various items, with the belief that different donations yield varying levels of spiritual benefits. Donating knowledge is considered the highest form of charity. Other beneficial donations include cows, gold, food grains, sesame seeds, land, elephants, and horses.

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Several mythological stories are associated with Varuthini Ekadashi, each highlighting its spiritual significance and transformative power. One of the most prominent legends involves Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva cut off the fifth head of Lord Brahma. As a consequence, Lord Brahma cursed Lord Shiva. Seeking a remedy, Lord Vishnu advised Lord Shiva to observe the Varuthini Ekadashi fast. By following this advice, Lord Shiva was eventually released from the curse. Another tale speaks of King Mandata, who gained enlightenment through the observance of Varuthini Ekadashi. The legend of King Dhundhumara from the Ikshvaku dynasty is also associated with Varuthini Ekadashi. According to this story, the king was freed from a curse by Lord Shiva through the observance of this sacred day.

While not specific to Varuthini Ekadashi, the origin story of Ekadashi itself is worth mentioning. Lord Vishnu was in a state of deep sleep or meditation. A demon named Murdanav attempted to attack the sleeping Vishnu. A beautiful woman emerged from Vishnu’s 11th sense, the mind. Murdanav, infatuated, asked to marry her. She agreed on the condition that he defeat her in battle. During the fight, Murdanav was killed. Vishnu awoke and blessed the woman, naming her Ekadashi. He decreed that those who fast on this day would attain moksha or liberation. This legend explains the spiritual significance of all Ekadashi observances, including Varuthini Ekadashi.

Varuthini Ekadashi holds a special place among the 24 Ekadashi observances that occur in a lunar year Its importance is multifaceted, touching various aspects of Hindu spiritual and cultural life. The observance is believed to cleanse the soul and elevate spiritual consciousness. Devotees seek the grace of Lord Vishnu, believing that sincere observance brings immense spiritual benefits. It is thought to help individuals overcome the burden of past sins and negative karma. The festival is seen as a shield against evil influences and negative energies. Many believe that observing Varuthini Ekadashi can lead to the fulfilment of righteous wishes and aspirations. The festival also brings people together, strengthening social and cultural ties within the community.

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In contemporary times, the observance of Varuthini Ekadashi continues to be an important part of Hindu religious practice. While the core spiritual principles remain unchanged, the way the festival is celebrated has adapted to modern lifestyles. Many temples now offer online darshan and puja services, allowing devotees to participate remotely. While traditional fasting practices are still followed by many, some adapt the fast to suit their health needs and work schedules.

Varuthini Ekadashi stands as a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of Hinduism. It embodies the principles of devotion, self-discipline, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. The festival’s enduring popularity and significance highlight its relevance in both ancient and modern contexts.

Through its rituals, myths, and spiritual practices, Varuthini Ekadashi offers devotees a path to connect with the divine, seek personal transformation, and contribute to the welfare of their community. As with many Hindu observances, it blends deep philosophical concepts with practical spiritual practices, making it accessible to devotees from all walks of life. In an increasingly fast-paced and materialistic world, festivals like Varuthini Ekadashi serve as important reminders of the eternal spiritual truths that have guided Hindu civilization for millennia. They offer a moment of pause, reflection, and renewal, allowing individuals to realign themselves with their higher purpose and spiritual goals. It is these festivals that stand as a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, ensuring that the spiritual legacy of Hinduism remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.

Festivals of India: Ashadi Ekadashi

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Tomorrow is Ashadi Ekadashi which is also known variously as Shayani Ekadashi which literally means sleeping eleventh or the Maha Ekadashi or the great eleventh or Prathama Ekadashi or the first eleventh. It is the eleventh lunar day or ekadashi of the bright fortnight or shukla paksha of the Hindu month of Ashadha which happens sometime in June or July and so is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Ashadhi. This holy day is of special significance to Vaishnavas, followers of the Hindu protector God, Lord Vishnu.

