Devuthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi and Dev Uthan Ekadashi, is one of the most auspicious days to worship Lord Vishnu, his avatars, and feel his energy in the environment as he wakes up from a deep slumber.
Devuthani Ekadashi, as evident by the name, Dev – God and Uthni – Waking up, basically means Lord Vishnu waking up after the four-month period in which he rests, rejuvenates, and then comes back with double the strength and love.
Devuthani Ekadashi also marks the day post which all ‘Shubh karya’ or auspicious work is started again. For example, weddings, grah pravesh, and the likes.
Devuthani Ekadashi 2024 exact date and timing
Just like any other festival and day of observance in 2024, even the dates of Devuthani Ekadashi are being debated. People are curious and confused if Ekadashi tithi falls on November 11 or November 12, and which is the right day to keep the Ekadashi vrat.
According to different sources and experts, this year Devuthani Ekadashi will begin on November 11, and in the evening time of around 6:46 PM, and will continue till November 12, 4:04 PM.
And so, as the start time falls after sunrise, the Vrat will be kept on November 12, 2024.
According to Drik Panchang, “Devutthan Ekadashi – Tuesday, November 12, 2024
On 13th November, time of Parana (breaking the fast) -From 06:42 A.M. 08:51 AM
Time of ending of Dwadashi on Parana Tithi – 01:01 PM
Ekadashi date starts -November 11, 2024 at 06:46 PM
Ekadashi date ends -November 12, 2024 at 04:04 PM”
The mark of Devuthani Ekadashi and when does Lord Vishnu sleep
Devuthani Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu wakes up from his four-month slumber, known as ‘Chaturmas’. This period begins with ‘Devshayani Ekadashi’, which generally falls in June or July and is observed as the day Lord Vishnu enters a state of cosmic rest.
The Chaturmas period is thus a time of inactivity and a pause in festivals, celebrations, and observances within the family. And Lord Vishnu sleeps, so do the universe’s cosmic functions.
According to many Hindu beliefs, tales, legends, and scriptures, Lord Vishnu’s sleep in the Chaturmas period is a symbol of the cycle of rejuvenation and rest, which is why no auspicious ceremonies like marriages or major rituals are conducted during these months.
And then as he wakes up, the day of Devuthani Ekadashi shows the awakening of divine energy, allowing for a fresh beginning.
Significance of Devuthani Ekadashi
Devuthani Ekadashi is of great spiritual and religious significance to Hindus all over the world. The period of Chaturmas is not just one of rest and slow living but also prepares people for the festivities and celebrations that are to come ahead with weddings, invitations, and more.
The day of Devuthani Ekadashi marks the new beginning after a 4-month rest period. As Lord Vishnu wakes up, it is seen as the perfect time for devotees to channel his and their energies and do greater good for themselves and the world
Devuthani Ekadashi is also considered the first auspicious day after the four-month period of Chaturmas. Hence, many families wait until this day to plan weddings, housewarmings, and other important events.
Another major event that accompanies Devuthani Ekadashi is Tulsi Vivah. Usually celebrated just the day after Ekadashi, Tulsi Vivah is the symbolic marriage of the Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu or his incarnation.
Another thing to note about Devuthani Ekadashi is that just like in Papankusha Ekadashi and Devshayani Ekadashi, this one too is believed to rid people of their sins, their unintentional wrongs, and reset the scale of life for them, almost like giving them a fresh start after months of hibernation.
Rituals to follow in Devuthani Ekadashi
Just like every other Ekadashi, the rituals for Devuthani Ekadashi are also the same with no major changes. People wake up early, clean their home temples and puja rooms, decorate the temple, clean the idols and murtis of Lord Vishnu, and the likes.
And in between the cleaning and decorating, fasting is also an important part of Ekadashi. On Devuthani Ekadashi, devotees abstain from grains, cereals, pulses, and some vegetables, but very few also keep a Nirjala vrat (fasting without water or food).
Plus, devotees do not just wake up early on Ekadashi to clean the puja room, but also to take a holy bath, usually in the sacred rivers if possible, or just by sprinkling water Gangajal over them. Once clean and pure, they chant the name of Lord Vishnu and read passages from the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama.
After the puja, devotees offer simple prashad like fruits and sweets to Lord Vishnu. The prashad is also shared among family members and other people.
The day after Devuthani Ekadashi is also one of celebration and worship as it marks Tulsi Vivah. Just the next day after Lord Vishnu wakes up, Indians celebrate Tulsi Vivah, the sacred marriage of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi. Both of them are decorated with beautiful chunnis, new clothes, and more.
The celebrations
To be fair, there isn’t any pomp and show on the day and celebration of Devuthani Ekadashi, and the rituals remain fairly simple to follow and observe. Only little variations in the form and process of puja are seen across different regions.
Devuthani Ekadashi is observed more prominently in the Northern parts of India, especially Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and the surrounding areas. There are large gatherings outside temples, and devotees perform aarti and bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
In some other regions, people host fairs and celebrations where other devotees gather to pray, dance, eat together, and more, all in the love and spirit of Lord Vishnu. The streets are filled with the chant of ‘Hare Krishna, Hare Rama’, and hearts are overjoyed with the waking up of Lord Vishnu.
