Meaning and Purpose: Vishnu Panchaka Vratha is a sacred practice dedicated to pleasing Lord Vishnu, performed with the intention of seeking His grace (Vishnu Preranaya, Vishnu Preetyartham). This vratha entails observing five fasts (upavaasas) every month on the following auspicious days:
Shravana Nakshatra day
Shukla Ekadashi
Bahula Ekadashi
Purnima (Full Moon)
Amavasya (New Moon)
In total, a devout follower undertakes five upavaasas per month, amounting to 60 fasts annually.
Commencement of the Vratha: The Vratha is to be initiated during one of the following periods, provided that five fasting days fall within the month:
Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi, if it coincides with Shravana Nakshatra.
Margasheersha Shukla Ekadashi, with or without Shravana Nakshatra.
Margasheersha Shukla Panchami, if it coincides with Shravana Nakshatra.
Divine Fruits of the Vratha (Phala): Observing Vishnu Panchaka Vratha cleanses the soul from severe sins such as:
Brahma Hatya Dosha (killing a Brahmin)
Consuming intoxicants
Adultery
Cow slaughter
Harming women or children
Theft of gold It ensures spiritual purity and liberation from these karmic burdens.
Rules of Vishnu Panchaka Vratha:
Begin the first day of fasting with Punyahavachana to sanctify oneself and the environment.
Perform a formal Sankalpa (vow), dedicating the vratha to Lord Vishnu.
Daily, engage in puja, ahneeka (morning rituals), naivedya (offering food), hastodaka (offering water), vaishwadeva (offerings for all beings), and consume sacred theertha (holy water).
Apply angara akshate (sacred ash and rice) daily, except on Ekadashi.
Arrange Brahmana and Suvasini (married women) bhojana (meals) on fasting days, but avoid this on Ekadashi itself.
The day after fasting, offer meals to a Dampati (husband and wife). Partake in your meal only after serving them.
Perform Udyapana (completion ritual) at the beginning, during the course, or at the conclusion of the vratha. The preceding day of Udyapana should be observed as a fasting day.
On the Udyapana day, arrange meals for at least five Brahmana couples (Dampatis).
Additional Practices During Vishnu Panchaka:
Krishna Snana: Holy bath in the Krishna River.
Krishna Darshana: Visiting temples of Lord Krishna, such as Udupi Krishna or Dwarka Krishna.
Krishna Daana: Donate an idol of Lord Krishna according to one’s ability
