For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
For prologue on Ekadasi, go to the very first post here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. 🙂
The second Ekadasi for the month of September is Parivartana Ekadasi which was on Sept 25th this year (2023). Also known as Vamana Ekadasi or Jaljini Ekadasi, it is believed that Lord Vishnu who is under cosmic sleep on Aadishesha (= King of serpents) turns from left to right. Thus giving the name “Parivartana” to this day which literally means “Change”.
On this Lord Vamana, another of Lord Vishnu’s Avatar, was born who was sent to confront King Mahabali. Hence the name Vamana Ekadasi too for this day. Lord Vishnu is worshipped with yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves and Panchamrit. Followers fast all day concluding with the pooja. As I mentioned in the very first Ekadasi post, if you put the religion aside, allowing your body to fast twice a month is an excellent way of cleansing and detoxifying to aid in repair and rejuvenation.
Galavant Reflections 