Devutthana Ekadashi 2017: When Lord Vishnu Awakes

Devutthana Ekadashi 2017 will be on 31 October. Devutthana Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi comes on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. It is also called as Prabodhini Ekadashi.

It is believed that on Dev Uthani Ekadashi Lord Vishnu woke up from his four month sleep in the Kshir Sagar (the ocean of milk) and returned back to his Holy abode (Vaikuntha).

All the auspicious occasions like weddings take place only after Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi. The result of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is same as performing many Ashwamedha Yagyas. The story of this Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Brahma to his son Narada Muni.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi also marks the beginning of the sugarcane harvest season and the farmers perform Puja on the fields and start the cutting of sugarcane. Lord Vishnu and his wife Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped on this sacred day.

Like all other Hindu Festivals Prabodhini Ekadashi is also observed by restricting 10 Indriyas and the mind. Since the sense of taste is considered prime amongst all the senses, by restricting it we lose stop pursuing all the other materialistic pleasures. Therefore, we get the time and opportunity to focus our mind and energy at the supreme power.

Devuthan Ekadashi: The Legend

On this Dev Uthani Ekadashi, let us know about the origins of the sacred day. Long time back there was a King named Bali who was known for his kindness and spirituality. Once to test him Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana and came to King Bali�s Yagna.

The Vamana asked King Bali to give him land that he could cover in three steps. The King on the other hand offered to give him much more than he asked, but the Vaman stuck to his demand. Making fun of the request the King agreed.

After which the small Vamana took a gigantic form and covered all the areas King Bali owned in just two steps. After which he asked Bali to give him land to place his third Step. Recognizing the Lord.

As per another legend, once there was a demon named Mura who followed the path of dishonesty and immorality. He considered Lord Vishnu his major enemy and wanted to conquer him at all costs.

Once when Lord Vishnu was sleeping the Demon attacked him. At this point the female power of Lord Vishnu gathered together to form a Devi (Goddess). She attacked the demon and killed him at once.

When Lord Vishnu woke up from his sleep he was really pleased with the events that had just taken place. He named the Devi Ekadashi and granted her magnificent beauty, wealth and intelligence.

She, however, declined all this and requested the Lord to bless people who observed Prabodhini Ekadashi. The Lord granted her wish and total 24 Ekadashi are celebrated in a year. All the past sins of a person are burned by observing this auspicious Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

The Tulsi-Shaligram Vivah also takes place a day after this Ekadashi. Dev Uthani Ekadashi comes after the four month period of Chaturmas which is considered very inauspicious for any celebrations. Therefore, Dev Uthani Ekadashi also begins the great festival season and the wedding season of the Hindu religion. Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi is an opportunity to worship Lord Vishnu and his various forms.

As per the Hindu religion it is believed that every soul has to pay for all the sins it has committed. Therefore, we carry our past Karmas into our new lives and suffer because of that. By observing this sacred day we can deplete the effects of the sins that we have committed in the past birth. This gives us a chance to mark a new beginning of our lives without worrying about the past and its effects.

As per another legend, on Dev Uthani Ekadashi Lord Vishnu's incarnation Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat. He did so to protect the villagers from the heavy rain and storm that was unleashed on the villagers by Dev Indra. Therefore, he wanted to teach Dev Indra a lesson of humility.

Celebrations of the Devuthani Ekadashi

The Devutthana Ekadashi is celebrated like any other Ekadashi by fasting and performing Jagran (staying awake all night). It is believed that by fasting on Dev Uthani Ekadashi we get rid of our past Karmas and get a chance to begin a new life. We wish all of you a very happy Devutthana Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi. May this Devutthana Ekadashi bring peace and prosperity in your life and end all your troubles.