Parivartini, Vamana or Parsva Ekadashi

Parsva Ekadashi, also known as Parivartini Ekadashi or Vamana Ekadashi, falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). This Ekadashi is significant because it marks the day when Lord Vishnu, who is in his cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) during the Chaturmas period, turns from his left side to his right side. The significance of Parsva Ekadashi is elaborated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.

Mythological Origins

According to the legend, during the four-month period of Chaturmas, Chaturmas is the period when Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a state of Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) on the Shesha (cosmic serpent) in the Kshirasagara (cosmic ocean of milk). This period begins on Devshayani Ekadashi (also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi) in the month of Ashadha and ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartika. Lord Vishnu goes into a state of deep sleep on the cosmic ocean on the serpent bed of Shesha. Parsva Ekadashi marks the midpoint of this period, when the Lord shifts his position. It is also associated with the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, where he incarnated to subdue the demon king Bali. According to the legend, there was a demon king named Bali who had gained immense power and control over the three worlds through his devotion and penance. The gods, fearing his growing power, approached Lord Vishnu for help.

In response, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. During a sacrificial ceremony conducted by King Bali, Vamana approached him and asked for three paces of land. Bali, known for his generosity, granted the wish. Vamana then assumed his divine form and covered the entire universe in just two steps. For the third step, Bali offered his own head, thus surrendering everything he possessed.

Impressed by Bali’s devotion and sacrifice, Lord Vishnu granted him the boon of becoming the king of the netherworld (Patala) and allowed him to visit the earth once a year during the Onam festival. This act of Vamana is celebrated and remembered on Parsva Ekadashi.

Observing a fast on this day is believed to bring great spiritual merit and the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Rituals

Fasting

Fasting on Parsva Ekadashi is considered highly meritorious. Devotees typically observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, cereals, and beans. Some may observe a nirjala fast (without water), while others may consume fruits, milk, and nuts.

Puja and Prayers

1. Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes. They set up an altar with an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.

2. Offering and Arti: Devotees offer flowers, fruits, incense, lamps, and tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu. Performing Arti (a ritual of worship with light) is an integral part of the puja.

3. Chanting Mantras: Devotees chant Vishnu mantras and recite prayers such as the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) and other hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Night Vigil

Many devotees stay awake all night, engaging in prayers, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, and singing devotional songs. This night vigil is known as Jagran.

Bhog (Offerings)

Special offerings are prepared for Lord Vishnu on Parsva Ekadashi. These offerings are later distributed as prasad (blessed food) among family members and other devotees. Common offerings include:

• Fruits: Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and grapes.

• Sweets: Traditional sweets like laddus, pedas, and kheer (rice pudding).

• Milk Products: Items like butter, ghee, and milk-based sweets.

• Tulsi Leaves: Considered highly sacred and offered to Lord Vishnu.

Temples

Parsva Ekadashi is celebrated with great fervor in Vishnu temples across India and other parts of the world. Some of the most notable temples include:

1. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand: One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, this temple sees thousands of devotees on Parsva Ekadashi.

2. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: Known for its grand celebrations and rituals.

3. Jagannath Temple, Puri: A major center of Vaishnavism, this temple hosts special pujas and processions on Parsva Ekadashi.

4. Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala: One of the most visited temples, where special rituals and prasad are offered on this day.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Kamika Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

ॐ नारायणाय नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

                                      Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! ..

Summary

Parsva Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance, especially for those seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Through fasting, prayers, and rituals, devotees express their devotion to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for prosperity and happiness. Celebrated with great fervor in temples and homes alike, this Ekadashi underscores the deep cultural and spiritual traditions of Hinduism.