Parivartini Ekadashi

Parivartini Ekadashi is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the month of Bhadrapad. Parivarthini Ekadashi is observed during the Chatur Mas and Dakshinayana period. It is the night time of Devas. Parivarthini Ekadashi is also known as Jaljhilini Ekadashi. Those who observe vrat (fast) on this Ekadashi, and do poojan of Vamanji, will benefit from fruits equivalent to that of doing pooja to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shivji.

Legend has it that Lord who is taking rest during the period of Dakshinayana, changes his position of sleep - turns from left side to right side on the Ekadashi day in the Shukla Paksha of Bhadra month. Therefore this Ekadashi is also known as Parivartini Ekadashi.The greatness of Parivartini Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, by Lord Krishna.

Maharaja Yudhisthira asked the Lord, "0 Janardana, please clear up a question I have. How is it that the Supreme Lord sleeps and then turns over on His side? 0 Lord, when You are asleep, what happens to all the other living entities? Please also tell me how You bound the king of demons, Bali Maharaja, as well as how one may please the brdhmanas. How does one observe Chaturmas? Kindly be merciful to me and answer these questions."

The Supreme Personality of Godhead replied, "Yudhisthira,"In the Treta-yuga there once lived a king named Bali. Though born in a demonic dynasty, he was very devoted to Me. He sang many Vedic hymns to Me and performed ritual just to satisfy Me. He respected the twice-born brahmanas and engaged them in performing sacrifices daily. This great soul had a quarrel with Indra, however, and eventually defeated him in battle. Bali took over his entire celestial kingdom, which I Myself had given to Indra. Therefore Indra and all the other demigods, along with many great sages, approached Me and complained about Bali Maharaja. Bowing their heads to the ground and offering many sacred prayers from the Vedas, they worshiped Me along with their spiritual master, Brhaspati. Thus I agreed to appear on their behalf as the dwarf Vamanadeva, My fifth incarnation."

King Yudhisthira asked, "Lord, how was it possible for You to conquer such a powerful demon in a dwarf's body? Please explain this clearly, for I am Your faithful devotee."

The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, replied, "Though a dwarf, I was a brahmana, and I approached Bali Maharaja to ask him for alms in the form of land. I said, 'Bali, please give Me just three steps of land in charity. Such a small piece of land will be as good as all the three worlds for Me. 'Bali agreed to grant My request without lengthy consideration. But as soon as he vowed to give Me the land, My body began to expand into a gigantic transcendental form. I covered the entire earth with My feet, all of Bhuvarloka with My thighs, the Svarga heavens with My waist, Maharloka with My stomach, Janaloka with My chest, Tapoloka with My neck, and Satyaloka with My head and face. I covered the entire material creation. Indeed, all the planets of the universe, including the sun and the moon, were encompassed by My gigantic form. "Seeing this astonishing pastime of Mine, all the demigods, including Indra and Sesha the king of snakes, began to sing Vedic hymns and offer prayers to Me. Then I took Bali by the hand and said to him, '0 sinless one, I have covered the whole earth with one step and all the heavenly planets with the second. Now where shall I place My foot to measure the third step of land you promised Me?'

"Upon hearing this, Bali Maharaja bowed down and offered Me his head. Yudhisthira, I placed My foot on his head and sent him all the way to Patalaloka. Seeing him thus humbled, I became very pleased and told Bali that henceforth I would permanently reside in his palace. Thereafter, on Parivartini Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadra, Bali, the son of Virochana, installed a Deity form of Me in his residence.

On the day of Parivartni Ekadashi, Bhagwan continues to rest for the period of monsoon in the middle of the ocean on the head of Shesh Narayan until Kartik Sud Prabodhini Ekadashi. 'Parivartini' means 'of change' and represents the time when Sheshshaiya Narayan (form of God laying on the serpent Shesh), changes his side and faces the East. This day carries great importance for those who observe their Vrat accordingly, as it is a day to wash away one's sins. The merit one accumulates during this period is particularly powerful. One should therefore observe Parivartini Ekadashi carefully. Indeed, it is especially purifying and thus cleanses one of all sinful reactions.

One who observes this sacred Parivartini Ekadashi in the way I have described will surely attain all kinds of happiness in this world and the kingdom of God in the hereafter. This day is traditionally celebrated, by placing Bhagwan in a wooden boat and floating him on water. It is reminiscent of the time when Krishna Bhagwan took the gopis of the village on a boat ride across the sacred River Yamuna.

We should all do darshan of Bhagwan and try to give items such as yoghurt, rice and silver coins as alms. We should also try to stay awake through the night, and practice devotion to Shree Hari by singing His glory and keep our utmost faith in him for it is only these actions that can help us in achieving moksha.