Parivartini Ekadashi 2025: Date, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi, Significance and Rituals

 

India is a land of festivals, rituals, and deep-rooted traditions. Among the many important vrats (fasts) observed by Hindus, Ekadashi holds a very special place. It comes twice every lunar month, on the eleventh day of both Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha. Each Ekadashi has its own name, significance, and way of observance. Out of these, Parivartini Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious, as it falls during the holy Chaturmas period when Lord Vishnu is believed to be in Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep).

In 2025, Parivartini Ekadashi will be observed with great devotion across India. Devotees fast, perform puja, and seek blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity, peace, and liberation. This blog will guide you through the exact date and timings, the spiritual significance, the Vrat Katha, and the step-by-step Puja Vidhi for Parivartini Ekadashi 2025.

Parivartini Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang:

• Ekadashi Date: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 3 September, 03:53 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 4 September, 04:21 AM
• Parana (Breaking the fast): 4 September, between 01:36 PM to 04:07 PM
• Hari Vasara End: 4 September, 10:18 AM

(Timings can vary based on local Panchang and sunrise/sunset times in different cities.)

Significance of Parivartini Ekadashi

The word “Parivartini” means to turn or to change. According to scriptures, Lord Vishnu turns from his left side to his right side on this day while resting in the cosmic ocean (Ksheer Sagar) during Chaturmas. This divine act of turning is considered very auspicious.

1. Part of Chaturmas: Parivartini Ekadashi comes in the middle of Chaturmas, the four sacred months dedicated to penance, fasting, and devotion. It marks a spiritual shift.
2. Connection to Vamana Avatar: The vrat is linked to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana incarnation and his leela with King Bali.
3. Destroyer of Sins: It is said that observing this Ekadashi helps devotees wash away sins of the past and paves the way to Moksha.
4. Blessings of Prosperity: People believe that fasting on this day brings good fortune, spiritual growth, and happiness in family life.
5. Special for Vishnu Devotees: Vaishnavas across India give great importance to this day, performing special pujas and chanting mantras of Vishnu.

Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story)

Every vrat in Hinduism is accompanied by a sacred story, which explains its origin and significance. The Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat Katha is primarily connected with Lord Vamana and King Bali.

Once, King Bali, a mighty and generous demon king, performed great yajnas and gained immense power. To protect the Devas and restore balance, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Vamana approached King Bali during a yajna and asked for three steps of land as alms. The generous king agreed.

In the first step, Vamana covered the entire earth. In the second, he covered the sky. With no space left, Bali offered his own head for the third step. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon and promised to always reside in Patal Lok with him.

It is believed that during Chaturmas, Vishnu rests in Patal Lok, and on Parivartini Ekadashi, he changes his side in Yoga Nidra, blessing devotees with spiritual energy.

Another version mentions Lord Krishna narrating this vrat’s significance to Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata, explaining that anyone who observes it with faith will be freed from sins and attain divine blessings.

Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat and Puja Vidhi

Preparations on the Previous Day (Dashami)

• Take a light and sattvic meal in the evening.
• Avoid consuming rice, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
• Maintain purity in thoughts and actions.

On the Day of Parivartini Ekadashi

1. Morning Rituals

The day begins in the Brahma Muhurta (roughly 4–6 AM), a sacred time believed to be best for meditation and worship. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath—many prefer using water mixed with a few drops of Ganga Jal for purification—and wear clean, simple clothes, usually in light or yellow colors that are considered auspicious for Lord Vishnu.

Before beginning the vrat, devotees perform Sankalp. This is a solemn vow taken in front of Lord Vishnu where one declares their intention to observe the fast sincerely, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and pray for peace and prosperity for the family. Sankalp is usually done with folded hands, chanting Lord Vishnu’s name, and offering water along with flowers or Tulsi leaves.

 

2. Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)

After Sankalp, devotees prepare the puja altar. A picture or idol of Lord Vishnu is placed on a clean wooden platform, decorated with flowers, a kalash, and rangoli.

• Offerings: Devotees offer fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, fruits, incense sticks, and light a diya filled with ghee. Tulsi leaves are considered essential because they are very dear to Lord Vishnu.
• Recitation: Sacred texts such as the Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, or the Ekadashi Vrat Katha are recited. Listening to or narrating the vrat katha is believed to multiply the benefits of the fast.
• Mantra Chanting: Throughout the day, devotees chant the powerful mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” to remain focused on devotion.

The puja is performed with calmness and humility, and families often sit together during the rituals, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere at home.

3. Fasting Rules

Fasting is the central aspect of Parivartini Ekadashi. The type of fast depends on one’s health, age, and devotion.

