Dev Uthani Ekadashi is also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi. This Hindu festival commemorates the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his for four months sleep known as “Chaturmas.” It falls on the 11th Day of the Waxing Moon Phase of the Hindu Lunar month – Kartik; and it is generally observed in the month of November.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi holds an important place in the hearts of Lord Krishna’s devotees as he is a divine avatar of Lord Vishnu. Dev Uthani Ekadashi is widely celebrated across ISKCON temples and all Hindu homes. This Ekadashi marks the beginning of auspicious events, especially marriage and temple celebrations.
What is Dev Uthani Ekadashi Date in 2024?
Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 will be on 12th November. The day before this, devotees make prior arrangements for puja items, and make all other preparation for their Ekadashi fast (vrat).
This day concludes the four-month period of Lord Vishnu’s sleep, and devotees celebrate His awakening with great joy. In ISKCON traditions, this day is marked with special kirtans on the greatness of Lord Krishna.
Significance of Dev Uthani Ekadashi
During Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu lies in the cosmic ocean. Once He revives, the Lord resumes his job as the protector and upholder of the universe. This also marks a time of renewal for the devotees. They are given the chance to intensify their devotion and connect to the divine principles.
According to the ISKCON teachings, it is that Ekadashi which showers grace from the Lord Krishna who is very full of love, mercy, and guidance for humankind. This Ekadashi gets full devotion wherein a pure heart with ready mind and full of spirit has prepared in somebody’s heart. Many others also prayed for this life to become peaceful and rich in spirit under the lovely shelter of Lord Vishnu and his devotees.
Story of Dev Uthani Ekadashi
The story of Dev Uthani Ekadashi revolves around the cosmic sleep of Lord Vishnu and his awakening. The Lord Vishnu goes into the celestial sleep in the Kshirasagar during the month of Ashadha on Shayani Ekadashi. In those four months, called Chaturmas, the universe is under his control. However, it remains spiritual slumber.
On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu comes alive, marking the rejuvenation of cosmos order. The devotees love this story especially because it points out how close the relationship is between Lord Krishna and his devotees. The divine presence of Lord Krishna in the world brings peace. The observance of this Ekadashi reflects the true devotion of a devotee.
What to Do on Dev Uthani Ekadashi
- Observe a Fast: Devotees fast completely or partially. It depends on their physical endurance. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered a method of controlling the mind and making a direct connection with Lord Krishna.
- Chanting and Prayers: Chanting the maximum rounds of Shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra or other prayers associated with Lord Vishnu, such as the Vishnu Sahasranama, adds spiritual merit. Most devotees visit ISKCON temples to perform kirtan, chanting, and meditation.
- Listening to Katha: Stories of Lord Krishna or other avatars of Lord Vishnu add a deeper meaning to the day. In temples, spiritual discourses are organized with the stories of Lord Vishnu’s avatars.
- Decorate the Home or Temple: Most people decorate their home altars with fresh flowers, incense, and lamps. The lamp is lit, and it marks removing ignorance and inviting the light of wisdom.
Importance of Donations on Dev Uthani Ekadashi
On the occasion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, all donative acts become multiple-ed and uplift the spiritual lives. Some may prefer food donation, clothe, or even funds to ISKCON temples and other institutions dedicated to Lord Krishna so that his message becomes known to all around the world.
Donation on this day for ISKCON shows the enlightenment and blessings obtained through the help of Lord Krishna. They are a giving process and will return by helping out in the spiritual life of other people.
Some interesting facts about Dev Uthani Ekadashi
- Marriage Season: Lord Vishnu gets awakened on the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Thus, people preferred it for getting the preparations begun to marry off their son or daughter since it was regarded to be an auspicious occasion.
- Experienced under various names: There exists another name to refer the day; and the name is Dev Uthani Ekadashi though the same is also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Uthana Ekadashi.
- Tulsi Vivah: Most ISKCON temples have a major ritual called Tulsi Vivah. In this sacred marriage ritual, the sacred basil plant, Tulsi, is ritually wedded to Lord Krishna represented by a Shaligram stone.
- Material and Spiritual Wealth: ISKCON scriptures further explain that the blessings from Lord Krishna on Dev Uthani Ekadashi provide the best material and spiritual wealth. Fasting and performing pure devotion on this day may hopefully succeed through good fortune.
5. Special Bond with Nature: Dev Uthani Ekadashi is basically a transitional phase between autumn and winter. Since it is a transitional phase, devotees thank Lord Krishna for this beautiful scenic view of nature. In some places, people light up lamps and welcome opportunities.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi Ritual in ISKCON Temples
Dev Uthani Ekadashi is observed with great enthusiasm in all ISKCON temples across the world. Devotees come together for special kirtans and perform bhajans that sing the praise of Lord Krishna. After breaking their fast, devotees often participate in grand feasts honoring the blessings of the Lord Krishna.
- Illumination of Temples – The lighted torches at the temples represent illumination that shows earth from God’s divine world. The light represents sunshine and energy because Shri Krishna brings so much about life.
- Bhagavad Gita- The whole life is wasted while reading holy verses like Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita. These scriptures increase knowledge. The fact that what knowledge Shri Krishna tells his devotees to realize their life existence.
- Service to Society and Charity: – In ISKCON temples, food donation drives are initiated, and meals are distributed to the needy people. This act of service is in line with what Lord Krishna taught.
Conclusion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi
Dev Uthani Ekadashi is a sacred day of commemoration, rebirth, and celebration for the returning of Lord Vishnu back to consciousness. On such a day, devotees cleanse their minds and heart to reaffirm their love and devotion to Lord Krishna.
This day is a special favorite among ISKCON devotees all over the world. It gives them the chance to renew their love and devotion for Lord Krishna. They derive peace of mind and feel a purpose in this material world.
