Parivartini Ekadashi Puja: Vamana Avatar Vishnu Vrat for Punya and Moksha

What is Parivartini Ekadashi

Parivartini Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi tithi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September. It is one of the most important Ekadashi vrats of the year because it falls during Chaturmas, the four month period when Bhagwan Vishnu is said to be in Yoga Nidra, a state of divine sleep and rest.

This Ekadashi carries two names for two reasons. It is called Parivartini because Bhagwan Vishnu, while resting on Sheshnag during Chaturmas, turns from his left side to his right side on this day. It is also called Vamana Ekadashi, Jayanti Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi because it marks the day Vishnu appeared in his Vamana avatar. In some regions it is also known as Parsva Ekadashi or Jaljhilini Ekadashi. Devotees observe a strict vrat on this day, worship Vishnu in his Vamana form, and perform daan, believing it brings punya equal to the Ashwamedha Yagya and helps free the soul from past karma.

The Story of Vamana Avatar and King Bali

The katha of this Ekadashi comes from a conversation between Bhagwan Krishna and Yudhishthira, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. King Bali, though born in a family of asuras, was a devoted follower of Vishnu, known for his honesty and generosity. His growing power had displaced Devraj Indra from Swarga, and Indra sought refuge at Vishnu's feet.

To restore balance without harming his beloved devotee, Vishnu took the small and humble form of Vamana, a Brahmin boy, and approached King Bali during a grand yagya where the king was giving away land to all who asked. Vamana asked for only three paces of land measured by his own feet. Bali agreed at once. Vamana then grew to a cosmic size, covering the entire sky with his first step and the whole earth with his second. With no space left for the third step, Bali humbly offered his own head. Pleased by this surrender, Vishnu did not send Bali away in disgrace. Instead, he granted him rulership of Patala Loka and promised to personally guard his kingdom, a promise still remembered as Vishnu turning to watch over Bali during his Chaturmas rest. This story is why the Vamana form of Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadashi, and why humility, daan and surrender to Bhagwan are seen as its core teachings.

Sevas We Offer (Detailed)

1. Ekadashi Shriman Narayana Panchamrut Abhisheka Seva

This seva includes Panchamrut Abhisheka (a holy bath with milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar) and Dhravya Abhisheka to Bhagwan Vishnu. It is ideal for the Sevakartha seeking purification of past karma and the simple blessings of Vishnu on this sacred Ekadashi.

2. Ekadashi Shriman Narayana Sarva Seva

A complete offering that includes Panchamrut and Dhravya Abhisheka, Sarvalankara with Lotus and Tulasi, Tulasi Pushpa Archana, Naivedya and Mangalaarti. This seva is suited for the Sevakartha who wants a full and traditional worship experience covering both spiritual merit and material wellbeing.

3. Ekadashi Maha Puja Seva

Our most elaborate offering, including Panchamrut and Dhravya Abhisheka, Sarvalankara with Lotus and Tulasi, Tulasi Pushpa Archana, Mangalaarti, Vishesha Naivedya of pancha phala and coconut, and a Grand Tulasi Haar Samarpan. Recommended for devotees seeking maximum punya and a deeper connection with Bhagwan Vishnu on this Ekadashi.

4. Shri Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana/Pathan Seva

This seva includes chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama along with Archana, Naivedya and Mangalaarti. The Vishnu Sahasranama, the thousand names of Vishnu, is known to remove obstacles, calm the mind and invite peace and prosperity into the Sevakartha's life.

Puja Process

1. Sankalpa: The purohit takes a sankalpa on behalf of the Sevakartha, stating their name, gotra and the purpose of the puja.
2. Abhisheka: Panchamrut and Dhravya Abhisheka are offered to the Vishnu or Vamana murti with Vedic mantras.
3. Alankara: The deity is adorned with Sarvalankara using Lotus flowers and Tulasi leaves, both considered dear to Vishnu.
4. Archana: Tulasi Pushpa Archana is performed, chanting the names of Vishnu along with each offering.
5. Naivedya: Seasonal fruits, coconut and other sattvic food items are offered as Naivedya.
6. Parayana: For those who opt for it, the Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana is chanted in full.
7. Mangalaarti: The puja closes with Mangalaarti, and the blessings and prasad details are shared with the Sevakartha.

Benefits of Observing Parivartini Ekadashi

• Removes sins accumulated over past births and this life
• Believed to give punya equal to performing an Ashwamedha Yagya
• Brings the combined blessings of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha through worship of Vamana
• Supports progress toward moksha and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth
• Strengthens devotion, humility and surrender, the core teachings of the Vamana avatar
• Brings peace of mind, prosperity and protection to the Sevakartha's family

Scriptural References

The story and mahatmya of Parivartini Ekadashi are described in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana as a conversation between Bhagwan Krishna and Yudhishthira. The Vamana avatar itself is described in the Bhagavata Purana, where Vishnu takes the form of a dwarf Brahmin to restore balance between the devas and King Bali. The general glory of observing Ekadashi vrat throughout the year is also detailed in the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana, both of which describe Ekadashi as one of the most purifying vrats in the Hindu calendar.

Who Should Perform This Puja

• Devotees who wish to observe the Parivartini Ekadashi vrat but cannot travel to a temple
• Those seeking relief from past karma and sins
• Families wanting to invite prosperity and the blessings of Vishnu into their home
• NRI devotees who want an authentic Vedic puja performed on their behalf in India
• Anyone seeking spiritual growth and steady progress toward moksha
• Devotees unable to keep a strict fast but who still wish to participate in the day's punya through puja and daan