• Nirjala Vrat: This is the strictest form, where devotees avoid both food and water for the entire day. It is believed to bring immense spiritual merit.
• Phalahar Vrat: For those unable to do Nirjala, fruits, milk, water, coconut water, and vrat-friendly foods like sabudana, makhana, and kuttu flour preparations can be consumed.

Regardless of the type of fast, certain foods are completely avoided:

• Rice, wheat, pulses, lentils, and grains
• Onions, garlic, and any tamasic (impure) food items
• Meat, alcohol, or any intoxicants

The purpose of fasting is not only physical abstinence but also controlling desires, purifying thoughts, and focusing entirely on spiritual practice.

4. Evening Puja

As the day moves towards evening, devotees once again gather to worship Lord Vishnu. The Vishnu Aarti is performed with lamps, conch shells, and devotional songs. Families sing bhajans and kirtans, filling the home with divine energy.

Many people also practice Jagran-staying awake through the night. This is considered very auspicious, as the night is spent in the remembrance of Lord Vishnu through singing bhajans, chanting his holy names, or simply meditating. The idea is to dedicate the entire Ekadashi to devotion and spiritual upliftment rather than worldly pleasures.

5. Parana (Breaking the Fast)

The fast is concluded on Dwadashi Tithi, the next day after Ekadashi. However, Parana (breaking the fast) must be done at the prescribed time and only after the Hari Vasara period ends (the first one-fourth of Dwadashi tithi, when breaking the fast is avoided).

The recommended steps for Parana include:

• Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu one final time before breaking the fast.
• Feeding cows, Brahmins, or distributing food to the needy as an act of charity.
• Consuming simple satvik food like fruits, milk, or khichdi to end the fast.

Breaking the fast properly ensures that the vrat is considered complete and that devotees receive full spiritual benefits.

 

Rituals and Traditions

• Offering Tulsi: Tulsi is considered extremely sacred to Vishnu. Always offer Tulsi leaves during the puja.
• Donation: Giving charity on Ekadashi is said to multiply the vrat’s benefits.
• Jagran: Staying awake at night, singing bhajans, and meditating is highly recommended.
• Avoiding Anger and Gossip: Ekadashi is not only about food but also about controlling speech and emotions.

 Benefits of Observing Parivartini Ekadashi

1. Removes negative karma and past sins.
2. Brings prosperity, good health, and happiness.
3. Helps in spiritual upliftment and attaining Moksha.
4. Strengthens family harmony and peace of mind.
5. Protects from obstacles, evil energies, and misfortune.

Regional Celebrations of Parivartini Ekadashi

• North India: Devotees in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh observe strict fasting and organize Vishnu bhajans in temples.
• South India: In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the day is observed as Vamana Ekadashi. Special pujas are conducted in Vishnu temples.
• Maharashtra & Gujarat: Devotees perform Vishnu Sahasranama recitation and distribute prasad to neighbors.
• Vrindavan and Mathura: Vaishnava temples organize grand events with bhajans, kirtans, and Tulsi Archana.

Do’s and Don’ts on Parivartini Ekadashi

Do’s:

• Wake up early and perform puja with devotion.
• Offer Tulsi, fruits, and flowers to Lord Vishnu.
• Chant Vishnu mantras and read sacred texts.
• Donate food, clothes, or money to the poor.

Don’ts:

• Do not eat rice, onion, garlic, grains, or non-veg.
• Avoid anger, lying, or harsh speech.
• Do not sleep during the day; instead, engage in bhajans and prayers.
• Avoid alcohol or any intoxicants.

Conclusion

Parivartini Ekadashi 2025, observed on 3 September, is one of the most spiritually uplifting days of the year. It not only marks Lord Vishnu’s divine turning in his cosmic sleep but also reminds devotees of the importance of faith, surrender, and devotion. Observing this vrat with sincerity brings blessings of peace, prosperity, and liberation.

By fasting, chanting, and offering prayers on this sacred day, devotees connect deeply with Lord Vishnu and experience divine grace.

May Lord Vishnu bless you and your family with happiness, success, and spiritual growth this Parivartini Ekadashi 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Parivartini Ekadashi also called?
It is also known as Parsva Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi, and Padma Ekadashi.

Q2. Can rice be eaten on Parivartini Ekadashi?
No, rice and grains are strictly prohibited.

Q3. Is it compulsory to do Nirjala fast?
No, if health does not permit, devotees can do Phalahar vrat with fruits and milk.

Q4. What is the spiritual benefit of this Ekadashi?
It helps devotees overcome sins, brings divine blessings, and paves the way to Moksha.

Q5. Why is it linked with Vamana Avatar?
Because the vrat katha narrates the story of Vamana and King Bali, symbolizing devotion and surrender to Lord Vishnu.

Q6. What mantra should be chanted on this day?
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and Vishnu Sahasranama are considered very powerful.