Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 Date: This year, Dev Uthani Ekadashi falls on November 12. It is believed that Lord Vishnu awakens on this day after sleeping for four months. During these months of Lord Vishnu’s rest, known as Dev Shayan, all auspicious and ceremonial activities are generally prohibited.
The second Ekadashi of the Kartik month (during the Shukla Paksha) is known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi. After Lord Vishnu awakens, all auspicious activities can resume, hence the name Dev Uthani or Devotthan Ekadashi. Observing a fast and listening to the Ekadashi story on this day holds special significance.
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Date and Muhurat (Auspicious Timings) of Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024:
This year, the Ekadashi Tithi (date) begins on November 11 at 6:46 PM and ends on November 12 at 4:04 PM. Therefore, the Ekadashi fast will be observed on November 12. The Parana (fast-breaking) time will be from 6:42 AM to 8:51 AM on November 13.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 Puja Vidhi (Worship Method):
- Wake up early before sunrise and take a bath.
- Set up a sugarcane mandap (canopy) and decorate the area with a chauka (traditional square drawing). Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu at the center.
- Place the symbolic footprints of the Lord in the chauka and cover them.
- Offer sugarcane, water chestnut, and yellow-colored fruits and sweets to the deity. Yellow sweets are also specially offered to Lord Vishnu.
- Light a ghee lamp and allow it to burn throughout the night.
- Sit near the deity and read or listen to the Vishnu Purana and the Ekadashi story.
Do’s and Don’ts on Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024:
- Observing fast is essential and can be done with water only, or other water-based substances.
- People who are unwell, elderly, young, or extremely busy may observe the fast with one meal only. Rice and salty foods should be avoided, and it is beneficial to devote time to Lord Vishnu’s worship.
- Do not consume tamasic foods (like onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, or stale food) on this day.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 Vrat Katha (Stories):
Dev Uthani Ekadashi Vrat Story 1
Once, there was a king whose kingdom flourished, and the people observed fast on Ekadashi without trading grains. One day, Lord Vishnu tested the king by taking the form of a beautiful woman sitting on the street. The king, captivated by her beauty, offered her a place in his palace if she agreed to become his queen. She agreed, with the condition that she would rule the kingdom and that he would eat what she served him. The king consented.
On Ekadashi, the queen served him non-vegetarian food, but the king hesitated due to his faith. The queen reminded him of his promise and warned that she would behead his eldest son if he disobeyed. Upon hearing this, his elder son agreed to sacrifice himself. At this point, Lord Vishnu revealed his true form, pleased with the king’s devotion, and blessed him.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi Vrat Story 2
Another story revolves around the demon Shankhasura, who wreaked havoc across the three worlds. Lord Vishnu fought him for years, eventually defeating him and going into rest. He awoke on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, and all the gods celebrated his awakening with rituals and devotion.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi Vrat Story 3
According to the Shiva Mahapurana, there was a demon king named Dambh who was a great devotee of Vishnu. He performed intense penance and was blessed with a son, Shankhachuda, who later married Tulsi, the daughter of Dharmadhvaja. Shankhachuda defeated all beings with his might and invulnerability. The gods, in despair, sought help from Vishnu and later Shiva, who used his trident to kill Shankhachuda after Lord Vishnu, disguised as a Brahmin, had tricked Shankhachuda into giving up his protective shield and broken Tulsi’s chastity by assuming her husband’s form.
Outraged, Tulsi cursed Vishnu, who transformed into a Shaligram stone to honor her devotion. Tulsi became the Gandaki river and the holy Tulsi plant, which are revered alongside Lord Vishnu, particularly on Dev Uthani Ekadashi when devotees perform the symbolic marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram.
According to Hindu beliefs, this day marks the marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram, which initiates auspicious activities for Hindus.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 holds immense religious significance, marking the day when Lord Vishnu awakens from his four-month divine rest, allowing auspicious ceremonies and celebrations to resume. Observing fast and performing the rituals with devotion on this day is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes.