Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadash) Significance & Importance in Hinduism

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, is considered to be an auspicious day according to Hindu traditions. The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu . 

According to the Hindu calendar Dev Uthani Ekadashi takes place on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik.

Prabodhini Ekadashi means 'the awakening eleventh'.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi is famous by various names among the devotees. Some of the famous names are – Prabodhini Ekadashi, Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Dev Utthana Ekadashi, Vishnu Prabodhini, or Deothan.

Also, this Ekadasi occurs in the Hindu month of Kartik, hence, it is also known as Kartiki Ekadashi. However, Prabodhini Ekadashi is the well known name, by which the Dev Uthani Ekadashi is famous.

It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up after sleeping on the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi.

Hence its name is also popular as Dev-Prabodhini, Deothan, and Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

The occasion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the end of the period of four months of inauspicious time. This time period is called the Chaturmas. The period of four months, before the Dev Uthani Ekadashi, is considered to be the sleeping period of Lord Vishnu.

It is said that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep called the Yoga Nidra, on Devshayani Ekadashi and wakes up after the four month duration, i.e. on Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

All the devotees follow different rituals at the awakening of Lord Vishnu. On this Dev Uthani Ekadashi, all the rituals of the day would be followed to celebrate the awakening of Lord Vishnu.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi : Why does Dev Uthani Ekadashi celeberated ?

It is said that Goddess Laxmi was unhappy with Lord Vishnu as he followed an undisciplined pattern of sleeping.

It often happened when Vishnu slept for days and there were days when he didn't sleep at all. It was due to his this habit that other gods and goddesses had to wait for long to meet him.

Furthermore, demons highly took advantage of this, thereby leading to the spread of Adharma on earth. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi complained about all these to Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu promised Laxmi to soon come up with a solution. Meanwhile, the Devas visited Vishnu to inform him about the robbery of the Vedas by Sankhyayan, a demon.

The demon had soon spread Adharma all around. On hearing this, Lord Vishnu assured the Devas that they would be able to get back the Vedas.

After fighting for days with Demon Sankhyayan, he was successful in defeating Sankhyayan. He was then able to return the Vedas to the gods. Concluding the event, Vishnu continued with a long sleep for four months.

His sleep started from Ashadha Ekadashi and continued till Kartik Ekadashi. The day of Kartik Ekadashi is known as Prabodhini Ekadashi. Since then, the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi came into being.

Rituals of Dev Uthani Ekadashi ( Prabodhini Ekadashi) ?

Following are the rituals that are to be carried out on Dev Uthani Ekadashi :

On the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi, devotees take a holy bath early morning.

Devotees perform the ritual of marriage of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi plant on this day. This ritual is known as Tulsi Vivah (marriage with Tulsi plant).

A fast is performed that begins on the day of Dashami day (preceding day). Vrat is continued till Dwadashi (succeeding day).

The fast is terminated within Dwadashi Tithi according to the Parana Muhurat.

Significance Of Dev Uthani Ekadashi :

Dev Uthani Ekadasi holds a lot of significance amongst the Hindus. It is said to be the start of an auspicious timing, as it ends the time of Lord Vishnu’s sleep and he wakes up on this very day.

People observe fast on Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is believed that if someone observes fast on the day of Dev-Prabodhini Ekadashi, his/her sins get abolished, even though, the sins were committed in past life.

It is said that those who do not consume food at all on the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, get rid of the sins of past seven births. It is firmly believed that observing the Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast, helps in attaining liberation and gives immense benefits.

It is considered highly meritorious and purifying to take bath on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi, which is not even received by taking bath at a pilgrimage.

The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is an ultimate way to reach the doorway of heaven. It is strongly believed that if one follows the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi with severe devotion, he/she will definitely be gifted with Moksha and will be able to reach the heavenly abode of Devas, Vishnu Loka.

The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is also believed to carry the boon to free the souls of a person's ancestors.