Varuthini Ekadashi described by Vasudeva Lord Krishna
Upon the quest of Yudhisthira, Vasudeva answers by elaborating on Vaisakha Ekadashi (Dark Fortnight) and includes its merits and influence in his words.
Lord Krishna defines this Varuthini Ekadashi as a holy Ekadashi with a magnanimous impact upon its observers. He links this world and the next one in explaining this holy marking. Fasting this Ekadashi brings fortunes and washes away sins, it bestows material enjoyment in this life and grants a liberation after the death of this present body. This Ekadashi is peculiar because it also liberates from the misery of repetitive birth. Lord Vasudeva also links the liberation of ancient King Mandata with the mercy of this Ekadashi.
King Dhumdhumara from the Ikshvaku dynasty was cursed by Lord Shiva and he had leprosy which was later cured by observing fasting in Varuthini Ekadashi. These stories are alive by "Shruti" which means a listener says a story to others and thus these stories transfer from generation to generation for thousands of years. Bringing a disease as a curse and giving it a straight remedy by just one day of fasting sounds more like an effect of the Chinese whisper game but logically explanations prove this Ekadashi as a very holy and auspicious day to observe fast, perform rituals and dedicate offerings and commitments to god. Ekadashis are a discipline that leads to a pure and spiritual life. Donating grains is the highest form of donating, this day people donate grains to the needy and offer food to the hungry and homeless. Summarizing this Ekadashi description by presenting words of Lord Vasudeva himself,
Therefore, Oh king Yudhisthira, who is frightened of his accumulated sins and their attendant reactions, and thus of death itself, must observe Varuthini Ekadasi by fasting very strictly.
"Finally, Oh noble Yudhisthira, he who hears or reads this glorification of the sacred Varuthini Ekadasi obtains the merit earned by donating one thousand cows in charity, and at last, he returns home, to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu in the Vaikuntha.
Suyog Dhakal
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