Parsva Ekadasi-24-sep-2004

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Dear devotees

 

Dandavat Pranams.

 

We have been always posting the stories about ekadasi to all of you. but

this time a part from posting the ekadasi stories we would like to point out

the real needs of the devotees which is to know that we are now under the

very merciful Golden era of Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila

Prabhupada and that by following their instructions we get the real

preferction and liberation by doing devotional service and chanting the

Mahamantra, Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare.

 

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Parsva Ekadasi

 

 

The glories of Parsva Ekadasi which is also known as Parivartini

Ekadasi or Vamana Ekadasi is described in Brahmavaivartha Purana in the

conversation between Lord Krishna and Maharaj Yudhisthira.

 

Maharaj Yudhisthira asked Lord Krishna what is the name of the

Ekadasi which occures during the waxing moon in the month of

August/September. How one should observe this Ekadasi and what is the merit

one obtain by observing it? Please explain to me all these in details.

 

Lord Krishna replied O King!the Ekadasi which occures during the

waxing moon in the month of August/September is called Parsva Ekadasi. This

Ekadasi is very auspicious, it awards one liberation and takes away all ones

sins. Just by hearing the glories of this Ekadasi all the sinful reactions

of a person is vanquished. The peity one obtains by observing this Ekadasi

can not be obtained even by performing Vajapeya sacrifice. This Ekadasi is

also known as Jayanthi Ekadasi. One who worships Lord Vamana Deva with

devotion on this day, he is worshiped by the inhabitants of the three

worlds. A person who worships the Lotus eyed Lord Vishnu with a lotus

flower undoubtedly goes back to the abode of the Lord. On this Ekadasi the

sleeping lord turns from left side to right side. That is why this Ekadasi

is renowded as Parsva Parivartini (Changing sides) Ekadasi.

 

Maharaj Yudhisthira said O Janardhana! Inspite of hearing your

description I still have some doubts. O Lord of lords! How do you sleep

and how do you change sides? What are the proceedures for observing the vow

of Chaturmasya? What should people do when you are sleeping? Why did you

bind Bali Maharaja with roopes? O my Lord! Please describe these to me in

detail and remove my doubts.

 

Lord Krishna replied O Lion like King! There was a great devotee

of me named Bali in Treta Yuga. Although he was born in a demoniac family

he regularly worship me and offered various prayers. He also worshiped the

brahmins and performed sacrifices. Soon he became so prominent that he

defeated Indra the king of heaven and conquered the heavenly planet. Then

Indra along with the other demigods and the sages approached me. By their

prayer I assumed the form of a dwarf (Vamana) and went to the sacrificial

areana of King Bali dressed as a small bramachari.

 

I asked Bali to give me three steps of Land in charity. When

Bali requested me to ask for some thing more after hearing my demand for

only three steps of land, I exhibited my determination to remain satisfied

with what I asked . Without further consideration King Bali and his wife

Vindhyawali gave me a the steps of land in charity. Due to being the

supreme personality of Godhead Lord Vamanadeva gradually began to expand

His body with his one step He covered the seven lower planetary systems and

with his second step He coverd the entire planetary system. He Also covered

the entire sky by expanding His body. When Vamana deva asked for the place

to set his third step King Bali offered his head with folded hands. Then

Lord Vamanadeva placed His third step on the head of the King Bali. Being

fully satisfied by his humility I blessed him that I will constantly live

with you.

 

On the day of this Ekadasi which occures during the waxing moon

in the month of August/September a deity form of Vamanadeva was installed in

the residence of King Bali. Another form of mine has been established in

the bed of Anantha sesa in the ocean of milk. The Supreme Lord sleeps for

four months begining from Sayana Ekadasi upto Uttana Ekadasi. One should

specially worship the Lord during this four months. On should properly

observe each and every Ekadasi. By observing this Ekadasi on obtains the

result of performing one thousand horse sacrifices.