Parsva Ekadashi 2026

Parsva Ekadashi: The Day Sri Hari Turns in His Yoga Nidra

Parsva Ekadashi, also called Parivartana Ekadashi, falls on the Ekadashi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha. Tradition holds that Lord Vishnu, who entered yoga nidra on Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi (Tholi Ekadashi), turns on his side on this day. Coming after Vinayaka Chavithi and before Anantha Chaturdashi, it is observed with a fast and worship of Vamana.

Its Place in Chaturmasya

The four months from Tholi Ekadashi to Kartika Shukla Ekadashi (Utthana Ekadashi) are called Chaturmasya. During this time the Lord is said to rest in yoga nidra on Adishesha in the Ocean of Milk, and on this Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi in the middle he turns over. Hence the name Parivartana, meaning turning. Shayana, Parivartana and Utthana are the three key Ekadashis of Chaturmasya.

Vamana and Bali Chakravarthi

Worship of the Vamana avatar is traditional on this day. When Bali Chakravarthi had conquered the three worlds, Sri Hari came as the dwarf Vamana and asked for three steps of land. Though his guru Shukracharya warned him, Bali kept his word. Vamana grew into Trivikrama, measured earth and sky with two steps and placed the third on Bali's head, sending him to Patala. Pleased with Bali's generosity, the Lord blessed him. The next day, Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi, is celebrated as Vamana Jayanti.

How to Observe the Vratham

• Eat one meal on Dashami; on Ekadashi, bathe early and make the fasting sankalpam.
• Worship Vishnu or Vamana with tulasi, yellow flowers and sandal paste, and chant Vishnu Sahasranamam.
• Fast without rice or grains, taking fruits and milk.
• Keep a night vigil with bhajans and Hari nama sankirtana.
• Do parana on Dwadashi after sunrise, and if possible donate curd rice, an umbrella or footwear.

Blessings

The Purana says observing this vratham gives the merit of a Vajapeya yagam. The story of Bali, who gave up ego and surrendered everything to God, is a timeless lesson in humility and generosity. Those with health concerns may keep the vratham with fruits and milk.

By the grace of Trivikrama Sri Hari, may your home be filled with happiness and peace.