According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), a *Samvat* (year) comprises a total of 12 months, and each month features two *Ekadashi* dates. The *Ekadashi* date is considered the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observing the *Ekadashi* fast and engaging in the worship, adoration, and prayers of Lord Vishnu is believed to eliminate all the sorrows and afflictions of life. *Samvat* 2083 commenced on March 19th, marking the beginning of the *Chaitra Shukla Paksha* (the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Chaitra).

Following Chaitra, the month of *Vaishakh* arrives; the second *Ekadashi* of the *Samvat* falls during the *Krishna Paksha* (the waning phase of the moon) of this month. This observance is also described in the *Puranas*. Pandit Shridhar Shastri, an astrologer from Haridwar speaking to *Local 18*, explains that the occurrence of a total of 24 *Ekadashis* throughout a *Samvat* serves the purpose of human welfare.

**Rewards Equivalent to Donating Gold**

The second *Ekadashi* of the *Samvat* occurs during the *Krishna Paksha* of *Vaishakh* and is renowned as *Varuthini Ekadashi*. In the year 2026, this *Ekadashi* will fall on Sunday, April 12th. Since this day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, devotees observe the *Ekadashi* fast and perform rituals such as the recitation of the *Vishnu Sahasranama* (the thousand names of Vishnu). According to the *Bhavishya Purana*, observing the *Varuthini Ekadashi* fast with proper rituals and adherence yields spiritual rewards equivalent to those gained from donating gold.

**Why Specifically on April 12th?**

This particular *Ekadashi* fast holds a special significance among all *Ekadashis* because it begins with rising during the *Brahma Muhurat* (the auspicious pre-dawn period), performing ritual ablutions, and formally taking the vow to fast. If the fast is observed strictly according to the prescribed rules throughout the day, it is assured to yield spiritual merits equivalent to performing *Kanyadan* (the ritualistic giving away of one's daughter in marriage) or undertaking 10,000 years of rigorous penance. Pandit Shridhar Shastri further explains that performing this fast with due diligence is believed to absolve one of sins committed both knowingly and unknowingly; furthermore, religious scriptures assert that it grants liberation from the karmic burdens of past lives.

According to astrological calculations, the *Dashami* Tithi (the tenth lunar day) will prevail until 1:16 AM on the early morning of April 12th, while the *Ekadashi* Tithi will commence at 1:17 AM. Since the full spiritual benefit of Hindu festivals is realized during their *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar phase prevailing at sunrise), the *Varuthini Ekadashi* fast will be observed on April 12th.

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