On this day images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped and the entire night is spent chanting prayers and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four-month period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day. It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar or the cosmic ocean of milk on Shesha naga, the cosmic serpent. Thus the day is also called Dev Shayani Ekadashi or the god sleeping eleventh or Hari Shayani Ekadashi or Vishnu sleeping eleventh. Vishnu finally awakens from his slumber four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi or the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik which comes sometime in October or November. A fast is observed on Shayani Ekadashi. The fast demands abstainance from all grains, beans, cereals, certain vegetables like onions and certain spices.

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In the scripture Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Krishna narrates the significance of Shayani Ekadashi to Yudhishthira, as the creator god Lord Brahma narrated the significance to his son, the sage Narada once. The story of king Mandata is narrated in this context. The pious king’s country had faced drought for three years, but the king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to observe the vrata or vow of Dev Shayani Ekadashi and when the king sis so, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom.

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In my home state of Maharashtra, on this day, a huge yatra or religious procession of pilgrims known as Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra culminates at Pandharpur in Solapur district in south Maharashtra, situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. Pandharpur is main center of worship of the deity Vitthal, a local form of Lord Vishnu. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to Pandharpur on this day from different parts of the state with some of them carrying Palkhis or palanquins with the footwear and images of the saints of Maharashtra, each from a different part of the state. As per tradition, saint Dnyaneshwar’s palki leaves from Alandi, while saint Tukaram’s begins at Dehu, both near Pune. The pilgrims are referred to as Warkaris and they sing Abhangas or hymns written by Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar, dedicated to Lord Vitthal. This 700-800 year old tradition takes 21-days of walking from various parts of the state, reaching Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi where they take a holy dip in the sacred Chandrabhaga or Bhima River before proceeding to visit the Vitthal Temple. The road next to our building in Mumbai is part of one of the routes the warkaris take and in the beginning of their trek, one night, we hear them pretty much the whole night, as various groups of warkaris start their journey, singing abhangs and hymns and we just know that Ashadi Ekadashi is just around the corner.

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Ashadi Ekadashi is also the beginning of the holy four month period known as Chaturmas from June/July to October/November which will end on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Kartik which is the eighth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that the devas of demigods start their four month long sleep on the Ashadi Ekadashi and sjould not be disturbed which is why the Chaturmas period is considered inauspicious for weddings and other celebrations and is considered a suitable time for householders to have an annual renewal of faith by listening to discourses on dharma, and by meditation and vrata or self-control. Penance, austerities, religious observances, recital of mantras, bathing in holy rivers, performing sacrifices, and charity are prescribed. Fasts and purity during this period help maintain health, for which there is likely a scientific rationale, disease spreading more readily with the onset of monsoon. A number of Hindus, particularly those following the Vaishnav tradition, refrain from eating onions and garlic during this period. In Maharashtra, a number of Hindu families also do not eat any preparations made from egg plant, brinjal or aubergene. Asetics or Sanyasis are supposed to halt during this period at one selected place called the monsoon retreat, and give discourses to the public. Major celebrations within this holy period include Guru Purnima, Krishna Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali and Champa Sashthi, which as per tradition in Maharashtra, is the day Chaturmas ends.

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In Jainism this practice is collectively known as Varshayog and is prescribed for Jain monasticism when wandering monks believe that during the rainy season, countless bugs, insects and tiny creatures that cannot be seen in the naked eye take birth massively. Therefore, these monks reduce the amount of harm they do to other creatures so they opt to stay in a single place for the four months to incur minimal harm to other lives. These monks, who generally do not stay in one place for long, observe their annual rains retreat during this period, by living in one place during the entire period amidst lay people, observing a vow of silence, meditation, fasting and other austerities, and also giving religious discourses to the local public. One of the most important Jain festivals, Paryushana, falls during the beginning of this period, which concludes with Kshamavani Diwas or Forgiveness Day, when lay people and disciples say Micchami Dukkadam and ask forgiveness from each other. Amongst Jain merchants, there is a tradition of inviting monks to their respective cities during Chaturmas to give religious instruction.

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In Buddhism, it is believed that Gautama Buddha stayed at the royal garden of King Bimbisara of Rajgir, whom he had recently converted, for the period of Chaturmas and gave sermons. This practice is followed by monks to this day. Another reason for ascetics to stay in one place during the rainy season is that the tropical climate produces a large number of insects, which would be trampled by travelling monks.