Parivartini Ekadashi & Vaman Dwadashi - Thursday 24th/Friday 25th September

Parivartini Ekadashi - Bhadarva Sud Ekadashi & Vaman Dwadashi

King Yudhishthir asked Bhagwan, "O Shree Krishna! By what name the Ekadashi falling in the Sud fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad? Please narrate me the Katha of its significance."

Bhagwan Shree Krishna replied, "O King Yudhishthir! Bhadarva Sud Ekadashi is known as Parivartini Ekadashi. Also known as Vaman Ekadashi, it is capable of dispelling all sins and harbinger of good fortune. Fasting on this Ekadashi grants one heaven or Moksha as per devotee's desire. Whoever wishes to uplift himself should observe its Vrat. My devotees worship Bhagwan Vaman on this day, which bring them closer to Me. Bhagwan Narayan, asleep since Devshayani Ekadashi, turns on His side. Therefore this Ekadashi is known as Parivartini Ekadashi."

King Yudhishthir asked, "O Bhagwan! Why do You sleep? Why do You turn on Your side? Why did You tie King Bali? Which Vrat people should undertake who wish to earn Punya during Chaturmaas? Please dispel my ignorance by answering these questions."

Bhagwan Shree Krishna replied, "O noble king! Listen attentively to the Katha of significance of this Ekadashi. In the bygone era of Treta Yug, there was a demon king named Bali. He was My staunch devotee. He performed many Yagnas and gave generous charity to Brahmins. However, he envied Indra, the king of Devtas. King Bali defeated Indra and drove him away from heaven. He ruled over all three worlds - Swarg, Pruthvi and Patal. All dejected Devtas led by Indra assembled on the banks of Kshirsagar where I was resting on coiled body of Shesha, the great asp. They prayed solemnly and sought my assistance. I turned to look towards them. Wishing to help them, I manifested Myself as Vaman, a dwarf Brahmin and won over King Bali."

King Yudhishthir asked, "O Bhagwan! Please tell me how did You win over great King Bali by taking the form of Vaman?"

Shree Krishna Bhagwan replied, "O Yudhishthir! I took birth as a dwarf son of Aditi and Kashyap (which technically makes Me a younger brother of Indra). I went to where King Bali was performing one of his Yagna and sought alms of land equivalent to My three steps as I measure them. I assured him that by donating such a small piece of land to a Barhmin, he would earn Punya of donating all three Loks. As soon as he agreed to My desire, I expanded My body. My feet were in Patal, My knees were on earth, My waist touched Swarg, My stomach reached Mahar Lok, My heart Jan Lok, My neck Tap Lok and My head reached Satya Lok. I said to King Bali, 'O king! I have measured Patal and earth with my first step, Swarg and upper Loks with My second step. Now tell Me where should I rest My third step.' O Yudhishthir! King Bali lowered his head without hesitation and humbly asked Me to put My foot on his head. I put My feet on his head and pushed him into Patal. Though I tricked him into giving everything he had and pushed him to Patal, he never questioned or doubted My action. His surrender to Me was total. I was very pleased with his selfless and sincere devotion towards Me and granted him the boon to stay with him forever."

Bhagwan Shree Krishna continued, "O king! On the day of Parivartini Ekadashi, I am with King Bali in one Swarup and I am resting on water of Kshirsagar in another Swarup. Everybody must observe the Vrat of this Ekadashi, which is capable of dispelling one's all sins. On this day, supreme Bhagwan of three worlds, Bhagwan Narayan turns His body from a deep slumber. Therefore, devotees must worship Bhagwan Narayan on this Ekadashi. Whoever observes a fast, donates curds and rice to deserving Brahmins and performs Jagran at night indeed attains Moksha upon his death. Anyone who reads, narrates or listens to this Katha earns Punya equivalent to performing a thousand Ashvamedha Yagnas."

This Mahtmya of Parivartini Ekadashi is narrated in the Skand Puran