Varuthini Ekadashi
Varuthini Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Vaishakha (usually April–May). Grants protection and good fortune.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Vaishakha |
| Usual season | April–May |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu (Varaha) |
| Observed for | Grants protection and good fortune. |
The story of Varuthini Ekadashi
The Varuthini katha, told to Yudhishthira, cites King Mandata and the ascetic-king Dhundhumara, who were relieved of their sufferings through this vrat. 'Varutha' means armour or protection, and the Ekadashi is said to shield the observer like armour and to grant merit equal to great charities and penances.
Significance
It is observed for divine protection, continued good fortune, and freedom from misfortune in this life and the next. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Krishna paksha of Vaishakha.
Grains are avoided; devotees worship Vishnu in his Varaha aspect, give in charity, and break the fast on Dwadashi.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Varuthini Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Varuthini Ekadashi?
Varuthini Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Vaishakha, usually in April–May. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Varuthini Ekadashi?
It is observed for divine protection, continued good fortune, and freedom from misfortune in this life and the next.
What is the story behind Varuthini Ekadashi?
The Varuthini katha, told to Yudhishthira, cites King Mandata and the ascetic-king Dhundhumara, who were relieved of their sufferings through this vrat. 'Varutha' means armour or protection, and the Ekadashi is said to shield the observer like armour and to grant merit equal to great charities and penances..
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.