Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast is observed in the month of Kartik. In Hinduism, Ekadashi is considered one of the most significant dates each month. It is believed that on this auspicious day, devotees worship and observe a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the creator of the universe. Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devotthan Ekadashi, falls on the Ekadashi of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha. This day marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period when auspicious events are typically paused. On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu with complete devotion, offering them their favorite foods. Out of the 24 Ekadashis in a year, Dev Uthani Ekadashi holds special significance. It is believed that devotees who sincerely worship Lord Vishnu on this day receive his blessings, bringing happiness and prosperity to their homes.
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Significance of Dev Uthani Ekadashi Vrat
According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, wakes up from a four-month-long yogic sleep on this Ekadashi in Kartik’s Shukla Paksha. This auspicious day is thus celebrated as Dev Uthani Ekadashi, marking the beginning of all auspicious and ceremonial events. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with true devotion and make donations after the puja. Observing this fast is believed to free one from sins and bring good fortune.
Auspicious Timing for Dev Uthani Ekadashi
This year, there is a common question regarding whether Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be celebrated on November 11 or November 12. According to the Hindu calendar, the Ekadashi of Kartik’s Shukla Paksha begins on November 11 at 6:46 PM and ends on November 12 at 4:30 PM. Thus, Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be observed on November 12, followed by the Tulsi Vivah festival the next day.
Why is Dev Uthani Ekadashi Special?
Dev Uthani Ekadashi has a unique importance as it marks the end of Chaturmas, a period when Lord Vishnu goes into a four-month yogic sleep, starting from Devshayani Ekadashi. During this time, no auspicious events, like weddings or housewarmings, are conducted in Hinduism. With the arrival of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Chaturmas ends, and all auspicious activities resume. On this day, both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped.Rituals for Observing Dev Uthani Ekadashi Vrat
Rituals for Observing Dev Uthani Ekadashi Vrat
To observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi, wake up early before sunrise and bathe. Meditate on Lord Vishnu and offer him a bath with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar). Offer a garland of yellow flowers, and apply turmeric and sandalwood tilak. Also, offer Tulsi leaves as part of the puja. Make a vow to complete the fast and observe a day-long nirjala (waterless) fast. In the evening, perform aarti for Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, offer them food, listen to their stories, and ask for forgiveness for any mistakes made in the puja. Help those in need as a part of your devotion.
When to Break the Fast?
According to Hindu tradition, Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast should be broken on the next day, which is November 13 this year. The ideal time to break the fast is between 6:42 AM and 8:51 AM on November 13.