Varuthini Ekadashi 2025: Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha – The Sacred Story

Varuthini Ekadashi 2025: Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Once, Arjuna asked Lord Krishna, “O Lord, please tell me about the Ekadashi that falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Vaishakh month. What is it called, what rituals are followed, and what are its spiritual rewards?”

Lord Krishna replied, “O Arjuna, the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakh month is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. This sacred day is highly auspicious and brings immense fortune. Fasting on this Ekadashi destroys all sins and blesses the observer with good luck and prosperity. Even a sorrowful woman who keeps this fast with devotion becomes fortunate.”

Lord Krishna further shared that King Mandhata reached heaven due to the power of this Ekadashi. Similarly, many others like King Dhundhumar also attained salvation. Observing this fast is equivalent to performing penance for ten thousand years.

It is also believed that the merit gained by donating gold during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra is equal to the merit of fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi. This fast not only brings happiness in the present life but also leads the soul to ultimate liberation.

The Power of Giving on Ekadashi

Shri Krishna emphasised that among all forms of charity:

• Donating an elephant is better than a horse,
• Donating land is superior to both,
• Donating sesame seeds holds even more merit,
• Donating gold surpasses sesame,
• But the best of all is Annadaan (donating food), which satisfies ancestors, deities, and mankind alike.
• Even Kanyadaan (giving one’s daughter in marriage) is considered equivalent to Annadaan. Fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi brings the same spiritual merit as these two sacred acts.

On the other hand, those who perform Kanyadaan with pure devotion and love earn immeasurable virtue—virtue so great that even Chitragupta, the celestial accountant of karma, finds it difficult to record.

Rules to Observe

Devotees should begin preparations from Dashami (the day before Ekadashi) by abstaining from:

1. Eating in bronze utensils
2. Non-vegetarian food
3. Masur dal, chickpeas, kodo millet
4. Spices and herbs
5. Honey
6. Food prepared by others
7. Grains and oily food
8. Eating twice a day on Ekadashi

Lord Krishna concludes, “O King, those who fast on Varuthini Ekadashi with devotion and follow all its rules earn a place in heaven. They should stay away from sinful acts. Merely reading or listening to the greatness of this fast grants the spiritual merit of donating a thousand cows. Its glory even surpasses taking a holy dip in the sacred Ganga.”

Katha Saar (Synopsis)

Self-restraint is the root of good fortune. A person who practices patience and discipline enhances their happiness and destiny. Without self-control, all penance, sacrifice, and devotion lose their true essence.