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Unlocking the Power of Dev Uthan Ekadashi: Pooja Essentials for Spiritual Awakening and Auspicious Beginnings


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Dev Uthan Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, is a deeply significant Hindu festival that marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month cosmic sleep known as yoga nidra.



Celebrated on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik, this day signifies the end of Chaturmas, a period of four months when auspicious events such as weddings are put on hold. Devotees believe that as Lord Vishnu awakens, He blesses the earth, bringing a renewed sense of prosperity, spiritual energy, and the beginning of auspicious occasions in the Hindu calendar.





The story behind Dev Uthan Ekadashi is rooted in ancient mythology. It is said that after a fierce battle with the demon king Mahishasura, Lord Vishnu took a four-month rest in the Ksheer Sagar, the cosmic ocean of milk. During this time, all deities refrained from any major activities, awaiting Lord Vishnu's return. On Dev Uthan Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu's awakening was witnessed by all the deities, signaling a return of divine energy and the end of the quiet period of introspection and penance. This day is thus celebrated with joy and devotion, marking the start of an auspicious season for events such as marriages, housewarmings, and other important occasions in family life.


Rituals on Dev Uthan Ekadashi are heartfelt and deeply symbolic. Many devotees observe a day-long fast, abstaining from grains, and spend the day in prayer and contemplation. Some also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, a collection of a thousand names of Lord Vishnu, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity. A unique part of this day’s rituals includes the Tulsi Vivah, a symbolic wedding ceremony between the holy basil plant (Tulsi) and Lord Vishnu, often represented by the Shaligram stone. The Tulsi Vivah is performed with all the traditional rituals of a Hindu wedding, reflecting the deep reverence with which devotees honor this occasion and the beginning of a season of celebrations. Houses and temples are adorned with lamps, flowers, and rangolis, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.

One of the most revered chants for Dev Uthan Ekadashi is:


"ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय"

(Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)


This powerful mantra means, “I bow to Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu), the god of life.” It’s a deeply spiritual invocation that acknowledges Lord Vishnu as the eternal protector and preserver of the universe. Reciting this mantra on Dev Uthan Ekadashi is believed to invite divine blessings, fostering peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening in the devotee's life.


Tale of Tulsi Vivah


In ancient Hindu tales, Vrinda, a demon princess, was united with Jalandhar, a powerful demon deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. Jalandhar's immortality was tied to his wife's purity, making him a formidable foe for the gods. To counter this, Lord Vishnu, in a divine deception, took Jalandhar's form and united with Vrinda. Recognizing the divine trickery, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become the sacred Shaligram stone and then immolated herself with her husband.


Impressed by Vrinda's unwavering devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed her to reincarnate as the holy Tulsi plant, which sprouted from her ashes. To honor this sacred bond, Lord Vishnu vowed to marry Tulsi annually in the form of Shaligram on the auspicious 11th day of the Kartik month.


This divine union, celebrated as Dev Uthani Ekadashi, mirrors a traditional Hindu wedding. The Tulsi plant, adorned as a bride, is united with the Shaligram stone under a ceremonial canopy. Devotees mark the occasion by dressing the Tulsi plant in a red saree and offering it precious ornaments, sugarcane, fruits, and fragrant flowers.


Dev Uthani Vrat Rituals

The sacred Dev Uthani Vrat holds immense significance in Hindu culture. Devotees observe this fast to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.

A special pavilion or altar, often constructed using holy sugarcane, is created to honor the deity. Devotees immerse themselves in spiritual practices, listening to sacred scriptures like the Bhagwat Purana, singing hymns, and chanting prayers.

A dedicated puja is performed to worship Lord Vishnu, accompanied by offerings of sweet delicacies, fruits, and sacred Tulsi leaves. The auspicious day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the divine marriage of Lord Vishnu and the Tulsi plant, symbolizing the commencement of the wedding season and other auspicious occasions.

A unique sweet dish, either rice pudding or semolina (Sooji) halwa, is prepared as a sacred offering.

The fast is traditionally opened on the Dwadashi Tithi, often with a simple meal starting with water infused with sesame seeds. The most auspicious time to break the fast is between 6:42 AM and 8:51 AM.


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