Baruthini Ekadashi

Baruthini Ekadashi, observed on the Krishna Ekadashi of Baishakh, is considered highly auspicious. According to religious texts, observing this fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu properly brings blessings and ensures a place in heaven after death. It is believed that performing this fast is equivalent to performing penance for ten thousand years.

How to Observe the Fast

The Baruthini Ekadashi fast must be observed with care and devotion. On the day before (Dashami), one should have a simple, sattvic meal in the evening and wake up early in Ekadashi in the morning. After waking up, bathe in a river, well, or pond, and offer water to the Sun. Upon returning home, clean oneself and perform a worship of Lord Vishnu. Throughout the day, one should listen to or recite the Ekadashi Mahatmya. The fast should be observed without food (Nirahar), but if unable to, fruits may be consumed instead. The entire night should be spent in devotion, singing hymns (Bhajan), and engaging in prayers for Lord Vishnu. On the following morning (Dwadashi), take a bath and complete the fast by offering food to a Brahmin and applying a tika.

Things to Avoid During the Fast

During this fast, it is important to refrain from consuming meat, pulses, chickpeas, millet, jaggery, salt, oil, two full meals, anger, negative emotions, illicit relations, gambling, betel, and grains.

The Story Behind Baruthini Ekadashi

In the Dwapara Yuga, when Dharma Raj Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna about the importance of Baruthini Ekadashi, Lord Krishna narrated the story of King Mandhata. King Mandhata was a righteous and compassionate king who once meditated alone by the Narmada River. While he was meditating, a bear attacked him and bit off both his legs. In his pain, King Mandhata called out to Lord Vishnu, remaining patient and trusting in divine help.

Hearing his call, Lord Vishnu spoke to him through divine communication, telling him that the bear would not harm him further. Vishnu instructed him to go to Mathura, observe the Baruthini Ekadashi fast, and worship his Varaha incarnation. King Mandhata followed the instructions and observed the fast with devotion. As a result, his legs and body were restored to their original, healthy form. He returned to his kingdom, ruled peacefully, and after his death, ascended to heaven in a divine form.

This story shows that anyone who observes the Baruthini Ekadashi fast with patience and devotion will have their sins erased and, after death, will attain a place in heaven.