Dev Uthani Ekadashi : Shubh Muhurat & Rituals For Vishnu Puja
Following Diwali, Kartik Shukla Paksha's Ekadashi, also known as ‘Prabodhini Ekadashi’ or ‘Dev Uthani Ekadashi’ is dedicated to the divine Lord Vishnu. According to beliefs, this is the day when the doors of Vaikuntha are said to be open and those who observe fast on this day attain salvation.
This auspicious occasion holds an immense significance for devotees. It is believed that by fasting on this day, a person gets the same results as by doing one thousand Ashvamegha and a hundred Rajasuya Yagyas.
Importance of Dev Uthani Ekadashi
It is believed that from Ashadh Shukla Paksha till Kartik Shukla Paksha, Lord Vishnu sleeps for four months in Kshirsagar and is awakened on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi which is why it is also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi. On this day, to awaken Lord Vishnu, one should recite stotras, listen to Bhagwat Geeta, and sing bhajans.
Organising many auspicious functions like marriage etc. is prohibited during the four months of Lord Vishnu's sleep. All auspicious works are started only after the awakening of Lord Vishnu. On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu leaves Yoganidra to fulfil his responsibilities of nurturing and protecting living beings.
Shubh Muhurat and Rituals For Vishnu Puja
This year, the Dev Uthani Ekadashi fast is observed on November 23, Thursday. Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 11:03 PM on Nov 22, 2023 Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 09:01 PM on Nov 23, 2023 Parana Time - 06:21 am to 8:30 am on Nov 24, 2023
This auspicious day should be started by doing the jalabhishek of Lord Vishnu through conch (shankh) and presenting him fresh flowers, fruits, camphor, and kumkum.
Fast Rituals- People observing the fast of Dev Uthani Ekadashi can have water and fruits once a day. Worship Lord Vishnu in the evening and chant his mantras. Following this, you can break the fast in the morning on Friday, November 24. After Parana, feed the Brahmins and poor and give them charity and dakshina. By doing this, the blessings of Lord Vishnu will always remain on you and your family.
Importance of Tulsi Leaves- On this day, offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu to invoke purity and ask for forgiveness. According to the Puranas, by offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu in the month of Kartik, your soul will be purified and freed from the burden of past karmic debts.
Tulsi Vivah on Dev Uthani Ekadashi
On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Tulsi Vivah (marriage) is done, and it is regarded as an important ritual. In this tradition, Lord Vishnu or Shaligram gets married to a Tulsi (basil) plant, and the ceremony is celebrated with great enthusiasm. According to the Hindu scriptures, the Tulsi sapling is believed to be the reincarnation of 'Vrinda,' a woman who was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. And as a result of her curse, Lord Vishnu turned into black stone or Shaligram.
Worshipping Tulsi and Lord Vishnu on Dev Uthani Ekadashi with complete rituals will fulfil your wishes and end all your sufferings. Furthermore, the scriptures state that married couples without daughters should perform "kanyadaan" by marrying Tulsi to Lord Vishnu.
