Prabodhini Ekadashi: The king of Ekadashis

Prabodhini Ekadashi is known by many names like Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Devthan, Devotthan Ekadashi Devutthi Ekadashi, Utthana, Deothan, Hari Prabodhini Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi, and Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. It is celebrated not just in India but also in Nepal, where it is called Thulo Ekadashi.

Best wishes for Devuthani Ekadashi. Image Source: https://www.smitcreation.com/pictures/dev-uthani-prabodhini-ekadashi/

It is extremely significant for Hindus as it symbolizes the end of Chaturmas. Interestingly, Chaturmas is a four-month period in which Lord Vishnu is believed to be taking rest on the Milk Ocean according to Hindu beliefs. It is believed that he sleeps on Devshayani Ekadashi and then wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Chaturmas is considered to be inauspicious for starting or celebrating anything new. In fact, marriages and housewarming celebrations are almost prohibited during this period!! This is why people eagerly wait for it to end so that they can start their new lives or careers.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi is considered to be the biggest Ekadashi. It is also known as the ‘King of all Ekadashis’. It is celebrated on the 11th lunar day of the Shukla Paksha or bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika.

It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from his deep sleep and comes back to the rescue of his devotees. People say that worshipping him on this day can grant you all your wishes, even the most unachievable ones. Hence, people perform Vishnu and Lakshmi Pujan on this day to get great rewards from them.

According to popular beliefs, fasting and donating on this auspicious day have immense benefits. The former is in fact, considered to be equal to 1000 Ashvamedha Yajnas and 100 Raja suya Yajnas!! It can free you from all your sins(even of past birth) and can ensure that you get to heaven after you die. It is also said that Jagran, or staying awake during the night of this Ekadashi can even free you from great sins like Brahmahatya (killing a Brahman).

This day is considered very auspicious to start or celebrate anything new, starting from business ventures to a new house to new relationships. Devuthani Ekadashi is also very special because it marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.

Some people also believe that this was the day when Lord Vishnu married Goddess Tulsi. Hence, Tulsi Vivah is beautifully organized in many places throughout the nation. In this ritualistic marriage, the pious Tulsi plant is married to a black-colored holy stone symbolizing Lord Shaligram.

Tulsi sang shaligram byahe, Saj gayi unki jodi

Tulsi vivah sang lagan shuru hua, Jaldi le ke aao piya doli

Prabodhini Ekadashi is celebrated in different forms and ways in different regions of India. It is also considered special by different people for different reasons. For the farmers, it is important because it signifies the beginning of the sugarcane harvest. Hence, they perform puja in their fields, worship Lord Vishnu and his wife, Goddess Lakshmi, and do a yajna (fire practice).

For the followers of the Swaminarayan Sect, it is special because it symbolizes the initiation or Diksha of Lord Swaminarayan. They observe it by keeping a waterless fast, which they believe will help them attain Akshardham. In Gujarat, this day is marked by people performing the 32-km Lili Parikrama of Mt. Girnar.

Whereas in Maharashtra, this day is related to the worship of Lord Vithoba, who is believed to be one form of Lord Vishnu. The famous 5-day Pushkar Mela of Rajasthan also begins on this day itself. Most of the above-mentioned celebrations, which begin on Prabodhini Ekadashi, continue till Kartika Purnima, which is another auspicious day for Hindus. It marks the celebration of ‘Diwali of Gods’ or Dev Diwali.

Prabodhini Ekadashi is not just a majestic and pious occasion. It is also such an interesting and amazing way to remind us of the importance of a little rest. It entails that a break is so important that even Gods need it!! And it is so helpful that even they function better after taking one! So, what is stopping you from taking some much-needed rest?