This Ekadasi is known as Jal Jhilani Ekadasi in Gujarat. In other regions it is also known as Parivartini Ekadasi. This Ekadasi is of great significance in many temples in Rajasthan. On this Ekadasi day Lord Vishnu who reclines on Aadishesha turns to another side and this turn is called as Parivarthan.
Jal Jhulni, or Jal Jhulani Ekadashi, is observed during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month and is dedicated to Sri Krishna. This Ekadasi is of great significance in many temples in Rajasthan. The popular belief is that Sri Krishna took Gopis in Vrindavan for boating on Yamuna River and in return demanded yoghurt. So people donate and share yoghurt on the day.
As part of puja on the day, an idol of Krishna is taken to a lake or river and worshipped. The idol is also taken on a boat ride on the river.
Muhurat
Parsava Parivartini Ekadasi is one among the numerous names of the Ekadasi fasting observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Bhadrapad month (August – September).. It is called Parsava Parivartini because Lord Vishnu who is sleeping during the Dakshinayana period turns from left side to right side. This Ekadasi is also known as Jayanti Ekadasi.
Bhadrapad or Bhadra month falls during the Dakshinayana Punyakala and is also the second month in during the Chatur Mas period. Popular belief is that the period of Dakshinayana is the night time of Gods. Lord Vishnu is believed to be sleeping during the period.
The Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared on this day. This Ekadasi is also therefore known as Vaman Ekadasi.
In Gujarat, Parsava Parivartini Ekadasi is observed as Jal Zilani Ekadasi.
Those observe partial Ekadasi fasting on the day as usual skip food items made of grains and rice. Some people opt for complete fast.
Parivartini Ekadasi
Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadasi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadasi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence. Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna.
At times Ekadasi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadasi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadasi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadasi fasting day.
Ekadasi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.
Legend
The Parsava Parivartini Ekadasi observed during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadra month is associated with incarnation of Lord Vamana of Lord Vishnu and also with sleep of Vishnu during Chatur Mas period. Parivartini Ekadasi Vrat Katha (Story) extols the glory of the legendary King Bali.
King Bali was popular on earth for his honesty, compassion, justice and there was all-round prosperity in his kingdom. He made the utopia a reality. Although born into a family of Demons, King Bali was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
His glory and power made Indra (the lord of Demi Gods) weak. Soon King Bali overthrew Indra and took over the heavenly kingdom. Indra took refuge at the feet of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana – a dwarf Brahmin and went to the palace of King Bali who was conducting a huge Yajna. King Bali was distributing gifts to all gathered there and the young Vamana asked for three steps of land.
King Bali thought that three steps of land was too little and asked the young Brahman to ask for something more. But Vamana was adamant and he wanted only three steps of land.
King Bali agreed and asked him to take three steps of land wherever he wanted. Suddenly, Lord Vamana grew in gigantic proportions and those stood there could no longer see the face of Vamana Deva. In one step, Lord Vamana measured the heaven and in another step earth and there was no place to keep the third step. King Bali readily bowed his head and asked Lord Vamana to place the third step on this head. King Bali was thus pushed to the netherworld.
Satisfied with King Bali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him that he will live constantly with King Bali. The popular belief is that Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana lives in the abode of King Bali.
Rituals & Customs
* Taking holy baths in the morning
* Observe fast throughout the day (Ignore if having health and other serious issues)
* Worship Lord Vishnu (Possibly VishnuSahasraNama)
* Visit nearby Vishnu temple
Fasting
Ekadasi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees.
It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadasi day avoid food made from grains. Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice.
• Complete fasting involves total abstinence from food and water for 24 hours.
• Partial fasting involves consumption of fruits and milk and the avoidance of rice and grains.
• People with health problems can opt for partial fasting after consulting with their doctors.
• Some people take only a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.
In Hinduism, Upvaas is meant to bring a person close to God. Spend the day in purifying the mind and body. The fasting comes to an end on the Dwadashi day with the consuming of food cooked in one’s house.
Benefits of Fasting
** Fasting gives the system a rest: The physiological system may become overworked due to a little overeating or in-discrimination in diet. Fasting gives the system a chance to catch up.
** Fasting helps us practice self-discipline in eating and concentrate more on pleasing God.
** Fasting helps keep the body light and the stomach free so that one can meditate better. The digestive system draws the blood circulation towards the digestive organs. Therefore blood circulation to the head is decreased once food is taken: so we feel sleepy.
** Observing Ekadasi increases spiritual advancement
