Parivartini Ekadashi in 2015 will be celebrated on 24 September, Friday. Also, known as Vamana Ekadashi and Parshva Parivartini Ekadashi is always celebrated on the eleventh day of the bright half of the Hindu month Bhadrapda. As per beliefs, on this day, Lord Vishnu turns from one side to another while reclining over Adishesha and this reclination is known as Parivartan. Hence, the name of this Ekadashi is Parivartani Ekadashi. Parshava Ekadashi is one of those Ekadashi Vratas that fall under the time period of Chaturmas. Further, the name Vamana Ekadashi is given because of the fact that Lord Vishnu took the Avatar of Vaman on this day and had sent Mahabali to Patal Lok (Nether World). As per the ancient beliefs, one who observes fast on this day gets rid of all his / her sins.

Legend Behind Parivartini Ekadashi

The legend behind Parivartini Ekadashi has been described in Brahma Vivarta Purana as the conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhishthira. Let's put light on their conversation:
Maharaj Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, "What is the significance of eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Bharapada? Who is worshipped on this day? Please reveal the glory of this day to me my Lord."

Lord Krishna then described the glory of Parshva Parivartini Ekadashi like this:

"O Yudhishthira! This Ekadashi is known as Vamana Ekadashi. One who observes this day gets blessed with ultimate liberation from the bondage of this material life. This day helps the devotee eliminating all his/ her sins. Hence, it is also known as Jayanti Ekadashi. Just hearing the glory of this day frees one from all the misdeeds of the person made in past. The merit of observing this fast is equivalent of sacrificing a horse. This is the most powerful Ekadashi amongst all. Therefore, if somebody wishes to get free of all the facets of this material world then Vamana Ekadashi Vrat is the perfect medium. "

"Along with fast, the devotee should also worship the Almighty's form of Vamana, which is the dwarf Avatar and whose eyes look like the petals of lotus. Additionally, devotee should also worship the trinity � Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The observer of this fast and worship undoubtedly boards to the Kingdom of Shree Hari after death. Amongst all three worlds, there is no other fast that is so auspicious like Parshva Parivartini Ekadsashi. Vaman Ekadashi is glorious as Lord Vishnu turned to other side while sleeping on this day."

Listening to all this, Yudhishthira came out with many other questions like this:

"O Janardan, how is it possible that the Supreme Lord sleeps and turns to his one side? What happens to other living organisms if the Almighty is asleep? How did you bound the the greatest King Mahabali and how to please Brahmins? How can one observe Chaturmasa? O Lord, please answer these questions to me."

The Supreme Lord Krishna then answered, "O Yudhishthira, I will narrate you the pious historical event all through, which will eradicate all the sins simply by hearing. There was a King named Bali in Treta Yuga. He was born to a devilish dynasty but was still a devotee of mine. In order to satisfy me, he chanted various Vedic hymns and performed Homa rituals. Also, he always respected Brahmins. This pious soul had some tussles with Indra and defeated him in a battle. Mahabali overtook the entire celestial dynasty of Indra which was given to him by me. Therefore, Indra and all other allied Gods approached me with the complaint of Bali. Along with the spiritual master Brihaspati, they all bowed their heads in front of me while chanting Vedic sacred prayers just to enchant me. Therefore, I had to show up on their behalf in the Avatar of Vamana, my fifth incarnation."

King Yudhishtra then desired to know more in detail, "O Lord, how did you conquer powerful Bali in an incarnation of Dwarf?"

Krishna then replied, "I was a dwarf Brahmin, who approached Bali for alms in the form of land. I simply asked him my 3 steps on land in charity and he agreed. As soon as my demand was accepted, I started expanding my body size. It became of gigantic that I covered the entire Earth with my feet, Bhuvarloka with thighs, heaven with waist, Maharlok with stomach, Janaloka with chest, Tapoloka with neck and Satyaloka with head as well as face. The entire material creation was covered by me including all the planets of universe along with Sun and Moon. Seeing this, all the Gods including Indra and Shesha (King of Snakes) started singing sacred Vedic hymns to offer prayers to me. Further I held Bali in a hand and asked him where to put my promised third foot as 2 feet covered Earth and all heavenly planets. Hearing this, Bali bowed his head in front of me to offer space for my third foot. Hence, I put my third step over his head and pushed him to the Patal Lok (Nether World). Humbleness of Bali pleased me, so I blessed him with the boon by staying in his palace permanently. After that day, Bali placed my deity form at his residence."
"O King, I sleep till Haribodhini Ekadashi, which falls in the bright half of the Hindu month Kartika. I sleep in the ocean of milk. One should celebrate Parivartini Ekadashi carefully as each deed is counted on this day. It is very special for purifying body and soul. A faithful devotee should worship Lord Vamanadeva and Trivikrama, the supreme fathers."

"There are some other beneficial rituals allied to this day that are not mandatory but could be followed if possible. Offer some yogurt mixed with rice to a qualified person along with some Silver and stay awake throughout the night. The proper performance of all rituals is equivalent to the sacrifice of 1000 horses."

So, this was the logic and legend behind Parshva Parivartini Ekadashi. Perform this day with proper rituals and be blessed with all round success and love of Almighty. Happy Parivartini Ekadashi 2015!