Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devothani Ekadashi, is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Observed on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing phase (shukla paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik, it marks the end of Lord Vishnu’s four month long slumber.
On this day, Lord Vishnu is believed to wake up from his yogic sleep or yoga nidra, which is why Dev Uthani Ekadashi is also referred to as the ‘wake up call for Lord Vishnu.’
What To Do on Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024?
The significance behind Dev Uthani Ekadashi and the rituals performed on this day points to the creation and destruction cycles in Hindu philosophy. This article will explore why we celebrate Dev Uthani Ekadashi, its spiritual and religious importance, and the dos and don’ts to be followed on this auspicious Ekadashi.
Why We Celebrate Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
In the Hindu calendar, there are two Ekadashi (11th lunar day) that mark the beginning and end of Lord Vishnu’s yoga nidra. The first one is Devshayani Ekadashi, which occurs about four months prior and marks Lord Vishnu’s retreat into yoga nidra on his celestial abode.
The second ekadashi marking the end of this period is Dev Uthani Ekadashi. As per legends, Brahma and other gods visit Lord Vishnu on this day to wake him up from his yogic slumber. The very name ‘Uthani’ means ‘to wake up’ in Sanskrit, symbolizing Lord Vishnu rising from his sleep.
It is believed that with Lord Vishnu’s awakening, a new phase of creativity and proactivity begins. The winter season transitions into spring, bringing new growth and vibrancy. Since Lord Vishnu oversees and sustains creation, Dev Uthani Ekadashi signifies the start of a fresh cycle of productivity and positivity after a period of rest and retreat.
The message behind this tradition is that periods of rest are crucial, but must be followed by renewed dynamism. Just as Lord Vishnu sleeps to rejuvenate his energies to run the universe, human beings too, need to balance activity with rest to unlock their full potential.
Benefits of Celebrating Dev Uthani Ekadashi
The Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast or vrat is extremely rewarding spiritually if performed with sincerity and as per guidelines. Some of the key benefits are:
- Attaining moksha (liberation) and reaching Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode, Vaikuntha
- Forgiveness for sins and wrongdoings
- Securing blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu
- Protection from untimely death
- Freedom from diseases and sorrows
In times when someone’s loved one has passed away, observing the Dev Uthani vrat helps their soul attain salvation. The fast also promotes the well-being and prosperity of family members.
Do this work on the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Dos of Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024)
If you are observing the Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast, here are the rituals and codes of conduct to follow:
- Wake up during Brahma muhurta (around 4 am) and take a bath. This early morning period brings mental clarity and enhances focus during worship.
- Apply sesame/tilaka on the forehead after bathing. You can also apply a chandan tilak.
- Take a Sankalp or vow to strictly observe the Ekadashi vrat with devotion.
- Decorate the puja space with a Lord Vishnu poster or image. Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, ghee lamps, etc.
- Chant the Vishnu sahasranama and other Vishnu mantras during Lord Vishnu’s puja. Devotional songs and aartis also create the perfect ambience.
- Only consume sattvic food like fruits, milk, and vrat recipes like sabudana khichdi or vrat ke chawal. Strictly avoid grains.
- Restrict your speech and activities to what aligns with the principles of nonviolence, truth, and self-restraint.
- Visit the temple if possible in the Parana time window the next day to conclude your fast. Otherwise, perform Lord Vishnu’s puja at home and distribute prasad.
Do not do these things even by mistake on the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Donts of Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024)
To make the most out of your Dev Uthani Ekadashi vrat, abstain from the following:
- Consuming rice or rice products: Rice is strictly forbidden during ekadashi fasting. Consuming even a speck of rice is equated with killing a Brahmin.
- Eating lentils, beans and grains: All kinds of dhals and beans are prohibited as they are said to be as sinful as rice. Sabudana (sago), singhara (water chestnut), kuttu (buckwheat) etc can be substituted.
- Indulging in tamasic foods like onion, garlic: Onion, garlic, mushrooms, and meat are considered tamasic. Have sattvic food instead.
- Plucking tulsi leaves from the plant: As tulsi vivah might be taking place, do not pluck leaves. You can use the dried ones stored though.
- Getting into disputes or arguments: Ekadashi fasting is meant to purify body and mind. Any aggressive behavior becomes counterproductive. Address issues calmly after the vrat instead.
- Not breaking the fast at the prescribed time: Parana or purifying one’s body and ending the fast should be done at the exact muhurat. Else fruits of fasting reduce.
By avoiding these don’ts and focusing our energies on worship, we evolve spiritually on Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
Faqs on Dev Uthani Ekadashi:
- Q1. On which date is Dev Uthani Ekadashi in 2024?
Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be celebrated on 4th December 2024, Tuesday.
- Q2. Can we eat sabudana on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
Yes, foods like sabudana khichadi, sabudana papad etc. can be had. Sabudana is essentially tasteless and classified as a vrat-friendly food.
- Q3. What is the best time for Dev Uthani Ekadashi Puja?
The ideal time is just before sunrise i.e. Brahma Muhurta. Devotional activities can continue throughout the day.
- Q4. How long does Lord Vishnu sleep during Devshayani Ekadashi?
Lord Vishnu is believed to sleep for four months, from Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashad Shukla Ekadashi) to Prabodhini/ Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi).
- Q5. What should we offer to Lord Vishnu on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
You can offer white flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits, sweets like kheer, and milk based offerings to please Lord Vishnu.
- Q6. Can we eat sabudana khichdi on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
Yes, sabudana khichdi is the ideal vrat recipe to be had on Devuthani Ekadashi when you are fasting.
- Q7. Is cow milk allowed on Devuthani Ekadashi?
Cow milk is perfectly suitable as part of the fast as it is pure sattvic food. Have it plain or use it in preparations like kheer.
- Q8. Can we eat pumpkin on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
Yes, pumpkin is a recommended food for Dev Uthani Ekadashi fasting. You can have sabudana and pumpkin curry, pumpkin raita, etc.
- Q9. Can we eat tomatoes on Prabodhini Ekadashi?
No, tomatoes are considered tamasic food and not suited for consumption on Ekadashi fasting. Avoid tomatoes completely.
- Q10. Why tulsi vivah takes place on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
It’s symbolic of the beginning of the holy wedding season. Also, Lord Vishnu’s awakening energizes the universe for new beginnings like weddings.
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Conclusion:
Dev Uthani Ekadashi represents a beautiful message – one of balancing activity and rest to harness our highest spiritual and material goals. By fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day as he awakens from yoga nidra, we purify ourselves to receive his blessings.
It is considered extremely meritorious to observe the Dev Uthani vrat as per protocols. By stripping away bodily desires and indulgences for one day, we rise to our maximum potential.
This helps attract prosperity and good luck in our lives besides liberating our soul.
On this cheerful and vibrant occasion, as nature turns vibrant, Lord Vishnu infuses the universe afresh with his divine creative energies.
Let us collectively partake of this spirit and enter a new phase of positivity. After resting and rejuvenating ourselves, it’s time now to set ambitious goals and work towards realizing them with single-minded dedication.
