Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, O ocean of mercy, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaiśākha (April–May). What are its glories, and how should it be observed? Kindly explain the merit that one gains by observing it.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O King, this sacred day is known as Varūthinī Ekadasi. It is very auspicious and powerful, capable of removing all sins, protecting the devotee, and granting prosperity in both this world and the next.
By observing this fast with devotion, one becomes free from all sinful reactions and attains happiness, wealth, and finally liberation.
Now hear from Me the history that reveals its greatness.”
The Story of King Māndhātā
“In ancient times, there was a noble king named Māndhātā who ruled over the earth with justice and compassion. He was a descendant of the solar dynasty and was devoted to dharma and the worship of Lord Viṣṇu.
One day, while traveling through the forest, the king was attacked by a ferocious bear. The bear clawed and bit him fiercely, and despite his strength, the king could not defend himself.
Exhausted and wounded, he cried out, ‘O Lord Viṣṇu! Please protect me!’”
The Lord’s Intervention
“Hearing His devotee’s call, Lord Viṣṇu immediately appeared before the bear. Seeing the Lord, the bear fled into the forest.
The Lord gently said to the king, ‘O Māndhātā, because of a sin committed in your previous life, this suffering has come upon you. But do not despair, for I shall now instruct you in the means to be freed from all sins and attain happiness.’
The Lord continued, ‘Fast on the Varūthinī Ekadasi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Vaiśākha. By observing this fast with devotion, all your sins will be destroyed, your suffering will end, and you will attain liberation.’”
The King’s Observance
“Hearing this instruction, King Māndhātā returned to his palace and strictly observed the Varūthinī Ekadasi fast according to the Lord’s directions.
He bathed early, worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with lamps, flowers, and incense, and remained without food throughout the day.
He stayed awake during the night, singing the glories of the Lord, and on the next morning, Dvādaśī, he gave charity and fed the brāhmaṇas before breaking his fast.”
The Result of the Fast
“Immediately after completing the fast, King Māndhātā’s body became healed, his pain disappeared, and his mind was filled with peace and devotion.
From that day on, he ruled his kingdom with renewed strength and compassion, and after his death, he ascended to the spiritual world, never to return to the material plane.”
The Power of Varūthinī Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, fasting on this day destroys all sins committed by the mind, body, and speech. It also protects the devotee from misfortune and ensures progress in both spiritual and material life.
By observing this fast, one gains beauty, wealth, fame, and intelligence, and at the end of life, attains residence in My eternal abode.
Even one who listens to or reads the glories of this Ekadasi gains merit equal to performing great sacrifices.”
The Merits Compared
“O King, the merit obtained by fasting on Varūthinī Ekadasi is greater than that gained from donating a thousand cows in charity, performing one hundred sacrifices, or bathing in holy rivers like the Ganges and Yamunā.
This Ekadasi is especially dear to Me because it bestows protection (varūthinī means ‘protective’). The devotee who observes it becomes guarded from all dangers, both seen and unseen.”
The Rules and Prohibitions
“On this sacred day, one should refrain from lying, criticizing others, engaging in violence, or sexual activity. One should not gamble, eat grains, or sleep during the day.
Instead, one should worship Me with devotion, chant My holy names, and serve brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas. By doing so, one becomes purified and attains the supreme benefit of life.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this fast with sincerity gains great merit and divine protection.
The person who remains awake on this night chanting My names will never fall into ignorance or sin.
Even one who hears or reads the glories of Varūthinī Ekadasi becomes freed from all past misdeeds and attains the supreme abode of Vaikuṇṭha.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Varūthinī Ekadasi is found in the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira how King Māndhātā was freed from suffering and sin by observing this sacred fast.
Observing Varūthinī Ekadasi removes all sin, protects the devotee from danger, and grants both worldly happiness and spiritual perfection.
