Breaking the Fast
Pāraṇai (Tamil: from Sanskrit pāraṇā = the end of a vow) is the first prasādam received on Dvādaśī (the twelfth day of the lunar fortnight), ending the full fast of Ekādaśī (the eleventh day). The Ekādaśī fast — abstaining from all grains and observing a day of vigil and prayer — is among the most important observances in the Śrī Vaiṣṇava calendar.
The Sacred Timing
The pāraṇai must be performed within a prescribed time window on Dvādaśī morning — traditionally after sunrise but before the dvādaśī tithi (lunar day) ends. Performing pāraṇai at the correct time is considered essential; the observance is not complete without it.
Community Practice
Pāraṇai is particularly significant in temple communities where devotees who observed the Ekādaśī fast together receive prasādam from the temple deity — ending their fast with the Lord's own food. This transforms the physiological act of eating into an act of devotion and community.