Ekadashi Tithi Begins: at 06:46 PM on Nov 11, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 04:04 PM on Nov 12, 2024
Parana Time –On 13th Nov, 06:14 AM to 10:09 AM
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
The Ekadashi signifies the culmination of Chaturmas, a period lasting four months characterized by monsoon rains. Additionally, it is believed that Lord Vishnu entered a state of slumber for four months before Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu begins his sleep on the eve of Shayani Ekadashi during the Ashada month of the Shukla Paksha lunar phase. He then awakens directly on the eve of Devutthana Ekadashi.
During these four months, it is customary to abstain from undertaking auspicious or religious activities, as they are only to be performed once Lord Vishnu awakens from his deep slumber, known as Maha-Nindra. This belief underscores the reverence and significance attached to this period of spiritual dormancy.
For those curious about the origin of this belief, let us explore the mythological narrative behind it.
Devutthana Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
Once, Goddess Lakshmi beseeched Lord Vishnu, expressing her concern, “O God! While you remain awake day and night, once you choose to rest, you slumber for countless eons, destroying realms. Hence, I implore you to grant yourself a respite from your divine duties. Allow me to provide you with the opportunity to rest.”
Acknowledging her plea, Lord Vishnu conceded, affirming the validity of her argument. “You are correct,” he agreed. “My ceaseless vigilance exacts a toll upon all the gods, particularly upon you, my beloved consort. Thus, from this day forth, I shall enter a period of slumber lasting four months, coinciding with the rainy season. This period of rest shall be known as the Hypnosis and Holocaust Maha-Nindra.”
This state of dormancy shall serve as the ultimate boon for my devoted followers. Throughout this time, devotees who serve me with unwavering dedication, even in the semblance of my sleep, shall perceive my divine presence within the sanctity of their homes.”
As recounted in the Devutthana Ekadashi Vrat Katha, there once lived a monarch who ruled over a kingdom where the observance of Ekadashi fasting was deeply ingrained in the societal fabric. On Ekadashi days, abstention from food was a norm observed throughout the entire state.
One day, a petitioner arrived at the king’s court seeking employment. Upon hearing the petitioner’s plea, the king offered him a job, with the caveat that no food would be served on Ekadashi days. Eager for employment, the petitioner acquiesced to the king’s condition.
When Ekadashi arrived some days later, and fasting commenced across the kingdom, the petitioner approached the king, beseeching sustenance. Expressing his dire hunger and the inadequacy of fruits to assuage it, he pleaded for sustenance to prevent starvation. Undeterred by the king’s reiterated decree of fasting on Ekadashi, the petitioner insisted on the urgency of his need.
Moved by compassion, the king provided flour, lentils, and rice for sustenance. After receiving the provisions, the petitioner bathed and prepared food on the riverbank, extending an invitation to God. Lord Vishnu, pleased by the offering, graced the petitioner with his divine presence for a shared meal before resuming his celestial duties.
Upon the subsequent Ekadashi, the petitioner requested additional grains, prompting the king’s curiosity. Perplexed by the rationale behind the surplus grains, the petitioner explained that the previous offering, though substantial, failed to satiate the divine guest’s hunger. Skeptically, the king accompanied him to observe the divine dining ritual.
Following their return, the petitioner again prepared a meal, extending an invitation to God. However, to their dismay, the divine visitor did not make an appearance, leaving them waiting until dusk. Driven to despair, the petitioner vowed to relinquish his life by jumping into the river unless the deity graced them with his presence. Miraculously, at the eleventh hour, Lord Vishnu materialized, partaking in the meal and bestowing his blessings.
Witnessing this episode, the king realized that genuine devotion transcends ostentation, understanding that sincerity of heart suffices to appease the divine. Henceforth, the king also embraced fasting on Ekadashi with genuine fervor, ultimately attaining heavenly abode at the end of his mortal journey.
Tulsi Vivah on Devutthana Ekadashi
Devotees observe the auspicious Tulsi Vivah ceremony on this significant day. The conclusion of the ‘Chaturmas‘ period, during which Lord Vishnu undergoes cosmic slumber, coincides with Prabodhini Ekadashi.
According to the Devutthana Ekadashi Katha, Lord Vishnu enters a state of slumber on Shayani Ekadashi and awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi.
The sacred union between the deity Shaligram (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Tulsi (the revered plant) is celebrated through the Tulsi Vivah ceremony. Tulsi is revered as ‘Vishnu Priya’ or beloved of Lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu scriptures and legends, couples desiring a girl child are advised to perform the Tulsi Vivah ritual at least once in their lifetime. This ritual is believed to bestow the virtue of Kanyadaan, the act of giving away a daughter in marriage.