Varuthini Ekadashi 2017

Varuthini Ekadashi is a Ekadashi vrat observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed during the waning half of Vaishakha in many northern calendars, corresponding to Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi in Gujarat. Its mahatmya, presented as Krishna's teaching about the merits of the vow, praises self-restraint, charity and the protective power of devotion. One popular vrat-katha concerns King Mandhata, a devoted ruler who undertakes austerities beside the Narmada. A wild bear attacks and injures him, but he turns his thoughts toward Vishnu and asks for guidance rather than giving himself over to anger.

In the familiar retelling Vishnu directs Mandhata to worship in the Varaha form and observe Varuthini Ekadashi. Through this discipline the king is said to recover and renew his life. Some textual versions focus more on the merits and conduct of the vow than on the bear episode, so the two should be described as related narrative strands rather than as a universally identical scripture passage. The name Varuthini evokes protection, especially protection achieved through deliberate conduct rather than an automatic promise of safety.

Devotees worship Vishnu, recite the katha, avoid harmful behaviour, offer charity and may fast according to health. Religious accounts of recovery do not prove a medical cure: an injury from a wild animal requires urgent medical care. As for other Ekadashis, Smarta and Vaishnava fasting dates and Dwadashi parana intervals must be calculated locally.

Kept for protection - varuthini means armoured. The fast is said to guard what has been gained rather than to gain anything, which sets it apart from the ones that promise.

Vishnu worship, Mandhata katha, generosity and a health-appropriate fast followed by correctly timed parana.

Chaitra's dark fortnight. Varuthini is armour, and the fast is kept before something difficult rather than after it.

Gujarati Chaitra Krishna corresponds to Vaishakha Krishna in northern purnimanta calendars.