Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi 2023 Date, Time, Rituals & Significance
The Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi occurs on the ‘Ekadashi’ (eleventh day) during the Shukla Paksha (the moon’s waxing phase) in the Vaishnava month of ‘Hrisikesha’. The English calendar places this date between the months of August and September. The Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi is also commonly referred to as ‘Vamana Ekadashi,’ and it is firmly believed that a person who desires liberation from material enslavement should observe this auspicious Ekadashi vrat with devotion each year. This Ekadashi observance occurs during ‘Dakshinayana Punyakalam’ (the nighttime of Hindu gods and goddesses) during ‘Chaturmas’. Therefore, this Ekadashi is believed to be extremely fortunate.
According to Hindu mythology, Sri Hari Vishnu rests and shifts His slumber position from the left to the right during this Ekadashi. Due to this, this Ekadashi is also known as ‘Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi’. In various regions of the country, the Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi is observed with devotion and is known by various names, such as ‘Jaljhilini Ekadashi’ and ‘Jayanti Ekadashi’. The observer of the Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi vrat will be pardoned for all past transgressions and bestowed with Sri Hari Vishnu’s divine blessings.
Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi Date 2023
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
Story Behind Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi
In the Hindu mythology text Brahma-Vaivarta Purana, Lord Sri Krishna explains to King Yudhisthira why Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi is significant in three realms. People believe that if they observe Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi, they will receive Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode, Vaikunth, as well as all the pleasure they could desire in this world.
On this Ekadashi, according to Hindu mythology, Sri Hari Vishnu rests and shifts from sleeping on his left to his right side. As a result, “Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi” is an alternative moniker for this Ekadashi. In various regions of the nation, the Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi is observed with great devotion. Additionally, it is known by the names “Jaljhilini Ekadashi” and “Jayanti Ekadashi.” The person who observes the Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi vrat will receive Sri Hari Vishnu’s blessings and be absolved for all their past transgressions.
Rituals of Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi
- On Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi, devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a total fast in honour of their deity. The ekadashi fast begins in the evening of ‘dashami’ (the tenth day).
- The individual must abstain from eating after sunset, lie on the floor, and maintain celibacy. Spinach, honey, chickpeas, urad dahl, and sea salt should be avoided, and metal plates should not be used. On the day of Ekadashi, devotees do not consume any food or liquids.
- They must refrain from unnecessary conversation and filthy contact. They must instead hearken to or read the teachings of Lord Vishnu.
- Lord Vamanadev appeared on the day following Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi, which is commemorated as “Sri Vamana Dwadashi.” This ekadashi fast must therefore be observed until noon. The fast is interrupted the following day at noon with Ekadashi prasad.
- ‘Vamandev’, a dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered by devotees with great compassion and devotion.
- It is believed that worshipping Him is the same as praying to the three most important gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
- On the Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi, it is auspicious to present a qualified Brahmin with rice mixed with yoghurt and some silver.
Significance of Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi
Lord Sri Krishna revealed to King Yudhisthira in the ‘Brahma-Vaivarta Purana’ that no other ekadashi in the three realms is as significant as Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi. It is believed that those who observe the Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi will attain all materialistic pleasure in this world and ultimately reach the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’. The significance of Vaishnava Parsva Ekadashi extends far beyond the performance of a sacred horse sacrifice. By worshipping Lord Vamanadev on this ekadashi, devotees will be liberated from all of their sins and achieve salvation.
