According to Hindu scriptures, the Ekadashi Tithi (lunar day) is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is believed to grant liberation from the sins accumulated over countless lifetimes. Varuthini Ekadashi is celebrated on the Ekadashi Tithi falling during the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of *Vaishakh*. In the year 2026, Varuthini Ekadashi will fall on Sunday, April 12. Observing the fast on this Ekadashi Tithi in accordance with prescribed rituals—and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi alongside Lord Vishnu—yields *Akshaya Phala* (imperishable, eternal merit). However, religious texts also specify certain actions that are strictly prohibited on Varuthini Ekadashi; engaging in these activities may trigger numerous problems in one's life.

**Maintaining Distance 24 Hours in Advance is Essential**
Speaking to *Local 18*, Pandit Shridhar Shastri—an astrologer from Haridwar—explains that in 2026, Varuthini Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, April 12. Observing a fast on this day yields spiritual merit equivalent to performing *Kanyadan* (the ritualistic giving away of a daughter in marriage) or undertaking 10,000 years of rigorous penance. The consumption of *Tamasic* (stimulating/impure) and non-vegetarian foods is strictly prohibited starting 24 hours prior to Ekadashi. The consumption of *Tamasic* ingredients—such as onions, garlic, turnips, eggplants, etc.—must cease from the morning of April 11. Furthermore, non-vegetarian items and intoxicants—including eggs, meat, fish, alcohol, *gutka*, *khaini*, *bidis*, and cigarettes—are completely forbidden throughout the duration of the fast.

**No Remedy Available**
According to Pandit Shastri, during the Varuthini Ekadashi fast, Lord Vishnu becomes displeased if devotees harbor negative thoughts, envy toward others, malicious intentions, or impurity within their minds. If a devotee consumes prohibited substances—whether knowingly or unknowingly—or harbors negative thoughts, the fast yields adverse consequences; these negative effects cannot be nullified or resolved through any subsequent remedial measures. Varuthini Ekadashi is described in great detail within the *Bhavishya Purana*.

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