Patna: On Saturday, November 1, devotees across India will observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini or Devutthaan Ekadashi, marking the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month cosmic sleep. The day signifies the end of Chaturmas—a holy period during which auspicious activities such as marriages and major religious ceremonies are suspended—and the resumption of sacred and celebratory events in the Hindu calendar.
According to astrologers, this year’s Dev Uthani Ekadashi falls on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi under the Shatabhisha Nakshatra, accompanied by three auspicious yogas—Dhruva, Ravi, and Tripushkar. The confluence of these yogas is believed to bring spiritual merit and good fortune. Devotees, including sages, Vaishnavas, and householders, will observe the Ekadashi fast and participate in collective worship, invoking blessings for peace and prosperity.
Scriptures such as the Narada Purana describe that Lord Narayana will be ritually awakened at dusk on this day to the sound of conch shells, damarus, mridangas, cymbals, and bells. After the worship, devotees will partake of charanamrit, the sanctified nectar from Lord Vishnu’s feet, believed to ward off untimely death and ensure the grace of Goddess Lakshmi.
Astrologers said that observing the Ekadashi fast brings the attainment of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha—the four goals of human life. Bathing in holy rivers and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu are considered especially meritorious. The fast is believed to absolve sins from past lives and liberate one from the cycle of birth and death.
The day also marks the symbolic marriage of Shaligram, a representation of Lord Vishnu, and Tulsi, considered sacred to the deity. Devotees will perform rituals under elaborately decorated pavilions where the Shaligram will circumambulate the Tulsi plant. The ceremony will feature hymns, devotional songs, and recitations of Vishnu Sahasranama and Tulsi Namashtak.
Earlier this week, devotees celebrated Akshaya Navami, which fell on Kartik Shukla Navami, by worshipping the sacred Amla tree. The occasion coincided with Shravan and Dhanishtha Nakshatras, and prayers continued throughout the day. The Amla tree, believed to embody Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, was offered rice, vermillion, flowers, incense, and lamps, before being circumambulated with a sacred thread.
Following the rituals, devotees donated food, clothes, and fruits, and listened to mythological tales narrated by priests and scholars. Many also performed the Satyanarayan Puja in their homes.
Astrologers said that from Kartik Shukla Navami to Kartik Purnima, divine forces are believed to reside in the roots of the Amla tree. Lighting a ghee lamp near the tree’s base during this period is said to bring prosperity, peace, health, and relief from suffering, enhancing positivity and well-being in the household.
