Glories of Parshva Ekadashi: The Divine Story of Lord Vamana and Bali Maharaj

Chinmayi Devi Dasi
Sep 1
6 min read

The glories of Parshva Ekadashi reveal how Lord Krishna narrated Vamana’s three steps, Bali’s surrender, and Vishnu’s turning during Chaturmas.

Parshva Ekadashi is one of the holiest Ekadashi fasts in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Bhadrapada. It is also known as Vamana Ekadashi and Parivartini Ekadashi. The name Parivartini means “turning over,” because on this sacred day Lord Vishnu turns to His other side while resting in the ocean of milk during Chaturmas.

Parivartini Ekadashi, will be observed on Wednesday, 03 September 2025. The Ekadashi tithi begins on 02 September at 11:29 AM and ends on 03 September at 09:42 AM. Devotees will break their fast (Parana) on 04 September after 10:19 AM till sunset.

This Ekadashi is praised for granting freedom from sins and from material bondage. It is also called Jayanti Ekadashi, because it destroys sinful reactions and brings victory on the path of devotion.

What This Ekadashi Means and Whom We Worship

King Yudhishthira once asked Lord Sri Krishna:

“What is the name of the Ekadashi in the bright half of Bhadrapada? Who should be worshipped on this day, and what result do we gain by observing it?”

Sri Krishna replied:

“This Ekadashi is Parshva (Vamana) Ekadashi. One who fasts with devotion becomes free from sins and bondage. Worship Me as Vamanadeva, the dwarf incarnation. By doing so, one worships all other Deities as well—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—and at life’s end reaches My eternal abode.”

On Parshva Ekadashi, therefore, we worship Lord Vamana, remembering His compassionate protection of the universe and His blessing to the humble king Bali Maharaj.

शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं ।

विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ॥

“I meditate on the Lord of serene form, who rests on the serpent Ananta, who has a lotus navel, and who is the Lord of all the gods.”

This ancient verse paints a gentle picture of Lord Vishnu resting on Ananta Shesha in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk). During Chaturmas (from Shayani Ekadashi to Haribodhini Ekadashi), the Lord is said to be in divine slumber. On Parivartini (Parshva) Ekadashi, He turns from one side to the other.

Devotees see this turning as a cosmic blessing. It is a sign of the Lord’s active grace in the world during Chaturmas. Observing Ekadashi on this day brings powerful merit because it aligns our hearts with this divine movement.

Yudhishthira’s Questions and Krishna’s Compassionate Answers

Yudhishthira asked further:

“O Janardana, how do You sleep and then turn over? What happens to living beings when You rest? Please also tell me how You bound Bali Maharaj, the king of the daityas.”

Sri Krishna said:

“Hear an ancient history, which by hearing alone removes sins.”

With these words, Krishna leads us into the treasured story of Vamana and Bali, showing how humility and surrender bring the Lord’s shelter.

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।

धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥

“For the protection of the righteous, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of dharma, I manifest in every age.” — Bhagavad Gita 4.8

This verse expresses the purpose of Divine Avatars. When dharma tilts and pride rises, the Lord appears to restore balance. The Vamana avatar is a shining example of this mercy.

Lord Vamana’s Blessings & Bali’s Devotion

In Treta Yuga, Bali Maharaj, the grandson of Prahlada, ruled with great strength and generosity. Though he was born in a daitya clan, he honored brahmins, gave charity, and performed yajnas with sincerity. His power grew so vast that he defeated Indra and took charge of the heavenly planets.

The Devas, with sages and their guru Brihaspati, worshipped Lord Vishnu and prayed for protection. The Lord agreed to help—not by war, but through a divine play of humility. He appeared as Vamanadeva, a radiant young brahmachari dwarf, carrying a water pot and umbrella, glowing with spiritual effulgence.

Vamana arrived at the yajna where Bali was offering gifts. Bali welcomed Him with respect, washed His feet, and asked: “O brahmana, what can I offer You?”

Vamana asked for a simple boon: three steps of land.

Bali was surprised by the small request. His guru Shukracharya realized the visitor was Lord Vishnu Himself and tried to stop Bali from giving the gift. Yet Bali chose truth over fear. He kept his vow, saying that a king’s promise should never be broken.

The moment Bali granted the three steps, Vamana expanded into the cosmic form Trivikrama.

