Varuthini Ekadashi
- Type
- Concepts
- Section
- Ekadashis
Varuthini Ekadashi is the bestower of protection.
Varuthini (Varūthinī) is the ekadashi of krishna paksha in the second lunar month, Vaishakha (April-May). The name comes from the Sanskrit "varūtha" — "protection," "shelter." Tradition connects the fast on this day with protection from misfortune and with well-being in this life and beyond.
Place in the system
Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of the lunar month. Varuthini falls eleventh in the dark half of Vaishakha, immediately before Mohini — the ekadashi of shukla paksha in the same month.
"Varutha" in the Hindu tradition means protection from misfortune. The Varuthini ekadashi is named so because its fast is held able to give a person a "shelter" — protection both inward and outward.
Practical meaning
The Varuthini fast is favorable for gaining protection, for well-being in this life and beyond, for spiritual practice. Tradition holds this fast equal to great acts of merit.
The Varuthini background works through shelter. It is a day on which space becomes a little safer — both outwardly and inwardly.
Like any ekadashi, Varuthini calls for a light fast — without grain or legumes, with fruit, milk, and water. Tradition does not treat this fast as a deprivation: it makes body and mind lighter and more attentive to the protection sought on this day.
In Indian folk practice Varuthini is a day on which devout Hindus often pray for protection from misfortune and for well-being. It is one of the "practical" ekadashis, tied to concrete life needs.
In daily practice
Varuthini is a day of protection. If you feel vulnerable, if there is anxiety in your life, this day suits prayer for protection and fasting.
Varuthini also suits charity: giving to those in need, helping the distressed. Protection here works through giving.
Varuthini also suits fasting: fruit, milk, water, light food. The fast on this day is a sign that we are not alone.
How much this day is yours is refined by Tara Bala. Varuthini sets a background of protection, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your circumstances today.