Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, please describe the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Bhādrapada (August–September). What is its name, and what is the result of observing it? Kindly explain this for the welfare of all living beings.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O lion among kings, this sacred day is known as Pārśva Ekadasi. It is also called Vāmana Ekadasi because it is very dear to Me in My form as Vāmana-deva.
By observing this Ekadasi with devotion, one attains freedom from all sins, gains divine merit, and ultimately attains residence in My eternal abode. This day is especially auspicious because it marks the turning of the Lord on His divine bed of Ananta Śeṣa in the ocean of milk.”
The Turning of the Lord
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, from the day of Śayanī Ekadasi in Āṣāḍha month, I rest in Yoga-nidrā, divine slumber. On this Pārśva Ekadasi, which occurs two months later, I turn onto My other side.
Therefore, this day is known as Pārśva Parivartana Ekadasi, the day of the Lord’s turning. Devotees who observe fasting on this day and worship Me with devotion attain great spiritual merit, for this marks the awakening movement of My divine rest.”
The Lord’s Pastime as Vāmana-deva
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O king, to illustrate the glory of this Ekadasi, hear the history of My appearance as Vāmana-deva.
In the ancient age of Satya-yuga, the powerful king of the demons, Bali Mahārāja, conquered the heavenly planets and drove Indra and the demigods from their positions. Seeing this, the demigods approached Me for help, and I took birth as the son of Kaśyapa and Aditi.
Assuming the form of a young brāhmaṇa dwarf, I went to the sacrificial arena of Bali Mahārāja and begged him for three steps of land. Though warned by his guru Śukrācārya, Bali, generous by nature, agreed to My request.”
The Lord Expands His Form
“As soon as Bali agreed, I expanded My form until I covered the entire universe with two steps. With My first step, I covered the earthly realm; with My second, I covered the heavenly planets. There was no space left for the third step.
Then I said to Bali, ‘O king, where shall I place My third step?’ Recognizing Me as the Supreme Lord, Bali offered his own head, saying, ‘O Lord, please place Your final step here.’
Pleased by his surrender, I blessed him to become the ruler of Sutala, a planet more opulent than heaven itself. Thus, by his devotion and humility, Bali attained My eternal favor.”
The Glory of Observing Pārśva Ekadasi
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes fasting and worships Me on this day of Pārśva Ekadasi, remembering My form as Vāmana, attains the same merit as performing the gift of land to the Lord Himself.
This day is so powerful that by merely hearing its glories, one obtains the merit of performing an Aśvamedha-yajña.
Fasting on this day purifies even the killer of a brāhmaṇa, the drunkard, or one who disrespects his spiritual master. Whoever offers even a lamp of ghee before My form on this day attains residence in the spiritual world.”
The Beginning of the Sacred Months
“O king, this Ekadasi also marks the beginning of the four-month period known as Cāturmāsya-vrata for those who could not begin it earlier on Śayanī Ekadasi.
Whoever begins his vows on this day and maintains them until Prabodhini Ekadasi in the month of Kārtika attains immeasurable merit.
During these four months, one should control the senses, avoid indulgence, chant the holy names, and offer worship to Me. The merit of such devotion multiplies a thousandfold when begun on this sacred Pārśva Ekadasi.”
The Example of King Bali
Lord Kṛṣṇa said, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, by observing Pārśva Ekadasi, one pleases Me as much as Bali Mahārāja did when he offered everything to Me.
Whoever donates gold, food, cows, or land on this day attains the merit of giving all worldly possessions. One who fasts and remains awake during the night attains liberation and residence in My abode, Vaikuṇṭha.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this Ekadasi with faith attains the merit of performing great sacrifices and charities.
Even one who hears or reads the glories of this day is freed from the sins of ten thousand births.
Therefore, O king, observe this Pārśva Ekadasi with devotion, for it purifies the heart, fulfills all desires, and leads the soul to My eternal service.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Pārśva Ekadasi is described in the Padma Purāṇa, Vāmana Purāṇa, and Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa recounts to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the story of Lord Vāmana’s appearance and the surrender of Bali Mahārāja.
Observing Pārśva Ekadasi with faith and devotion pleases the Lord, removes all sins, and grants eternal residence in the spiritual world.
