(April 26, 2022)
Ekadashi of Vaishakh Krishna Paksha is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. Being the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha, it is open for Vanaprastha, Sanyasi and Widow. If you are observing a Nishkam Vrat on Ekadashi, then fasting for both the sides can be done. By observing this fast one gets freedom from all kinds of sins. The fasting should engage in this fast from a day before. On the day of Ekadashi, take bath in the morning, the following resolution should be taken:
‘mam kaayik vaachik maanasik saansaargik paatak upapaatak duritakshayapoorvak shruti smrti puraanokt phal praaptaye shreeparameshvar preeti kaamanaya ekaadashee vratan ahan karishye.’
‘मम कायिक वाचिक मानसिक सांसार्गिक पातक उपपातक दुरितक्षयपूर्वक श्रुति स्मृति पुराणोक्त फल प्राप्तये श्रीपरमेश्वर प्रीति कामनया एकादशी व्रतं अहं करिष्ये।’
After that Lord Vishnu should be worshiped properly. Then chanting, yagya, stotra recitation, kirtan etc. should be done as far as is possible. In the night, awakening should be done with Harikatha, talks, hymns, hymns, kirtans etc. After worshiping Dwadashi again, Parana should be done.

Fasting Story

It is a thing of ancient times. On the banks of the river Narmada was the kingdom of a king named Mandhata. Apart from being a capable ruler, Mandhata was also kind, religious and charitable. Once upon a time, he was doing penance in the forest, when a wild bear came there and grabbed his leg by the mouth and dragged him to the forest. Since the king was doing penance, he did not try to kill the bear by being angry with him, but instead prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, seeing his devotee in distress, appeared immediately and killed the bear with his wheel, but the king's leg was damaged. The king was very sad because of that. Seeing him sad, Lord Vishnu told him that you should go to Mathura and worship my Varahavatar idol there by fasting on Varuthini Ekadashi, due to its effect you will become complete again. You have got this misery, it is the result of your previous birth's karma. Mandhata, on the orders of Lord Vishnu, went to Mathura and there he observed Vaishakh Krishna Paksha Ekadashi fast, due to which his feet were healed and he was freed from sins.