Devutthana Ekadashi

A Day of Lord Vishnu

Devutthana Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. The word 'devutthana' refers to the emergence of Lord Vishnu (or Narayana) from his celestial abode Vaikuntha on this day. The day is also known as 'Prabodhini Ekadashi'.

As this Ekadashi is also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, the word 'Prabodhini' stands for awakening or enlightening and 'Ekadashi' stands for the 11th day of a fortnight in the Hindu calendar. This Ekadashi is special because it marks the beginning of New Year or Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) which is known as Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada (1st lunar day in Shukla Paksha).

It is considered to be extremely auspicious to worship the Vithala deity on this day, which is believed to have been worshipped by Lord Vishnu and King Vikramaditya. A pious fast has been observed since ancient times as it helps rid a person of all the sins they may have committed in the past year. Devotees celebrate the vrat with fasts and prayers.

What is Devutthana Ekadashi?

Devutthana Ekadashi is one of the important festivals celebrated in India. Devutthana Ekadashi holds special significance for the devout Hindu and is celebrated on Kartika Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, which refers to the 11th day of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Karthik.

There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, but only four are considered major; Gudhi Paksha (bright half) with Vaishnava and Samudra masa (dark fortnight) with Vaishnava. The other two minor ones include Chaitra Shukla Paksha and Ashwin Shukla Paksha.

This period is considered to be very auspicious for praying to Lord Vishnu, who is said to awaken from his divine sleep on this day. According to Hinduism, Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (the 11th lunar phase or day) that comes in the Hindu month of Kartik is known as Devutthana Ekadashi. It is also called Mukkoti Ekadashi by some people while others call it by different names like Prabodhini Ekadashi or simply Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

Importance of Devutthana Ekadashi

• Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is known to resolve all worries and problems, no matter how big or small they are.
• By fasting, chanting mantras and meditating on this day, it is said to have a positive impact on the health of devotees.
• It is also believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day keeps devotees away from Yama or Yamraj who is considered as the god of death.
• As per spiritual beliefs, while observing a fast on this day helps in clearing the karmic debt, donating some food items and distributing clothes among the needy are known to help in the attainment of salvation from this life itself instead of waiting for death.

Know About Devutthana Ekadashi Vrat

Devutthana Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Kartik month.

• For taking part in this pious Ekadashi, the devotees should sleep on the ground or on a wooden cot.
• Devotees should take bath when the sun rises in the morning.
• Devotees should offer food to their guests.
• After completing their prayers, devotees can take rest for some time and must take bath before daybreak on Dwadashi Tithi.
• Devotees should donate clothes and food items to Brahmins as well as poor people.
• It is a good day to accomplish those tasks where you have experienced some troubles in the middle and can't complete them.