Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, O protector of all living entities, please tell me about the Ekadasi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaiśākha (April–May). What is its name, and what merit does one obtain by observing it? Kindly describe its glories for the benefit of all mankind.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O King, please listen attentively. The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaiśākha is known as Varūthinī Ekadasi. By observing this sacred day, one becomes free from all sins and attains prosperity, happiness, and liberation.
This Ekadasi is especially powerful in removing all suffering and misfortune. It protects the observer just as a strong armor protects a warrior in battle. Therefore, it is called Varūthinī, which means ‘the protector.’
Now hear from Me about its glories, as once narrated by Lord Vasiṣṭha to King Māndhātā.”
The Glories of Varūthinī Ekadasi
“By observing Varūthinī Ekadasi, one obtains greater merit than that gained from performing great sacrifices, from donating elephants, horses, or gold, or from bathing in sacred rivers such as the Gaṅgā and Godāvarī.
One who gives charity on this day—whether in the form of food, clothes, gold, or cows—attains inexhaustible merit. By keeping fast, one becomes free from the influence of sinful reactions and misfortunes.
This Ekadasi brings peace to the restless, wealth to the poor, health to the sick, and liberation to those seeking the Supreme Lord. One who observes this sacred day with faith and devotion enjoys happiness both in this world and the next.”
The Story of King Māndhātā and Sage Vasiṣṭha
“In ancient times, King Māndhātā ruled the earth with righteousness and compassion. Yet once he was overcome by great misfortune and distress. Seeking guidance, he went to Sage Vasiṣṭha and bowed before him with folded hands.
‘O great sage,’ he said, ‘my kingdom is afflicted with calamities, and I myself am suffering from misfortune. Please tell me a means by which I can be freed from sin and restored to happiness.’
Sage Vasiṣṭha replied, ‘O noble king, your suffering is the result of sins committed unknowingly in previous lives. But there is one sacred vow that can destroy all sins and bring immediate relief. That vow is the observance of Varūthinī Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of Vaiśākha. By observing it with devotion, you will be freed from misfortune and attain divine merit.’”
The Power of the Fast
“The sage then explained, ‘On the day before Ekadasi, one should bathe in pure water, perform one’s daily duties, and take food only once, avoiding all violence and anger. On the day of Ekadasi, one should remain fasting and worship Lord Viṣṇu with flowers, incense, and lamps.
One should stay awake throughout the night, chanting the holy names of the Lord and listening to His divine pastimes. On Dvādaśī, one should offer food and charity to the brāhmaṇas and then partake of prasāda. By observing this vow with faith, one’s sins are destroyed, one’s misfortunes vanish, and one attains spiritual prosperity.’
Hearing these instructions, King Māndhātā faithfully observed the fast of Varūthinī Ekadasi. By the power of this vow, his misfortunes disappeared, his kingdom became prosperous, and he regained peace and happiness.”
The Importance of Charity on Varūthinī Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, the merit obtained by giving charity on Varūthinī Ekadasi is beyond measure. Giving a horse on this day grants the merit of donating all kinds of animals. Giving food to the needy yields merit equal to donating the entire earth.
If one donates a cow on this day, one attains the merit of giving away all forms of wealth. And if one remains fasting and worships Me with devotion, he attains the merit of performing the Aśvamedha-yajña (horse sacrifice).
Even a simple offering of fruits and water on this day pleases Me immensely and grants great blessings. Whoever spends the night awake glorifying Me attains residence in Vaikuṇṭha.”
The Story of the One-Footed King
“To illustrate the power of this day, hear the following story. In ancient times there was a king named Māndhātā who lost one of his legs as a result of his sinful actions in a previous life. Suffering greatly, he prayed to Sage Vasiṣṭha for relief.
Following the sage’s instruction, the king observed the fast of Varūthinī Ekadasi with devotion, offering flowers and incense to Lord Viṣṇu and staying awake the entire night. By the power of this sacred observance, his sins were destroyed, and miraculously his leg was restored.
Thus, by the influence of Varūthinī Ekadasi, the king regained his health, strength, and prosperity, and continued to rule his kingdom in happiness.”
The Greatness of Varūthinī Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa said, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, the glories of this Ekadasi are so great that even hearing about it removes all sins. This sacred day is more powerful than visiting all holy places or performing all kinds of sacrifices.
One who observes it faithfully attains happiness, health, and peace. It is said that the one who fasts on Varūthinī Ekadasi will never suffer from misfortune, poverty, or disease. His home becomes blessed, his family virtuous, and his life auspicious.
Even a person who hears or recites the glories of this Ekadasi with devotion gains the merit of donating one thousand cows in charity.”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, by observing Varūthinī Ekadasi, one gains long life, good fortune, and liberation. This Ekadasi frees one from the fear of death, delivers one from the cycle of birth and death, and grants residence in My eternal abode.
Therefore, O King, one should observe this sacred fast with faith and devotion, worship Me sincerely, and remain awake chanting My holy names throughout the night. The merit gained from this day is inexhaustible and leads to the ultimate perfection of life.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Varūthinī Ekadasi is found in the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa and the Skanda Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa instructs Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira on the deliverance of King Māndhātā through the observance of this sacred vow. Observing Varūthinī Ekadasi protects the devotee from misfortune and grants spiritual victory, prosperity, and liberation.
