Varuthini Ekadashi is also known as Baruthani Ekadashi. It is one of the most powerful Ekadashis mentioned in our ancient scriptures. The word “Varuthini” means “Protected or guarded”. Just like an armour protects a warrior, this Ekadashi protects the soul from sins. It is believed that this day protects us from bad karma and brings divine grace into our lives. It is said that those who observe this vrat with devotion receive the mercy of Shri Krishna who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
In the ISKCON tradition, every Ekadashi is very special. But Varuthini Ekadashi is extra special because it purifies the mind and soul very deeply. When a devotee sincerely follows the vrat, Shri Krishna becomes pleased and helps the person walk toward a better spiritual life.
When is Varuthini Ekadashi in 2025?
According to the Hindu calendar, Varuthini Ekadashi date 2025 falls on Thursday, April 24. Most devotees observe the fast starting from sunrise and end the next day after offering prayers and food to Lord Vishnu. It is important to check local ISKCON temple timings for exact fast-breaking (parana) time.
The Story of Varuthini Ekadashi
The Varuthini Ekadashi story comes from the Bhavishya Purana, where Shri Krishna tells the story to King Yudhishthira. Long ago, there was a kind-hearted king named Mandata. He was famous for his honesty and service to his people. But due to his past karma, one day he was attacked by a wild bear and lost his leg. The king was in great pain and could not find peace. He prayed to Lord Vishnu with full devotion.
A wise sage advised the king to observe Varuthini Ekadashi. The king kept the fast with faith and followed all the rules. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared and restored his leg. The king was healed, not just physically, but also spiritually. This story reminds us that when we surrender to the Lord with a pure heart, he protects us and removes our suffering.
Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat and Puja Vidhi
On this day, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and clean their prayer area. They offer flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits, and sweets to Shri Krishna. Many chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and read the story of Varuthini Ekadashi during the day. The most important part of the vrat is fasting and staying away from negative actions like anger, lies, or hurting others.
The Varuthini Ekadashi puja vidhi is very simple and peaceful. One should light a ghee lamp, offer food without grains to the Lord, and pray with a clean heart. It is also a time to spend more hours in chanting, reading Bhagavad Gita, or listening to Shri Krishna katha. Devotees avoid watching TV or doing any unnecessary work on this day to keep the mind focused on Lord Vishnu.
Varuthini Ekadashi Fasting Rules
The Varuthini Ekadashi fasting rules are followed strictly. Devotees avoid all grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Even food cooked with too much oil is not allowed. Most people eat only fruits, milk, and water. Some devotees observe a full fast with only water or without water, depending on their health and strength. The goal is not to torture the body but to purify the heart and mind for Lord Vishnu.
Importance of Charity and Food Donation
One of the best things to do on this day is to help others. Giving food to the poor and donating money to temples is a very sacred act. Shri Krishna says in scriptures that food given on Ekadashi reaches him directly. When we feed the hungry or donate to ISKCON temples, we are not just helping people but serving the Lord.
The things to donate on Varuthini Ekadashi include food, clothes, money, holy books, or even simple fruits. Every small act done with love counts. Feeding a cow, donating to a Gau Seva, or giving prasad to someone in need brings great blessings.
For devotees in ISKCON, this Ekadashi is a time to reflect deeply on our connection with Shri Krishna. It is a reminder that real happiness lies in the service to God, not in temporary material pleasures.
Why is Varuthini Ekadashi So Important?
Each Ekadashi has its own glory, but the importance of Varuthini Ekadashi is unique. It helps us to:
· Protect ourselves from negative influences
· Wash away deep-rooted sins
· Gain peace of mind and strength of heart
· Move forward in spiritual life
· Attract the mercy of Shri Krishna
It is believed that even terrible sins from past births can be removed by observing this Ekadashi with devotion. That is why this day is also called “Paapmukti Ekadashi” the liberator from sin.
How ISKCON Celebrates Varuthini Ekadashi
In ISKCON temples across the world, devotees come together on this day for special kirtans, bhajans, and spiritual discourses. They chant, dance, and offer food without grains to the Lord. The day is spent in remembering Shri Krishna, reading the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam, and sharing prasadam with others.
ISKCON encourages devotees to focus more on bhakti, or devotional service, rather than just fasting. The aim is to purify the heart, not just skip meals. Many devotees offer tulsi leaves, lamp, incense, and flowers to Lord Vishnu and meditate upon his pastimes.
Spiritual Tips for Varuthini Ekadashi
Here are a few simple ways to observe the day meaningfully:
i) Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes
ii) Offer water and tulsi to Shri Krishna
iii) Chant at least one round of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra
iv) Avoid gossip, lies, and arguments
v) Eat simple food or fruits without grains
vi) Donate something useful to the needy
vii) Light a ghee lamp and pray for peace and purity.
These actions bring great joy to Lord Vishnu, and especially to Shri Krishna, who is the heart of every devotee.
Things to Donate on Varuthini Ekadashi
Giving charity on this day is considered 100 times more beneficial than on normal days. The things to donate on Varuthini Ekadashi include:
i) Feeding food to the poor people
ii) Water pots in summer season
iii) Clothes, especially white or saffron color
iv) Gau Seva donation or help to nurture cows
v) Tulsi plants or holy books like the Bhagavad Gita
vi) Donations to ISKCON temples for prasadam and cow seva
Scriptures say that by donating food on Ekadashi, one can even get rid of sins equal to killing a brahmana or harming a cow, this is the power of this sacred day.
Bhagavad Gita 9.22
अनन्याश् चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते |
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ||
Transliteration:
Ananyāś chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate
Teṣhāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣhemaṁ vahāmyaham
Meaning: Those who worship me with pure heart and steady mind, I personally take care of what they lack and preserve what they have.
Final Thoughts: A Day to Return to Shri Krishna
Varuthini Ekadashi is not just about fasting. It’s a golden chance to return to our eternal relationship with Shri Krishna. He is waiting in the heart of every soul, just to see one step of devotion from us.
When we observe this day with love, surrender ourselves, our heart becomes light. The pain of karma becomes less. The joy of connection with God becomes more.
Remember, even a small offering, even a simple prayer, if done with love, reaches the lotus feet of Shri Krishna. And from there, his blessings begin to flow.
