Varuthini Ekadashi arrives on Chaitra Vad 11. Observing a full fasting vratt on this day is rewarded with happiness in this world and the next. This vratt is the destroyer of all sins and elevates the observer on the path to ultimate salvation.
The story of Varuthini Ekadashi is narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Purana. The King asked the Lord about the most sacred Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of Chaitra, and the Lord described the immense glory of Varuthini Ekadashi.
The Lord explains that the merit of observing Varuthini Ekadashi surpasses all other forms of piety and charity. A person who donates an elephant earns more merit than one who donates a horse; one who donates land earns more than one who donates an elephant; one who donates sesame earns more than one who donates land; but none of these match the merit of observing the fast of Varuthini Ekadashi.
Devotees observe this Ekadashi by fasting completely, refraining from all grains and beans, performing puja of Lord Vishnu, and spending the day and night in prayer and devotional activities. Those who observe this fast sincerely are said to be freed from the cycle of rebirth and attain a divine abode after this life.