Parivartini Ekadashi is Coming 26th September 2012.
About Parivartini Ekadashi
Parivartini Ekadasi or Vamana Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day during Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapad month.It is believed that on this Ekadasi day Lord Vishnu who reclines on Aadishesha turns to another side and this turn is called as Parivarthan.
Parshva Ekadashi is one of the Ekadashi vratas that falls during Chaturmas period.On this Ekadashi day Lord Vamana sent King Mahabali to Patal loka,hence it is also called as Vamana Ekadashi.It is believed that those who observe this Ekadashi will be absolved of their sins.
The Parsava Parivartini Ekadasi observed during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadra month is associated with incarnation of Lord Vamana of Lord Vishnu and also with sleep of Vishnu during Chatur Mas period. Parivartini Ekadasi Vrat Katha (Story) extols the glory of the legendary King Bali.
King Bali was popular on earth for his honesty, compassion, justice and there was all-round prosperity in his kingdom. He made the utopia a reality. Although born into a family of Demons, King Bali was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
His glory and power made Indra (the lord of Demi Gods) weak. Soon King Bali overthrew Indra and took over the heavenly kingdom. Indra took refuge at the feet of Lord Vishnu.
Story of Parivartini Ekadashi
The Parsava Parivartini Ekadasi observed during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadra month is associated with incarnation of Lord Vamana of Lord Vishnu and also with sleep of Vishnu during Chatur Mas period. Parivartini Ekadasi Vrat Katha (Story) extols the glory of the legendary King Bali.
King Bali was popular on earth for his honesty, compassion, justice and there was all-round prosperity in his kingdom. He made the utopia a reality. Although born into a family of Demons, King Bali was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
His glory and power made Indra (the lord of Demi Gods) weak. Soon King Bali overthrew Indra and took over the heavenly kingdom. Indra took refuge at the feet of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana – a dwarf Brahmin and went to thepalace of King Bali who was conducting a huge Yajna. King Bali was distributing gifts to all gathered there and the young Vamana asked for three steps of land.
King Bali thought that three steps of land was too little and asked the young Brahman to ask for something more. But Vamana was adamant and he wanted only three steps of land. King Bali agreed and asked him to take three steps of land wherever he wanted.
Suddenly, Lord Vamana grew in gigantic proportions and those stood there could no longer see the face of Vamana Deva. In one step, Lord Vamana measured the heaven and in another step earth and there was no place to keep the third step. King Bali readily bowed his head and asked Lord Vamana to place the third step on this head. King Bali was thus pushed to the netherworld.
Satisfied with King Bali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him that he will live constantly with King Bali. The popular belief is that Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana lives in the abode of King Bali.
Legend of Parivartini Ekadashi
The legend of Parsva Parivarthana Ekadashi is mentioned in Brahma Vivarta Purana as the conversation between Lord Shri Krishna and Yudhistira.Parsava Parivartini Ekadashi is associated with incarnation of Lord Vamana of Lord Vishnu and also with sleep of Vishnu during Chatur Mas period.Parivartini Ekadasi Vrat story praises the glory of the legendary King Bali.
King Bali was popular on earth for his honesty, compassion, justice and there happiness and prosperity in his kingdom. He made the utopia a reality. Although born into a family of Demons, King Bali was a hardcore devotee of Lord Vishnu.His glory and power made Indra (the king of Demi Gods) weak. Soon King Bali overthrew Indra and took over the heavenly kingdom.
Indra prayed to Lord Vishnu for help.Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana – a dwarf Brahmin and went to the palace King Bali who was busy performing a huge Yajna.King Bali was donating gifts to all the people present at the Yajna.The young Vamana demanded for three steps of land.King Bali thought those three steps of land were too less and asked the young Brahman to ask for something more.
But Vamana was adamant and he insisted for only three steps of land. King Bali agreed and asked him to take three steps of land wherever he wanted.Suddenly,Lord Vamana grew in a cosmic size.In the first step, Lord Vamana covered the heaven and in the second step he measured the earth and there was no place to keep the third step.King Bali readily bowed his head and asked Lord Vamana to place the third step on this head.
Thus,King Bali was pushed into the netherworld.Impressed with King Bali’s devotion,Lord Vishnu blessed him that he will live with King Bali forever.So,it is believed that Lord Vishnu,in the form of Vamana ,lives in the abode of King Bali
How to observe Parivartini Ekadashi
Harivasara explains in detail the entire procedure regarding observance of ‘Ekadashi’. Though during the modern day period it is difficult to follow and observe the same in strict sense but there are people with deep religious inclination who still manage to do it. Depending upon the region people have given diverse opinions on how to go about it and regarding food and other rituals. It varies from region to region and from person to person.
One must note that the preparation starts on Dasami day which is a day before Ekadashi. As a matter of religious practice the person observing Ekadashi has to wake up early in the morning and has to perform the necessary routine activities while doing which he should be mentally prepared for Ekadashi. Further on the day of dasami he should consume meal only at one time and should compulsorily avoid salt, alcohol, non-vegetarian food and sex. There is also some puranic literature which suggest that dal and honey should further be avoided on this day.
After dasami the day which follows is Ekadashi which is meant for complete fasting. It is believed that offering prayers to Vishnu is the order of the day which should be followed in strict sense. There are also varied opinions on the routine activities which are to be performed like some people avoid sleep during Ekadashi night and they hear religious discourses and perform Arati however others simply observe fast and confine themselves to normal worship.
The next day is called Dwadasi that is the day after Ekadeshi on which day the routine and activities of Dasami are more or less repeated and followed. It is believed that observants should stick to normal eating habits and avoid overeating and further ensure that the food cooked is entirely home made. Puranas further state that as a mode of precaution one should not take pride while observing Ekadashi.
