Parana is the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast.
It must be done within Dwadashi Tithi after sunrise.
Hari Vasara must be avoided for Parana.
Smarthas fast on the first day; Vaishnavas on the second.
Fasting on both days is ideal for ardent Vishnu devotees.
Details
Parana, the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast, is performed after sunrise on the following day and must be done within the Dwadashi Tithi. Failing to observe Parana within this time is considered a spiritual lapse. Importantly, Parana should not be performed during Hari Vasara, the initial quarter of Dwadashi. The ideal time to perform Parana is during Pratahkal (early morning), and it should be avoided during Madhyahna (midday).
If morning is missed, Parana may be done later but only after Madhyahna ends. In some cases, Ekadashi fasting is recommended for two consecutive days. Household devotees (Smarthas) are advised to fast on the first day, while renunciates (Vaishnavas, widows, moksha-seekers) observe the second. Those deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu may observe fasting on both days for divine grace. Observing these rules ensures spiritual merit and aligns with traditional Vedic practices.
