Varuthini Ekadashi: Significance, Rituals, and Spiritual Benefits Explained:

During the month of Vaishakh, Arjuna, in the Mahabharata, asked Lord Krishna about the fasting that occurs on the Ekadashi date in the Krishna paksha. Lord Krishna referred to it as Varuthini Ekadashi and explained how it is very beneficial, both spiritually and otherwise. Observing this Ekadashi sacred fast cleanses the heart and mind, purifying mental paths, erasing sins, and rewarding the devotee with blessful and liberating riches.

Through this vrat (fast), even the most unfortunate come into good luck, according to Krishna. It enabled great kings like Mandhata and Dhundhumar to enjoy heavenly abodes longishing in unparalleled grandeur.

Spiritual Merit of Fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi

Restraining from food on this day is as meritorious as performing 10,000 years of intense physical and mental self-discipline. In this life, it is rewarding and in the afterlife, the soul are set free. Also fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi is spiritually on par with donating gold during a solar eclipse in kurukshetra.

Charitable Activities on Ekadashi: Setting the Order of Importance
Each donation listed has been explained by Lord Krishna discussing the lesser value items being followed the of greater value items.

Donating over an elephant is greater than horse

Donating land comes over both

Holding virtue comes under donating sesame

Exceeds under donating gold comes from sesame

But Annadaan holds the greatest spiritual merit, even comparing to Kanyadaan, which is giving one’s daughter in marriage he gives.

Granting selfless Kanyadaan provides immeasurable virtue. This act is so remarkable that even Chitragupta struggles to account it.
Those who for some reason misuse their daughter’s wealth or act out of greed face severe consequences.

To observe Varuthini Ekadashi, one must follow the steps given in rules and restrictions.

Devotees avoiding food served in bronze utensils and from outside should

Refrain from Euosher, take out chickpea and kodo millet masur dal grub

Ditch in vegetarian, oily foods, honey, spice and set meal servings.

Gossip, anger, lying as well as aspects out of bad company are also avoided.
Devotees with scriptures are encouraged to stay awake and read, perform kirtans and chant bhajans.

Rewards for Devotion and Discipline

Having faith while fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi is believed to take one to heaven, and just reading or even listening to the glory of this vrat bestows the virtue of giving away a thousand cows. They say it even overshadows the sanctity of Ganga snan.

Katha Saar (Spiritual Synopsis)

The essence of Varuthini Ekadashi is self-restraint. Cultivated living brings one enhanced fortunate. In the absence of self-control, all activities like pooja, yagna, or tapas lose their dharmik moola, meaning the spiritual core.