On the day of Parivartni Ekadashi, Bhagwan continues to rest for the period of monsoon in the middle of the ocean on the head of Shesh Narayan until Kartik Sud Prabodhini Ekadashi. This day carries great importance for those who observe their Vrat accordingly, as it is a day to wash away one’s sins.
“Parivartini” means “of change” and represents the time when Shesh-Shayi Narayan changes the side on which He is resting. While the Lord is in divine sleep during Chaturmaas, midway through — on this Ekadashi — He turns over from one side to the other. This turning symbolises the Lord’s awareness of His devotees’ prayers even in His divine rest.
The festival is also known as Jaljilani Ekadashi, Vaman Ekadashi, or Parsva Ekadashi. On this day, the Vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu is specifically worshipped. Devotees observe a strict fast, bathe in holy rivers if possible, and perform night-long devotion and jagran.
The merit of observing this Ekadashi is said to be equivalent to performing an Ashwamedha Yagna (horse sacrifice). All sins accumulated in this life and previous lives are washed away through sincere observance of this vrat.