Parsva Ekadashi
Parsava
Ekadashi is also known as Parvartini or Parivartana Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi , Jayanti Ekadashi. Parsava Ekadashi falls during the waxing
phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha)of the Bhadrapada month.Ekadashi is one of the
most auspicious day for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. All the devotees would
observe the Parsava Ekadashi Vrat. It is believed that by observing the Parsava
Ekadashi vrat one is relieved from all the sins that he had done.The Hindu
devotees also believe that Lord Vishnu had changed his position of sleep on
this day - from left side to right side. Hence, this Ekadashi is also called
Parsva Parivartini Ekadashi.
Legend
has it that King Bali was renowned for this justice, compassion and honesty all
around. Hence, his kingdom prospered highly. Though Bali was born into a family
of demons, he proved them wrong by growing up to become a fervent follower of
Lord Vishnu. As a result, the kings glory and power made the lord of Demi Gods,
Indra, very weak. Eventually, Bali threw Indra out of his kingdom. Indra then
left for the heavenly abode and found refuge in the feet of Lord Vishnu.
Disguised as a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana, Lord Vishnu visited the palace of King
Bali. Here, the king had conducted a huge Yagna and was distributing gifts and
alms to the gathered people.
Young Vamana too utilized this opportunity and went ahead to ask for three steps of land. However, the king thought that three steps of land was too little to ask for and requested him to ask for something else. However, Vamana stood by his word and wanted only three steps of land. Hopeless, King Bali agreed to allocate him the land wherever the Brahmin wishes. To everyones surprise, Lord Vamana suddenly appeared in the form of a giant that his face could no longer be seen. He measured heaven with his first step and the earth with the second step leaving no space for the third.
Unable to stand by his words, King Bali bowed down and offered his head for the third step. Thus, Lord Vamana pushed the king to death. On viewing the kings extreme devotion and loyalty, Lord Vishnu promised to live alongside the king thereafter. The Hindu devotees still believe that Lord Vishnu resides in the home of King Bali disguised as Vamana. People observing a fast on Parsava Ekadashi should refrain from eating foods made from rice, grains and beans. Usually, people prefer to observe a partial fast while some opt fro a complete vrat as well.
Young Vamana too utilized this opportunity and went ahead to ask for three steps of land. However, the king thought that three steps of land was too little to ask for and requested him to ask for something else. However, Vamana stood by his word and wanted only three steps of land. Hopeless, King Bali agreed to allocate him the land wherever the Brahmin wishes. To everyones surprise, Lord Vamana suddenly appeared in the form of a giant that his face could no longer be seen. He measured heaven with his first step and the earth with the second step leaving no space for the third.
Unable to stand by his words, King Bali bowed down and offered his head for the third step. Thus, Lord Vamana pushed the king to death. On viewing the kings extreme devotion and loyalty, Lord Vishnu promised to live alongside the king thereafter. The Hindu devotees still believe that Lord Vishnu resides in the home of King Bali disguised as Vamana. People observing a fast on Parsava Ekadashi should refrain from eating foods made from rice, grains and beans. Usually, people prefer to observe a partial fast while some opt fro a complete vrat as well.
2016 Date : 13th September, Tuesday.
2017 Date : 2nd September.
2017 Date : 2nd September.
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