Utthana Ekadasi or Prabodhini Ekadashi, also known as Dev Uthani Ekadasi and Hari Prabodhini, occurs during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Kartik (October-November). Brahma narrated the significance of Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi to Sage Narada, and the Skanda Purana mentions this heavenly conversation. Believers believe that observing Ekadasi absolves the penitence of sins and is a path to deliverance (Moksha) to Lord Vishnu. This fast helps individuals transition from passive to active voice. Ekadasi is known by many names.
- Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi,
- Hari Prabodhini
- Dev Uthani Gyaras
- Dev Uthani
- Bada Ekadashi
Importance of Dev Uthani Gyaras
Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on the Ashada Suddha Ekadasi (July-August). During the Chaturmasya period, he is in deep dozing. The Kartik Shukla Ekadasi is when Lord Vishnu wakes up, and it is also known as Dev Uthani Ekadasi. On this day, the gods wake up after a four-month slumber. Some Hindu communities avoid performing auspicious ceremonies during this time. Marriages, housewarming, and construction of new houses are postponed until after the four-month period.
During Utthana Ekadasi, people place an image of Lord Vishnu on the ground, light lamps around it, and offer fruits and vegetables to the image. In some provinces, a big brass plate is placed over the image to symbolize that he is sleeping. People sing Bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu, asking him to wake up and bless the people. To wake the Lord, children light mustard torches at night and make a lot of noise.
Rituals on Dev Uthani Gyaras
Some communities perform the famous Tulsi Vivah festival on this day, as well as the day after Ekadasi in certain regions. The Chaturmasya Vrata, which started on Ashadi Ekadasi, comes to an end on Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi day. The well-known Pandharpur Yatra to the Lord Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur is observed during the Kartik month.
Dev Uthani Ekadasi Mantra
उत्तिष्ठोतिष्ठ गोविंद त्यजनिद्रांजगत्पते।
त्वयिसुप्तेजगन्नाथ जगत् सुप्तमिंदभवेत्।।
उत्तिष्ठोतिष्ठवाराह दंष्ट वेद्वत वसुंधरे।
हिरण्याक्षप्राणघातिन्त्रैलोक्येमंगलम्कुरू।।
The Mythology behind Dev Uthani Ekadashi
This Ekadashi signifies the end of chairman (four months of monsoon). According to popular belief, Lord Vishnu sleeps on the eve of dev shayani ekadashi, which falls in the Ashada month during Shukla Paksha. It is advised not to engage in any auspicious activities during this time as Lord Vishnu is said to be asleep. After the end of this period, one can perform any auspicious activity. What is the legend behind this belief?
Once, Lakshmiji said to Lord Vishnu, Lord, you are awake day and night but once you sleep, you sleep for millions of years and at that time you destroy all the pastures. Lord agreed with Lakshmiji and said that you are right.
You do not get time from my service, so from today onwards, I will sleep for four months, the period of the rainy season. This sleep will be called dev shayani. This sleeplessness will be the ultimate blessing for my devotees. During this time all devotees serving me with the feeling of sleeping will experience my presence in their homes.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi Fast Story
A king lived in his kingdom where everyone used to observe Ekadashi fast. On the day of Ekadashi, no food was given to anyone. One day, a man requested a job from the king. The king agreed to give him a job but mentioned that no food would be provided on Ekadashi. The man accepted the condition.
Beginning of Ekadashi
When Ekadashi arrived, everyone began fasting. The man went to the king asking for food, mentioning that fruits were not sufficient for his hunger. He emphasized the importance of food for his survival. The king reminded him of the fasting condition on Ekadashi.
Requirement of Food
The man insisted on his need for food for survival. The king then provided him with flour, lentils, and rice. The man bathed, cooked food on the river bank, and invited Lord Vishnu to partake in the meal. Lord Vishnu was pleased and joined the meal and the man continued with his other tasks.
Pleasing the Almighty
In the next Ekadashi, he asked for more food. The king asked why he wanted more food. He answered that Almighty had food with him as he was hungry. So the amount of food he gave was not enough to feed them. The king did not believe him and he went along with the person. After reaching home, he bathed and prepared the food. Also, he offered the food to the almighty, but this time the Almighty did not come. He waited till evening.
The king was hiding behind a tree and was watching everything. Finally, the person said, oh Lord if you do not come to eat , I will jump into the river and give my life. Still, the lord did not arrive, so he started going towards the river. The moment he reached there Lord appeared. Both ate the food together and he asked for blessings from the lord. After that, he went home with the lord.
When the king saw all this he realized that almighty does not need devotion, but a true feeling is enough to appease them. After that, the king also started fasting on Ekadashi with a sincere heart. He too attained lord’s abode at the last moment.
On this day we must adorn cute Kanha ji with Laddu Gopal Shringar .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do people celebrate Dev Uthani Gyaras?
People celebrate Dev Uthani Gyaras on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartika, usually falling in October or November.
2. Why is Dev Uthani Gyaras important?
Dev Uthani Gyaras is considered auspicious for starting new ventures, marriages, and other important activities because it marks the end of the period when deities are believed to be asleep.
3. How do people observe Dev Uthani Gyaras?
People observe Dev Uthani Gyaras by performing rituals, fasting, and participating in prayers and ceremonies to honor the deities and seek their blessings for prosperity and success.
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