Dev Uthani Ekadashi Legends and Stories Behind the Festival

Have you ever wondered why so many people in the Hindu community fast after Diwali? It’s due to the celebration of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Kartik Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, Devuthav Ekadashi, Devothhani Gyaras, and Devutthana Ekadashi. Falling after Diwali, Dev Uthani Ekadashi is an auspicious time that begins with the worship of Lord Vishnu after his cosmic rest.

Here are the importance, story and ways to celebrate this fascinating festival of Dev Uthani Ekadashi! Let’s find out Dev Uthani Ekadashi Date And Time:

Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024

• Ekadashi Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
• Parana Time: 06:42 AM to 08:51 AM on 13th November 
• Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment: 01:01 PM
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 06:46 PM on Nov 11, 2024
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 04:04 PM on Nov 12, 2024

What is Dev Uthani Ekadashi?

Devutthana Ekadashi is one of the most significant observances that Hindus follow, especially those who are devout followers of Lord Vishnu. ‘Dev ‘Uthani’ means ‘Waking up of God’. As the name indicates, this is the auspicious time when Lord Vishnu wakes up from his four-month-long sleep. It is called Chaturmas, which is the monsoon season. 

Moreover, Prabodhini Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) Ekadashi tithi, the 11th day after the full moon in the auspicious month of ‘Kartik’ of the traditional Hindu calendar. On this day, Hindus all over India start celebrating events like weddings and housewarming ceremonies, which were paused during the four-month period of Chaturmas. It is a very special time of the year and is celebrated all across India.

Why is Dev Uthani Ekadashi Important? 

Dev Uthani Ekadashi is considered one of the most significant, as it is the second Ekadashi in the month of Kartik. This Ekadashi is considered very auspicious because, through charitable services and donations during this period, natives can minimise their past deeds and wrongdoings. 

Moreover, devotees perform various rituals to wake the beloved God up. People follow fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu and make offerings to him. Also, devotees who begin celebrations towards the end of Lord Vishnu’s sleeping period and serve them during this rest period will gain significant benefits and blessings.

Dev Uthani Vrat Rituals 

Here is all it needs to know about the Dev Uthani Vrat and the rituals to follow on this day. 

• In Hindu culture, the Dev Uthani fast is considered very significant. During it, devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. 
• They build a Pavilion or chowki made of sugarcane because it is holy and has auspicious significance.
• Devouts listen to the Bhagwat Katha and the Puranas and sing hymns and Bhajans praising Lord Vishnu.
• During the Dev Uthani Vrat, a special Pooja is performed and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This includes the preparation of special bhogs such as sweets, fruits, and Tulsi Patra, which are offered as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.
• On the day of Dev Uthnai Ekadashi, Tulsi Vivaah is observed, where Lord Vishnu is married to Tulsi (Basil Plant). This Ekadashi symbolises the beginning of the marriage season and other auspicious occasions. 
• A unique and special dish, Chawal ki Kheer or Sooji Halwa, is prepared as a bhog. 
• After the morning rituals, the fast is traditionally broken on the Dwadashi Tithi. Devotees break their fast with a simple meal, often beginning with water soaked with sesame seeds. 
• In the morning, the fast is broken between 06:42 AM to 08:51 AM. This is considered to be the Shubh Muhurat to break the fast. 

Lord Vishnu’s Four-Month Sleeping Period 

The reason behind celebrating Dev Uthani Ekadashi is as fascinating and enjoyable as the festival itself. According to hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu has been occupied with fulfilling his duty to get rid of the demons and ensure that balance is maintained in the world. Because of this, he could not find enough time to sleep. Therefore, he slept at uneven durations of time, which caused havoc in the world and left all the other gods distressed.

Moreover, Goddess Laxmi, his wife, advises him to sleep at fixed periods to maintain peace and harmony. Lord Vishnu realizes that this has caused great chaos in the universe. Therefore, he accepts and decides to sleep yearly for four months during the monsoon. This time gives rest to Goddess Laxmi and other Gods and allows the world to rejuvenate. Therefore, this four-month period is known as the Chaturmas, which starts at Dev ShayaniEkadashi and ends at Dev Uthani Ekadashi. 

Dev Uthani Ekadashi: Vrat Katha

According to the story, a man once came to a kingdom and asked its King for a job. The King agreed to give him work but on a certain condition. The condition was that the man would not get any food or water to consume and had to fast for an entire day. The man agreed, knowing that the King would give him fruits, and after a few days, Ekadashi arrived. 

Later on, the man was starving and went to the King to ask for food and water. The King agreed and gave him lentils, flour and rice. He took the food and went to the river bank and began preparing it. Then, he invited Lord Vishnu to come and eat with him, to which Lord vishnu accepted and shared a meal with him. 

On the day of the next Ekadashi, the man asked the King for more food. When the King asked why, the man replied that Lord Vishnu himself came and ate with him. So, the man offered the King to come and see for himself, to which he agreed.

Some time passed, and Lord Vishnu did not show up, so the man prayed that he would jump into the river and take his own life if Lord Vishnu did not appear. His persistence and dedication impressed Lord Vishnu, and he decided to answer his prayers and grace. This incident made the King realise that to connect with his god, he does not have to make grand gestures. Instead, he should honestly make sincere efforts and be true to himself.

Tulsi Vivah Story

According to Hindu mythology, Vrinda, a demon princess, was married to Jalandhar, a demon who was a great devout of Lord Vishnu. Jalandhar was arrogant and waged war against God. He was immortal until his wife, Vrinda, remained a virgin. This deeply worried the gods, and they resorted to asking Lord Vishnu for a solution.

On hearing this, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and united with Vrinda. Vrinda recognised this, and therefore, she cursed the deity to turn into a black stone known as Shaligram. She then burned herself alongside her husband. Lord Vishnu admired her purity and devotion towards her husband and blessed her to reincarnate as a Tulsi plant. The plant grew from Vrinda’s ashes. Lord Vishnu vowed to marry her every year in the form of Shaligram on the 11th day of the Kartik month. 

In this Dev Uthani Ekadashi ritual, the Tulsi plant and Shaligram (Shaligrama shila) are married in the same traditions as a typical Hindu wedding. Tulsi is dressed as a bride, and a mandap is created for the wedding. To celebrate, people dress Tulsi in a red saree and offer jewellery, sugarcane, and fruits and flowers.  

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