Haribodhini Ekadashi being observed today

KATHMANDU, Nov 25: Haribodhini Ekadashi, a religious ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the god responsible for upkeep and sustaining life on Earth, is being observed by Hindus in the country on Thursday.

On this day, devotees pay obeisance to Lord Vishnu by observing fast and taking holy dips at rivers and ponds since early in the morning.

Hindus believe that one who fasts on this day and worships Vishnu, gets blessings. Haribodhini Ekadashi is considered an important festival as on this day, Vishnu awakens from his monsoon month’s slumber.

A wedding of Tulasi (basil) planted in Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi is organized tomorrow. Usually on this day, devotees visit several Vishnu temples across the country. The medicinal value of the Tulasi plant has been reaffirmed for its importance in helping people to stay away from cold in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tulasi tea helps enhance immune capacity and hence is good if consumed regularly to ward off the impact of Corona Virus, said Ayurvedic doctor Dr Shesh Raj Acharya.

On the occasion, thousands of visitors visit four Narayan temples in Kathmandu Valley, Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Bishankhu Narayan of Lalitpur, Sesh Narayan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu districts to worship the god and observe the festival.

However, the temples remain closed due to the outbreak of Corona Virus, that is rapidly increasing in Kathmandu valley of late. The Sesh Narayan temple of Dakshinkali however will remain open by following the health protocol.

The temple is being opened as it welcomes a large number of worshippers only one day of the year, said the temple management committee chair Shyam Bahadur Khatri.