{"id":28948,"date":"2026-01-02T13:16:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T07:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/?p=28948"},"modified":"2026-01-02T13:16:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T07:46:56","slug":"varuthini-ekadashi-vrat-katha-date","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/varuthini-ekadashi-vrat-katha-date\/","title":{"rendered":"Varuthini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha &#038; Significance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"headline\": \"Varuthini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Significance\",\n      \"description\": \"Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 is on April 13. Read the Vrat Katha of King Mandhata & the Bear, find the exact Parana time, and learn why Lord Varaha is worshipped today.\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata.jpg\",\n      \"author\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"SmartPuja\" },\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-01-15\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-01-15\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Event\",\n      \"name\": \"Varuthini Ekadashi 2026\",\n      \"startDate\": \"2026-04-13\",\n      \"endDate\": \"2026-04-14\",\n      \"description\": \"A sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu's Varaha Avatar, believed to protect devotees from misfortune.\",\n      \"location\": { \"@type\": \"Place\", \"name\": \"India\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When is Varuthini Ekadashi in 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Varuthini Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, April 13, 2026.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Which Avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Varuthini Ekadashi?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Varaha Avatar (Boar Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu is specifically worshipped on this day.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the Parana time for Varuthini Ekadashi 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The fast should be broken (Parana) on April 14, 2026, between 06:55 AM and 10:15 AM.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"varuthini-container\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; color: #444; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-28949\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata-1024x577.png\" alt=\"Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha of King Mandhata and Lord Varaha\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata-1536x865.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata.png 1640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h1 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; text-align: center;\"><strong>Varuthini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha &amp; Significance<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><strong>Varuthini Ekadashi<\/strong> is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of <strong>Vaishakha<\/strong>. The Sanskrit word <em>&#8220;Varuthini&#8221;<\/em> translates to &#8220;armored&#8221; or &#8220;protected.&#8221; It is believed that observing this Vrat creates a protective shield around the devotee, guarding them against physical suffering and misfortune.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, Varuthini Ekadashi falls on a <strong>Monday<\/strong>. Unlike other Ekadashis where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Chaturbhuj form, this day is special for the worship of the <strong>Varaha Avatar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff8e1; border-left: 5px solid #ffb300; padding: 20px; margin: 30px 0; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); font-size: 1.05em;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #e65100;\">\ud83d\udcc5 Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Vrat Date:<\/strong> Monday, April 13, 2026<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Parana Time (Break Fast):<\/strong> Apr 14, 06:55 AM to 10:15 AM<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hari Vasara End Time:<\/strong> Apr 14, 06:54 AM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.9em; font-style: italic; color: #666; margin-top: 15px; border-top: 1px solid #ffcc80; padding-top: 10px;\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Note:<\/strong> <em>Tithi timings and Parana windows may vary slightly based on your location (sunrise time). Please check your local Panchang for precise timings.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px dashed #ffb300; margin: 15px 0;\" \/>\n<p><strong>Seek Divine Protection for Your Family<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 15px;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #d35400; color: #ffffff !important; padding: 10px 25px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none !important; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1em; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); transition: transform 0.2s;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/vishnu-sahasranamam-puja\">Book Vishnu Puja Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Significance of Varuthini Ekadashi<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Lord Krishna explained to King Yudhishthira that this Vrat is equivalent to donating gold at Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse. It is said to bestow:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Protection from painful diseases.<\/li>\n<li>Good fortune and prosperity.<\/li>\n<li>Freedom from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story of King Mandhata)<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The legend tells of <strong>King Mandhata<\/strong>, a pious and charitable ruler who lived on the banks of the Narmada river. He was known for his deep meditation and asceticism.<\/p>\n<p>One day, while the King was meditating in a dense forest, a wild <strong>bear<\/strong> attacked him. The bear started chewing on the King&#8217;s leg and began dragging him towards its den. Following the dharma of non-violence (Ahimsa), the King did not get angry or fight back physically. Instead, he prayed fervently to Lord Vishnu to save him.<\/p>\n<p>Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared and killed the bear with his Sudarshan Chakra. However, the King\u2019s leg had been badly mauled. Seeing the King in pain, Lord Vishnu said, <em>&#8220;O King, do not worry. Go to Mathura and worship my Varaha Avatar by observing the <strong>Varuthini Ekadashi Vrat<\/strong>. Your limb will be restored. This suffering was due to a sin from your past life.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>King Mandhata followed the Lord&#8217;s advice strictly. By the merit of the Vrat, his leg was miraculously healed, and he regained his full strength and beauty.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 40px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #ff6600; color: #ffffff !important; padding: 16px 35px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none !important; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; text-align: center; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(255, 102, 0, 0.4); transition: transform 0.2s;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/vishnu-sahasranamam-puja\">Book Vishnu Sahasranamam Puja<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Puja Vidhi for Varuthini Ekadashi<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Strict Fasting:<\/strong> Avoid food and water if possible (Nirjala), or consume only fruits (Phalahar).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Oil Prohibition:<\/strong> Unlike other days, oil massage is strictly prohibited on this Ekadashi.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Worship:<\/strong> Offer incense, lamps, and sandalwood paste to Lord Varaha or Lord Vishnu.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Night Vigil:<\/strong> Stay awake at night (Jagran) singing bhajans or chanting <em>&#8220;Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya&#8221;<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parana:<\/strong> Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) within the auspicious time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"background: #e0f7fa; border: 1px solid #b2ebf2; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; margin: 30px 0; text-align: center;\"><strong>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Looking for other dates?<\/strong><br \/>\nCheck the complete list of 26 Ekadashis this year in our master guide.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"color: #006064; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; font-size: 1.1em;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/ekadashi-dates-2026-vrat-calendar\/\">View All Ekadashi Dates 2026 \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #d35400 !important; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #ff6600;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\" style=\"font-size: 1.1em; color: #333; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">1. When is Varuthini Ekadashi 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Varuthini Ekadashi falls on <strong>Monday, April 13, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\" style=\"font-size: 1.1em; color: #333; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">2. What is special about Varuthini Ekadashi?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It is known for granting protection (Varuthini) from physical ailments and bad karma. Lord Varaha is worshipped on this day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section\" style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\" style=\"font-size: 1.1em; color: #333; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">3. Can we use oil on Varuthini Ekadashi?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, applying oil to the body or eating oily food is strictly prohibited on this specific Ekadashi.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Varuthini Ekadashi 2026 (April 13): &#8220;Varuthini&#8221; means &#8220;Armored&#8221; or &#8220;Protected.&#8221; This powerful fast acts as a divine shield against suffering and bad karma. Read the famous legend of King Mandhata, whose limb was restored by observing this Vrat, and learn how to worship Lord Varaha on this auspicious day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5,4,9],"tags":[253,1151,1155,1152,1153,1156,1150,1154,327],"class_list":["post-28948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals","category-rituals","category-traditions","tag-hindu-calendar-2026","tag-king-mandhata","tag-king-mandhata-story","tag-lord-varaha","tag-vaishakha-krishna-ekadashi","tag-varaha-avatar-puja","tag-varuthini-ekadashi-2026","tag-varuthini-ekadashi-vrat-katha","tag-vishnu-puja"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/varuthini-ekadashi-2026-king-mandhata.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28948"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28951,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28948\/revisions\/28951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}