Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024: Dev Uthani Ekadashi is a highly significant day in the Hindu calendar, marking the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his divine sleep. This day is believed to bring solutions to the problems of those who observe fasting and prayers. This year, Dev Uthani Ekadashi falls on November 12, 2024.
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Why Is Dev Uthani Ekadashi Important?
According to the Shiva Purana, during the Bhadrapada month’s Shukla Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Shankhasura after a long battle. Exhausted from the battle, Lord Vishnu retired to the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk) to rest. He entrusted the duties of creation to Lord Shiva.
Lord Vishnu remained asleep for four months, and on the Ekadashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of Kartik), he awoke, and all the gods, including Lord Shiva, performed rituals to honor Lord Vishnu. After awakening, Lord Vishnu resumed his duties as the preserver of the universe, which is why this Ekadashi is also referred to as Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi, meaning the awakening of the gods.
How To Observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi?
- Preparation and Cleanliness: On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, wake up before sunrise, clean the house, and take a holy bath. Sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) around the house, and decorate the entrance with a Vandanwar (decorative floral garland).
- Worship Lord Vishnu: Draw the footprints of Lord Vishnu in the courtyard and offer water to the Tulsi and Peepal trees. Begin the prayer by lighting a lamp, and while meditating on Lord Vishnu, vow to observe the fast.
- Rituals and Offerings: Ring the bell, conch, and ghanti (small bell) while chanting mantras to awaken Lord Vishnu. Perform the Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Vishnu with pure water and Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee).
- Offer Prayers: Offer Abir, Gulal, Chandan, Akshat (rice), flowers, and Tulsi leaves along with other sacred items. After the prayer, offer fruits and sweets as Bhog, followed by an Aarti and the distribution of Prasad.
- Tulsi and Shaligram Ritual: If unable to perform the marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram on this day, simply perform Tulsi’s worship. Chant the Tulsi Namashtakshari mantra, which contains the eight names of Tulsi: "Vṛnda vṛndavani visvapujita visvapavini Puṣpasara nandaniya tulasi kṛṣṇa jivani Etabhamaṣṭaka caiva stotraṃ namarthaṃ saṃyutam Yaḥ paṭhet taṃ ca sampujya sauṣramegha phalaṃlameṭa"
- General Prayer: The family members can perform the general prayer with the sound of the Garuda bell to wake up Lord Vishnu. It is also customary to light a lamp in celebration of Lord Vishnu’s return to his celestial abode, Vaikuntha.
- Post-Ekadashi Observances: Starting the next day, regular prayers to Lord Vishnu should resume, marking the continuation of divine blessings and a prosperous year ahead.
Significance For Marriage Delays:
For young women experiencing delays in their marriages, performing specific rituals on this day is believed to create auspicious conditions for marital union. Devotees believe that the energy of Lord Vishnu on this day can help resolve issues in various aspects of life, particularly in bringing harmony and blessings for a successful marriage.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi is a day full of devotion and rituals, as Lord Vishnu’s awakening signifies the rejuvenation of the universe, bringing prosperity and blessings to those who observe the fast and perform the prayers with sincerity.
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