Parsva Ekadashi Vrat 2024 Date and Time: Know Significance, Rituals, Benefits
Posted on September 13, 2024
Parsva Ekadashi Vrat is a significant Hindu religious observance, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). This Ekadashi is also known as Parivartini Ekadashi or Vamana Ekadashi, as it marks the day when Lord Vishnu, in his cosmic sleep during the Chaturmas period, turns from one side to the other, symbolizing the divine shift.
- Parsva Ekadashi Vrat 2024 Date: Saturday, September 14.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 10:30 PM on Sep 13, 2024.
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 08:41 PM on Sep 14, 2024.
Significance:
- Parsva Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious for seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings. It holds special importance as it occurs during the holy period of Chaturmas, a time when devotees perform various religious rituals and observe fasts to attain spiritual growth. The observance of this Vrat (fast) is believed to help individuals wash away their sins and achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
- This day is also linked to the worship of Lord Vamana, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Vamana is the dwarf Brahmin incarnation that appeared to subdue the demon king Bali.
Rituals of Parsva Ekadashi:
- Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on this day, abstaining from grains, rice, and beans. Some people opt for a complete fast, consuming only water, while others may have fruits, milk, or light meals.
- Prayers and Puja: Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu, and devotees chant Vishnu mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama. Temples often perform grand rituals, with offerings of flowers, fruits, and lamps.
- Reading Scriptures: It is a tradition to read or listen to religious texts, particularly the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavad Gita, which extol the virtues of Lord Vishnu.
- Night Vigil: Many devotees remain awake the entire night, chanting prayers and performing rituals in honour of Lord Vishnu.
- Charity: It is customary to engage in acts of charity, offering food, clothes, or other items to the needy, which is believed to bring good karma.
Benefits of Observing Parsva Ekadashi:
- It is believed that those who observe the Parsva Ekadashi Vrat with dedication are blessed with peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
- The fast helps in detoxifying the body and mind, encouraging self-discipline and focus.
- According to Hindu beliefs, observing this fast brings spiritual merit equivalent to performing grand sacrifices or pilgrimages.
In essence, Parsva Ekadashi is a day of devotion, self-restraint, and reflection, offering devotees the opportunity to align themselves with divine principles and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for spiritual elevation.