With the first step, He covered the earth and the lower worlds.
With the second step, He covered the heavens and higher worlds, including the sun and the moon.
The third step had no place left.

Trivikrama then asked, “O king, where shall I place My third step?”

सर्वधर्मान् परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज ।

अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः

“Abandon all varieties of duty and simply surrender unto Me; I will deliver you from all sins.” — Bhagavad Gita 18.66

This teaching comes alive in Bali Maharaj. With deep humility, Bali bowed and offered his own head for the Lord’s third step. He chose surrender over pride, devotion over possession. The Lord gently placed His lotus foot on Bali’s head and sent him to Sutala—a realm crafted by Divine grace.

The Blessing: The Lord Stays with Bali

Though Bali lost his heavenly kingdom, he won the Lord’s heart. Pleased by Bali’s truthfulness and devotion, Sri Vishnu blessed him and promised to reside with him. On Parivartini (Parshva) Ekadashi, Bali installed the Deity of Vamanadeva in his residence. From that day, Bali became an eternal example that true victory is surrender to the Lord.

This is why Parshva Ekadashi is so special. It marks the Lord’s turning in divine rest, Bali’s surrender, and Vamana’s protective grace—all in one day.

नाहं वसामि वैकुण्ठे योगिनां हृदयेषु वा ।

मद्भक्ता यत्र गायन्ति तत्र तिष्ठामि नारद ॥

I do not reside in Vaikuntha, nor in the hearts of yogis. But wherever My devotees sing My glories with devotion, O Narada, I am present there.

Why Parshva Ekadashi Grants Liberation

Sri Krishna explained the glory of this vow:

Fasting on Parshva Ekadashi removes sinful reactions and loosens bondage to material life.
Worshipping Vamanadeva on this day is equal to worshipping all Deities.
The Ekadashi is also known as Jayanti, because it brings spiritual victory.
The merit gained during Chaturmas, from Shayani Ekadashi to Haribodhini Ekadashi, is especially powerful.
Simply hearing the story with faith brings blessings, and sincere observance helps the soul move toward the abode of Sri Hari.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे ।

हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ॥

(Meaning in English: “O Lord! Please engage me in Your service.” Chanting these names purifies the mind and draws us near the Lord’s feet.)

On Parshva Ekadashi, Naam Sankirtan—the chanting of the holy names—is especially dear to the Lord. Along with fasting and worship, chanting fills the heart with peace and devotion.

How to Observe Parshva (Vamana) Ekadashi

Keep your practice simple, sincere, and steady. Here are gentle guidelines based on the tradition and Krishna’s instructions:

Fast with devotion. Choose full fast, fruit-milk fast, or a simple satvik diet as per health.
Worship Vamanadeva. Offer tulasi leaves, flowers, a lamp, and a simple prayer. Even a single lotus offered with love brings the devotee close to the Lord.
Read and hear the Vamana–Bali story. Reflect on Bali’s humility and promise-keeping.
Give charity if possible—tradition mentions yogurt mixed with rice and silver given to a qualified person.
Stay awake in kirtan or quiet japa meditation for part of the night, remembering the Lord’s turning during Chaturmas.
Parana (breaking the fast) should be done the next day during the proper time window, according to the local calendar and sunrise.

The essence is bhakti—a loving heart. If health or circumstances limit your fasting, keep the spirit of the vow through prayer, chanting, and kindness.

The Inner Meaning behind the Glories of Parshva Ekadashi

Parshva Ekadashi invites us to turn our lives the way the Lord turns in His cosmic rest. It is a day to:

Turn from pride to humility, like Bali offering his head.
Turn from fear to faith, trusting that the Lord protects those who keep their word.
Turn from distraction to devotion, giving time to chanting and remembrance.
Turn from “mine” to “Thine,” surrendering results to the Lord.

When we turn our hearts in this way, the Lord’s grace flows easily.

बहूनां जन्मनामन्ते ज्ञानवान्मां प्रपद्यते ।

वासुदेवः सर्वमिति स महात्मा सुदुर्लभः

This short line sums up the goal of Ekadashi. In worshipping Vamanadeva, we worship Vasudeva Himself, who is present in all beings, in all worlds, and in every sincere heartbeat.

On this Parshva Ekadashi, may we remember Krishna’s words, honor Bali’s surrender, and celebrate Vamana’s mercy. May the Lord who turns in divine rest also turn our hearts toward truth, devotion, and lasting peace.