Parivartini Ekadashi Gives Message of Change: Prashant Agrawal
Wari news · 22 Sep 2026
The Spiritual Significance of Parivartini Ekadashi
Thousands of Varkaris are in Pandharpur today. The holy town rings with the continuous chant of Shri Vitthal and Rukmini Mata. Today is Parsva or Parivartini Ekadashi. This marks a day of profound spiritual observance in the Hindu calendar. It falls right in the middle of Chaturmas, on the eleventh day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in Bhadrapada. Ancient texts describe a beautiful celestial event. Lord Vishnu rests in deep sleep during Chaturmas. And today, he turns from his left side to his right. This subtle shift brings cosmic balance and a sacred transition.
Fasting and seeking darshan are core traditions. But the true essence of this Ekadashi goes far beyond physical rituals. It is a loud call for an internal awakening.
Parivartini Ekadashi Gives Message of Change: Prashant Agrawal
Spiritual guide and thinker Prashant Agrawal offered a fresh perspective. He spoke passionately about transformation. "Parivartan means change. Just as the Lord changes his resting posture today, we must actively change our inner disposition," Agrawal explained. He sees true devotion as a conscious shift. We must abandon ego and worldly attachments. Instead, we are called to embrace compassion, selflessness, and continuous devotion.
His words echo the timeless teachings of Maharashtra's great saints. Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj spent their lives guiding us. They urged devotees to cleanse their minds and actions. Seeing God in every living being is the highest form of worship in the Varkari sampradaya.
Fasting Guidelines and Worship Traditions
Those observing the Upvas today follow strict dietary rules. The goal is to purify body and mind. Devotees eat only pure foods. Fruits, milk, sabudana, and bhagar are customary. Grains and heavy meals are completely off the table. The fast ends tomorrow on Dwadashi, after offering prayers and serving food to the needy.
Physical fasting is just the beginning. True devotion asks for an entire day of deep spiritual immersion. Varkaris engage in continuous Namasmaran. They gather for group Kirtans, read the Haripath, and sing Abhangs composed by the Sants. The air vibrates with the chant of "Ram Krishna Hari". It generates a massive, collective spiritual energy.
Pandharpur Temple Darshan and Special Poojas
Crowds are swelling at the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur. Devotees from all over Maharashtra and beyond arrive to seek the blessings of Mauli. The temple administration is working hard to handle this influx of pilgrims. Daily rituals are performed with profound devotion, from the early morning Kakad Aarti to the late-night Shej Aarti.
Ekadashi brings special poojas and Abhisheks. Fragrances of tulsi, sandalwood, and incense fill the temple. The lines for darshan are exceptionally long. Authorities urge devotees to stay patient and cooperate fully with volunteers.
A physical darshan of Shri Vitthal brings unmatched joy. But devotees must carry the heart of Parivartini Ekadashi home. Embrace positive change. Walk the path of truth. Keep the spirit of equality alive, just as the Varkari tradition teaches.