Varuthini Ekadashi, also known as Baruthani Ekadashi, is an auspicious Hindu holy day that is observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This year, the date for Varuthini Ekadashi falls on April 16, 2023.
Significance of 2023 Varuthini Ekadashi
The followers of Varuthini Ekadashi vrat believe that by observing the Varuthini Ekadashi fast, they can successfully cleanse their sins and seek blessings of happiness, prosperity, and wealth. Some even consider that they can attain the ability to perform various types of charities. Hindu women consider Varuthini Ekadashi vrat to be highly significant as they believe the vrat is a step towards a fortunate phase of life. Also, those observing this fast will be successfully blessed with salvation or ‘Moksha’.
Observance of Varuthini Ekadashi
The day before Varuthini Ekadashi is known as Dashami Day. Devotees who are considering observing a fast refrain from consuming food made from urad dal, red lentils, chickpeas, spinach, kondo, and honey. On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, the day is spent at home reciting Holy Scriptures, such as Bhagavad Purana, and conversing with people is kept at a minimum. Rice, onion, spinach, betel nuts, and leaves are avoided. People usually keep awake during the daytime and at night as well.
On the day after Varunithi Ekadashi, known as Dwadasi day, the same schedule is followed as that on Dashami. The devotees break the fast and offer food to Brahmins and other needy people as a part of the rituals. Overall, Varuthini Ekadashi is an important occasion for the Hindu community to cleanse their sins and seek blessings from the almighty.
Things To Do Ekadashi
On the day of Varuthini Ekadashi, there are several rituals and practices that devotees follow to seek blessings and cleanse their sins. Here are some things to do on 2023 Varuthini Ekadashi:
- Observing Fast: Devotees observe a strict fast on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi. They refrain from consuming food made from urad dal, red lentils, chickpeas, spinach, kondo, and honey.
- Reading Holy Scriptures: Devotees spend the day reciting Holy Scriptures such as Bhagavad Purana and other religious texts.
- Minimal Conversation: Conversing with people is kept at a minimum, and the day is spent in solitude and contemplation.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Rice, onion, spinach, betel nuts, and leaves are avoided by devotees on the day of Varuthini Ekadashi.
- Donations: Devotees can also perform various types of charities to seek blessings and reduce their sins.
- Wakefulness: People usually keep awake during the daytime and at night as well.
- Prayers: Devotees offer prayers to Sri Vishnu and seek blessings for happiness, prosperity, and salvation.