●     Ekadashi Tithi starts at 08:00 PM on 21 September 2026

●     Ekadashi Tithi ends at 09:43 PM on 22 September 2026

●     Parana time is between 06:18 AM and 08:43 AM on 23 September 2026

●     Dwadashi Tithi ends at 10:50 PM on 23 September 2026

Point to consider: Parana means breaking the Ekadashi fast. Devotees should break the fast during the prescribed Parana time on Dwadashi.

The word “Parivartini” comes from “parivartan,” which means “change or turning.” It is believed that on this Ekadashi, Bhagwan Vishnu turns from one side to the other while resting in “Ksheer Sagar” during Chaturmas. This is why the day is also known as - “Parsva Ekadashi” and “Vamana Ekadashi.”

The day is also closely connected with Bhagwan Vishnu's Vamana avatar. Devotees remember the story of Vamana Bhagwan and King Bali, which teaches:

●     The value of keeping one's word

●     Surrendering with devotion

●     Placing Bhagwan above everything else

Devotees also believe that by observing this Ekadashi vrat, they can gain freedom from past sins and attain Bhagwan Vishnu’s blessings.

The story of Parivartini Ekadashi is connected with Bhagwan Vishnu's Vamana avatar and King Bali (a powerful and generous ruler). Although he belonged to the “daitya lineage,” he was a great devotee and was known for his charity and devotion. Through his penance and yajnas, he became powerful enough to gain control over the three worlds.

The Devas then prayed to Bhagwan Vishnu for help. Bhagwan Vishnu appeared before King Bali in the form of a small “Brahmachari” named “Vamana.” Vamana Bhagwan asked Bali for only three steps of land.

Bali agreed to the request despite his guru “Shukracharya” warning him that Vamana was none other than Bhagwan Vishnu. Once Bali gave his word, Vamana Bhagwan took the “Trivikrama form.” With one step, he covered the Earth, and with the second, he covered the heavens.

There was no place left for the third step. Bali then bowed before Bhagwan and offered his own head. This act of Bali pleased Bhagwan Vishnu. He blessed him and granted him a place in “Sutala Loka.” He also promised to remain as Bali's protector.

The moral: True devotion is not about what we receive from Bhagwan, rather more about surrendering ourselves to him with faith.

Devotees observe Parivartini Ekadashi with fasting, Bhagwan Vishnu's puja, naam jap and listening to the vrat katha. Many devotees also stay awake at night and spend the time remembering Bhagwan Vishnu and chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and “Om Shri Vishnave Cha Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat” mantras.

In some states, this day is also known as “Jaljhulani Ekadashi” or “Dol Gyaras.” In these regions, the idol of Bhagwan Vishnu is taken out in a palanquin and given a ceremonial bath in a river, pond or other sacred water body. Devotees also offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, fruits and sweets to Bhagwan Vishnu. Some also feed cows and offer food to the needy.

●     Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean yellow-coloured clothes, if possible

●     Clean the puja space and place a clean yellow cloth on a chowki

●     Place Bhagwan Vishnu idol or Vamana Bhagwan idol on the chowki

●     Offer Gangajal and, if suitable for the idol, perform a gentle abhishek with Panchamrit and clean water

●     Now offer chandan, kumkum, akshat, yellow flowers, dhoop, and a ghee diya.

●     Offer “Tulsi leaves” to Bhagwan Vishnu (Note: Keep the Tulsi leaves ready beforehand, as Tulsi should not be plucked on Ekadashi)

●     Recite the “Parivartini Ekadashi Vrat Katha” or “Vishnu Sahasranama,” (a sacred Sanskrit hymn that lists the one thousand divine names of Bhagwan Vishnu)

●     Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnuh, Mangalam Garudadhwajah। Mangalam Pundari Kakshah, Mangalaya Tano Harih॥” mantras

●     Perform Bhagwan Vishnu's aarti

●     On Dwadashi, perform a short prayer and break the fast during the prescribed Parana time

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