"Devutthana/ Prabodhini Ekadashi"- Lord Vishnu's Divine Awakening

"Devutthana Ekadashi", being a significant Ekadashi in Hinduism, is also known by the names "Vrishchikam Shukla Paksha Ekadasi", & "Prabodhini Ekadashi."

This Ekadashi is observed according to the Solar Calendar, hence it falls on the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) Ekadashi tithi in the auspicious month of ‘Kartik’ or ‘Margashirsha’ of the traditional Hindu Lunar calendar.

It is observed in the Vrischikam month as per traditional Malayalam calendar.

As per the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either November or December.

This year, "Devutthana Ekadashi" is on the 12th of November ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Devutthana Ekadashi" in the year ‘24 is as follows:

• Devutthana Ekadashi on Tuesday, 12th of November ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 06:46 p.m. on 11th of November ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 04:04 p.m. on 12th of November ‘24

Significance of "Devutthana Ekadashi" in Hinduism:

This divine day of "Devutthana Ekadashi" marks the conclusion of the four- months' long period of 'Chaturmas.' Hence, this occasion becomes the propitious time when Lord Vishnu awakens from his deep slumber.

There's also a story mentioned in Hindu Puranas about Vishnu Ji's divine deep slumber which is as follows:

Once Goddess Lakshmi appeals to Lord Vishnu, expressing concern about his continuous wakefulness causing disturbances. She suggests that he take a long rest to rejuvenate. Agreeing to her suggestion, Lord Vishnu decides to sleep for four months during the rainy season, naming it Hypnosis and Holocaust Maha-Nindra. This extended sleep serves as a respite for the gods and especially for Lakshmi.

Lord Vishnu explained that due to his constant vigilance, he often disrupts the natural order. To address this, he accepts Lakshmi's proposal and acknowledges the need for rest. During these four months of divine slumber, known as Maha-Nindra, Lord Vishnu assures that it will be a special blessing for his devotees. Those who serve him with devotion during this time will feel his presence in their homes, creating a unique and spiritually significant connection with the divine even in the midst of his rest.

Legend behind "Devutthana Ekadashi":

The story behind this blissful day was firstly narrated by Lord Brahma to Narada which is also mentioned in the 'Skanda Purana.' The legend is as follows:

Once upon a time, there was a king. He had made a rule in his kingdom for everyone to observe "Devutthana Ekadashi" Vrat. And no serving of food would be done to anyone on this day.

One day, a man came to the King's court and requested to hire him for providing services. The King agreed to this but also mentioned that no food would be given on the day of "Devutthana Ekadashi." Being joyful and excited about his job in the kingdom, the person agreed to the King.

After some days, when "Devutthana Ekadashi" arrived on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi of Kartik month, everyone in the kingdom started fasting as per the King's rules.

At that time, the man (who had come to the King for a job earlier) was not having enough food. Hence, he came to the King & requested him to offer some food otherwise he would die of starvation. At this, the King reminded him of the Ekadashi rules set for everybody.

The person kept on requesting the King again and again for some food. On seeing his plight, the King, being kind towards him, offered flour, lentils, and rice for food. After getting these, the man went back to his place, took a bath & made food on the river bank. After preparing the food, he gave an invitation to God. Lord Vishnu became appeased of the same & came there to have food with him. The man went back to his work after the meal.

During the next Ekadashi, he asked for more grains from the King. Out of surprise, the King asked him the reason for the same to which the man replied that God himself would also be coming to have food with him. The King didn't believe him, hence the man took the King to his place.

After reaching home, the man again took a bath & prepared a meal at the river banks. Then, he invited God, but Lord Vishnu didn't come this time. He kept on waiting till evening.

The King was keeping an eye on all this by hiding behind a tree there.

Finally when God didn't arrive, the person spoke, "Oh God, if you don't come to eat, I'm going to jump into the river & give my life." Even after saying this, Lord Vishnu didn't come. Hence, the man went towards the river. As soon as he started jumping into the river, God came. Then, they both had a meal together. And, the man sought blessings from the Almighty.

Witnessing this from the tree's behind, the king realised that he was speaking truth at that time & grasped that genuine sentiment, not mere displays of devotion, suffices to please the divine. Subsequently, the king earnestly began observing Ekadashi fasts, and in the end, he too achieved heavenly rewards.

Since then, the devotees kept on observing "Devutthana Ekadashi" Vrat with utmost devotion to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Rituals on "Devutthana Ekadashi":

• Every year on "Dev Uthani Ekadashi", the Pushkar Fair begins in Pushkar, Rajasthan, lasting until Kartik Poornima (the Full Moon Day in the Hindu calendar). Devotees gather to honour God Brahma, whose temple is in Pushkar.

During the five days of the fair, starting from Ekadashi, a sacred ritual takes place in the Pushkar lake, believed to purify and bring salvation. Sadhus assemble and stay in caves from Ekadashi to the full moon day as part of this spiritual observance.

• On "Prabodhini Ekadashi", as the sugarcane harvest begins, farmers perform a puja in their fields. They cut sugarcane, placing some at the field's boundary and giving five canes to individuals like a Brahmin, blacksmith, carpenter, washer-man, and water-carrier. They also take five canes home.

At home, a wooden board with figures of Vishnu and Lakshmi drawn in cow dung and butter is set up. Sugarcane is tied around the board's top. A yagna (fire sacrifice) is performed, offering cotton, betel-nut, lentils, and sweets. A Prabhatiya, a song urging the god to wake, is sung. The canes are then broken and hung until Holi when they are burnt in a ritual.

• After the night prayer on Ekadasi, the renowned Ekadasi Vilakku, accompanied by an elephant procession, occurs. Hundreds of devotees gather to witness this special event.
• On this day, there's a grand elephant procession to the nearby Parthasarathy Temple. It's Geeta Jayanti, commemorating the day when Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, also known as "Geethopadesam Day" at this temple.
• "Prabodhini Ekadashi" is significant in the Swaminarayan sect as it marks the day when Swaminarayan received religious initiation from his guru Ramanand Swami. On this day, the passing of authority from Ramanand Swami to Swaminarayan is also remembered. To honour this occasion, followers observe a waterless fast and present fresh vegetables to the deities as part of their observance.

"Parana", the breaking of fast, is done on Dwadashi.

The "Parana timings" for "Devutthana Ekadashi" Vrat in ‘24 as per Drik Panchang are:

• On 13th Nov, Parana Time - 06:40 to 08:56
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 13:01
• On Dwadashi day, a special tradition takes place at the temple where Dwadasi Panam, a small amount of money, is offered in the Koothambalam. This token amount is considered very auspicious.

The people observing these rituals on "Devutthana Ekadashi" are believed to get a place in Vaikuntha (the celestial abode) of Lord Vishnu.