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"Parsva Ekadashi", also known as Parivartini Ekadashi, is considered one of the prosperous Ekadashis in Hinduism, and falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of Bhadrapada month in the Shukla Paksha as per the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of either August or September.
This year, we are celebrating "Parsva Ekadashi" on the 3rd of September 2025.
As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for 'Parsva Ekadashi' in 2025 is as follows:
"Parsva Ekadashi" is considered very significant as Lord Vishnu, the God of Preservation, is worshipped on this day.
This Ekadashi is regarded as highly fortunate and auspicious when it falls at the time of 'Chaturmas' (the four-month holy period).
However, the immense importance of 'Parsva Ekadashi' has been depicted in ‘Brahma Vaivarta Purana’ as well.
According to the Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu takes rest and shifts his sleeping position from left to the right side, hence denoting a 'Parivartan' (change). That's why this Ekadashi is also known by the name "Parivartini Ekadashi."
Apart from this, some other names of 'Parsva Ekadashi' are:
‘Vamana Ekadashi’, ‘Jayanti Ekadashi’, ‘Jaljhilini Ekadashi’ and ‘Parivartini Ekadashi.’
In some regions, Lord Vamana (the Brahman avatar of Shri Hari Vishnu) is also worshipped. Basically, he's the fifth (5th) incarnation of Shri Hari Vishnu and has been described as a dwarf sized Brahmin with a youthful appearance. That's why this Ekadashi holds utter reverence for the Sanyasis.
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Long ago, in the sacred Treta Yuga, there lived a mighty king named Bali Maharaja. He was the grandson of Prahlada, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Although Bali was born in a family of demons, his heart was deeply devoted to the Lord. He performed holy fire sacrifices, sang Vedic hymns, and always respected the Brahmins by encouraging them to continue their sacred rituals.
As time passed, Bali’s power grew so great that he defeated Indra, the king of the heavens, and took control of his celestial kingdom. With this victory, Bali ruled not only the earth but also the heavens. Seeing their homes lost, the devas, along with their spiritual teacher Brihaspati, approached Lord Vishnu for help. They bowed to Him, prayed with great devotion, and begged Him to restore balance in the universe.
Hearing their prayers, Lord Vishnu decided to descend to earth in His divine form as Vamanadeva, the dwarf Brahmin. With a small body, a staff in His hand, and a parasol above His head, He came to the place where King Bali was performing a great sacrifice. Vamanadeva humbly approached the king and said, “O mighty Bali, I do not ask for wealth or power. All I seek is three steps of land to call my own.”
Bali, generous by nature, laughed at such a small request. Without hesitation, he agreed to grant the land. But as soon as he gave his word, something wondrous happened. The tiny Brahmin began to grow. His body expanded higher and higher until it covered the entire universe. With one step He measured the whole earth. With the second, He claimed the heavens and all the celestial worlds. There was nothing left for the promised third step. Vamanadeva then looked at Bali and asked, “You promised Me three steps of land. Where shall I place My third step?”
Realizing that this was none other than Lord Vishnu Himself, Bali bowed his head in surrender. With folded hands, he said, “O Lord, place Your third step on my head.”
Pleased with Bali’s humility and devotion, Lord Vishnu placed His divine foot upon the king’s head and sent him to the netherworld, Patalaloka. But instead of cursing him, the Lord blessed him greatly. He promised Bali that He would always stay with him in his palace. Out of love, Bali Maharaja also installed a deity of Lord Vishnu on this very day, which came to be known as Parsva Ekadashi.
From that time, it is believed that Lord Vishnu turns in His sleep on Parsva Ekadashi, which falls in the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. He continues His divine rest in the ocean of milk until Haribodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartika. The scriptures say that observing Parsva Ekadashi washes away sins, brings prosperity, and grants immense spiritual merit. And so, the story of Parsva Ekadashi reminds us of the power of humility, the greatness of devotion, and the endless mercy of Lord Vishnu.
On Parsva Ekadashi, devotees abstain from food and water for 24 hours, hence keeping a Nirjala Vrat. Some may consume fruits or milk during this period.
"Parana" (breaking or concluding of Parsva Ekadashi Vrat/ fast) is important to be done within the next day after Ekadashi, but before sunrise, unless sunrise happens before Dwadashi ends. Not breaking the fast during Dwadashi is seen as a mistake.
When you break your fast (Parana), you should avoid doing it during a specific time called Hari Vasara, which is the first one-fourth of Dwadashi. The best time to break your fast is in the morning (Pratahkal). It's better not to do it during the afternoon (Madhyahna). If, for some reason, you can't break your fast in the morning, it's okay to do it in the afternoon.
As per Drik Panchang,
Devotees also visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and offer prayers on 'Parsva Ekadashi.'
Reading or listening to the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavad Gita, & chanting Vishnu Sahasranama is considered auspicious on this day.
Giving to the needy and helping the less fortunate is encouraged on Parsva Ekadashi.
Many devotees perform meditation on this day to reflect on their lives and attain spiritual growth.
As per the Hindu beliefs, people who observe the festival of 'Parsva Ekadashi' wholeheartedly receive divine blessings for good health and prosperity in life. The good deeds performed during this time are more valuable than those done in regular months.
The most important part of this festival is that it helps people get rid of their past mistakes and break free from the cycle of life and death through fasting. It not only brings spiritual benefits but also helps people become mentally stronger.
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On the occasion of Parsva Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu moves from the left to the right side during his deep cosmic slumber, which teaches an important life lesson. It brings forth the fact that change is not only inevitable but also essential for growth. And when we accept it with faith, it becomes a guiding force leading us toward spiritual awakening and inner progress.
Just as Lord Vishnu turns to awaken and continue his divine responsibilities, we too are called to awaken to new opportunities, challenges, and blessings in our journey. Parsva Ekadashi, therefore, inspires us to see transformation not as disruption, but as a pathway to evolution, teaching us the cyclical rhythm of life and the value of remaining open to renewal with resilience and trust in the divine.