dev uthani ekadashi

Dev Uthani Ekadashi

As per the Hindu Calendar, the Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Kartik, is called the Dev Uthani Ekadashi. The occasion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the end of the period of four months of inauspicious time. This time period is called the Chaturmas. The period of four months, before the Dev Uthani Ekadashi is considered to be the sleeping period of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep called the Yoga Nidra, on Devshayani Ekadashi and wakes up after the four-month duration, i.e. on Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi is famous by various names among the devotees. Some of the famous names are – Prabodhini Ekadashi, Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Dev Utthana Ekadashi, Vishnu Prabodhini or Deothan. Also, this Ekadasi occurs in the Hindu month of Kartik, hence, it is also known as Kartiki Ekadashi. However, Prabodhini Ekadashi is the well-known name, by which the Dev Uthani Ekadashi is famous.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi: Significance Of The Day:

Dev Uthani Ekadasi holds a lot of significance amongst the Hindus. It is said to be the start of an auspicious timing, as it ends the time of Lord Vishnu’s sleep and he wakes up on this very day. People observe fast on Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is believed that if someone observes fast on the day of Dev-Prabodhini Ekadashi, his/her sins get abolished, even though, the sins were committed in past life.

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It is said that those who do not consume food at all on the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, get rid of the sins of past seven births. It is firmly believed that observing the Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast, helps in attaining liberation and gives immense benefits. It is considered highly meritorious and purifying to take bath on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi, which is not even received by taking bath in a pilgrimage.

The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi also holds great significance as it initiates the season of marriages, which is stopped during the four months of Lord Vishnu’s sleep. It is not considered auspicious to do marriages during the period of Chaturmas. Hence, on this Dev Uthani Ekadashi get ready to celebrate this pious day by getting Lord Vishnu’s blessings. Also, go ahead and conduct all the auspicious occasions like marriage ceremonies, from the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

Legend of the Dev Uthani Ekadashi

As per the legend, Goddess Lakshmi was quite unhappy with the unusual sleeping of Lord Vishnu. Sometimes, Lord Vishnu used to sleep for numerous days and sometimes, he remained awake for so many days. Goddess Lakshmi told Lord Vishnu that she is not happy with this and needs Lord Vishnu to find a solution. She also told him that even the Devas, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, had to wait for long to meet him. Lord Vishnu assured Goddess Lakshmi at that time that he would find a solution to this problem.

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After few days, the Devas (demigods) and the saints reached Lord Vishnu and complained that a demon named Sankhyayan, has stolen the Vedas. He had done so as he wished that human beings should get deprived of the knowledge of the religious literature. He also wanted that the epitome of evil should spread all around. Lord Vishnu promised all of them that he would bring back the Vedas. Lord Vishnu had a fight with Sankhyayan and defeated him. He took over all the Vedas from the demon and returned them back to the Devas. He also said to Goddess Lakshmi that now he will go for a continuous sleep of four months. Hence, this durations is called the Chaturmas.

The observer of the Prabodhini Ekadashi fast should wake up early in the morning. After taking bath, the devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Also, on the day of Devuthani Ekadasi, the famous Pandarpur Yatra is carried at the Lord Vitthal temple. Along with this, as a part of the rituals, the devotees conduct the marriage of the Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu, in form of Shaligram, which is known as Tulsi Vivah.

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The ritual of Tulsi Vivah is completed on the next day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi. So, on this Dev Uthani Ekadashi or the Prabodhini Ekadasi, do follow all these rituals and conduct the Tulsi Vivah, to bring happiness in married life.

This Year Dev uthani ekadashi shall be celebrated on Friday, 08th. November, 2019.