Parivartini Ekadashi (Vamana)

Parivartini Ekadashi falls in the Shukla paksha of Bhadrapada, and its presiding deity is Vishnu as the Vamana avatara. It is also known as Parsva Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi and, in some regions, Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, and the multiple names show how widely it is observed. Parivartini means turning, and it comes midway through Chaturmasya, which gives the day its special flavour.

The idea, as the Brahma Vaivarta Purana tradition tells it, is that Vishnu, asleep on the serpent Shesha since Devshayani, turns from one side to the other. Devotees see this as a symbolic midpoint in the four months. A second theme is Vamana, the dwarf brahmin who asked King Bali for three steps of land, and then covered the worlds with two, before placing the third on Bali's head and sending him to Patala. The two themes are told together on this day in many homes.

In Odisha and Kerala, the Vamana story links to local celebrations around Onam and Bali, though the exact festival connections differ and should be confirmed with local custom. Observers keep a grain-free fast, offer tulsi, and may place an idol of Vishnu in a decorated swing or cradle. Since it falls in monsoon, people with weak digestion should keep the day light, and anyone with a medical condition should check with a doctor about the fast. Taking stock of any Chaturmasya vows made at Devshayani is a popular practice.