Your daily dose of news, covering the latest updates in politics, business, sports, entertainment, and more from India and around the world.
By Chetanya Sarraf
Sep 21, 2026, 09:15 AM
Puri Jagannath Temple Sees Devotee Rush on Ekadashi
The historic Jagannath Temple in Puri witnessed a large gathering of devotees on Tuesday as worshippers arrived to offer prayers and take part in rituals associated with Parivartini Ekadashi, also known as Parshva Ekadashi.
The occasion fell on September 22, 2026, and brought devotees to the famous Odisha temple for religious observances. The festival is associated with the Ekadashi tithi of the Bhadrapada month and is observed by devotees of Lord Vishnu.
According to ANI, a significant number of devotees gathered at the Jagannath Temple to participate in rituals marking Parshva Parivartana Bada Ekadashi.
Devotees Gather at Puri Jagannath Temple
The temple saw increased activity as devotees arrived for darshan and religious rituals during the Ekadashi observance.
Visuals from the temple showed devotees gathered near the sanctum and surrounding areas as religious activities continued. The occasion was marked by prayers and traditional rituals associated with the festival.
Parivartini Ekadashi is observed on the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada. In 2026, the observance falls on September 22.
The day is also known by names including Parshva Ekadashi, Vamana Ekadashi and Padma Ekadashi in different traditions.
What Is Parivartini Ekadashi?
Parivartini Ekadashi is an important Ekadashi observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The name is traditionally connected with the belief that Lord Vishnu changes his sleeping position during the Chaturmas period. Because of this association with a change or turning, the day is known as Parivartini Ekadashi.
Religious traditions also associate the day with the Vamana form of Lord Vishnu. Devotees observe fasting, prayers and other forms of worship according to their traditions.
The observance is therefore significant for many Vaishnav devotees and forms part of the annual Hindu religious calendar.
Why September 22 Was Observed as Ekadashi
There was some confusion about whether Parivartini Ekadashi would be observed on September 21 or September 22 this year.
According to published Panchang calculations, the Ekadashi tithi began at around 8:00 PM on September 21 and continued until approximately 9:43 PM on September 22. Since the Ekadashi tithi was present at sunrise on September 22, that date is observed as the fasting day.
The exact timings can vary slightly depending on the location and calculation method used by different Panchang sources.
For Puri, a Drik Panchang listing also identifies September 22, 2026, as Parshva Ekadashi.
Religious Activities at the Temple
The gathering at the Jagannath Temple reflected the importance of Ekadashi observances in Puri’s religious calendar.
Devotees visiting the temple during such occasions generally come to offer prayers and seek darshan. The temple remains one of the most important pilgrimage centres associated with Lord Jagannath and attracts visitors from Odisha as well as other parts of India.
The September 22 observance added to the religious activity around the temple, with devotees arriving throughout the day for the occasion.
Significance of Ekadashi in Hindu Tradition
Ekadashi occurs twice during a lunar month, once during the bright fortnight and once during the dark fortnight. Devotees following the tradition may observe a fast and dedicate the day to prayer and worship.
Parivartini Ekadashi falls during the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada. It is particularly associated with Lord Vishnu and is observed as part of the Chaturmas period.
Different families and religious traditions may follow different fasting practices. Some devotees observe a complete fast, while others follow specific dietary restrictions.
Because religious practices vary, devotees generally follow the customs prescribed by their own traditions and local religious authorities.
Parivartini Ekadashi and Lord Vishnu
The observance has a particular connection with Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep during Chaturmas.
According to traditional belief, Lord Vishnu is in a period of divine sleep during Chaturmas, and Parivartini Ekadashi marks a symbolic change in his sleeping position. This association gives the day its distinctive name and religious significance.
The day is also linked with the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is why some calendars and religious traditions refer to it as Vamana Ekadashi.
These are religious beliefs and traditions rather than claims that can be independently verified as historical events.
Puri's Role as a Major Pilgrimage Centre
Puri’s Jagannath Temple holds a prominent place in India’s religious landscape.
The temple is particularly associated with Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Major religious occasions throughout the year bring large numbers of pilgrims to the city.
Ekadashi observances are among the occasions when devotees visit temples to participate in prayers and religious activities.
The Parivartini Ekadashi gathering on September 22 was another such occasion, with devotees turning up at the historic temple for darshan and rituals.
When Will the Fast Be Broken?
The fast associated with Parivartini Ekadashi is generally broken on the following Dwadashi day.
For 2026, Panchang sources place the Parana, or fast-breaking period, on September 23. The exact window varies by location. For example, one New Delhi calculation gives a Parana period from approximately 6:09 AM to 8:35 AM on September 23.
Devotees should follow the timing applicable to their location rather than relying on a single national timing.
A Major Religious Gathering in Puri
The gathering at the Jagannath Temple highlights the continuing importance of traditional religious observances in Puri.
On Parivartini Ekadashi, devotees came together for prayers and rituals associated with Lord Vishnu and the Jagannath tradition. The occasion was observed across different parts of India, while Puri remained an important destination for pilgrims.
The event also demonstrates how major Hindu festivals and Ekadashi observances continue to draw devotees to historic temples across the country.
Key Details
Detail | Information |
Temple | Jagannath Temple, Puri |
Location | Puri, Odisha |
Occasion | Parivartini Ekadashi |
Also known as | Parshva Ekadashi |
Date | September 22, 2026 |
Main observance | Prayers, fasting and religious rituals |
Associated deity | Lord Vishnu |
Fast-breaking day | September 23, 2026 |
Event reported by | ANI |
The Puri Jagannath Temple witnessed a notable devotee gathering on September 22 as worshippers participated in rituals marking Parshva Parivartana Bada Ekadashi. The occasion was part of the wider observance of Parivartini Ekadashi, a day associated with Lord Vishnu in the Hindu religious calendar.
Source: ANI
Your trusted source for news, updates, and insights from India and around the world.
Copyright © 2020–2026 NEWSHOTS. All Rights Reserved.