Devuthani Ekadashi देवउठनी एकादशी
Dedicated to Vishnu
About Devuthani Ekadashi
Devuthani Ekadashi, also called Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Gyaras, marks the auspicious day when Lord Vishnu awakens from his four-month cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) that began on Devshayani Ekadashi. The word 'prabodhini' means 'awakening,' and this day signals the end of the Chaturmas period. With Vishnu awakened, the Hindu marriage season officially begins, and all auspicious activities resume. This Ekadashi is closely linked with Tulsi Vivah, which is often performed on the same day or the following Dwadashi. The day is celebrated with great fervor, marking a return to normalcy, festivity, and auspicious beginnings after the reflective monsoon period.
देवउठनी एकादशी, जिसे प्रबोधिनी एकादशी या देव उठनी ग्यारस भी कहते हैं, वह शुभ दिन चिह्नित करती है जब भगवान विष्णु अपनी चार माह की ब्रह्मांडीय निद्रा (योग निद्रा) से जागते हैं जो देवशयनी एकादशी से शुरू हुई थी। 'प्रबोधिनी' का अर्थ 'जागरण' है, और यह दिन चतुर्मास के अंत का संकेत देता है। विष्णु के जागने से हिंदू विवाह का मौसम आधिकारिक रूप से शुरू होता है और सभी शुभ कार्य पुनः आरंभ होते हैं। यह एकादशी तुलसी विवाह से निकटता से जुड़ी है जो प्रायः इसी दिन या अगले दिन किया जाता है।
Spiritual Significance
Devuthani Ekadashi symbolizes divine awakening and the resumption of auspicious activities. It ends the four-month Chaturmas period, marking the beginning of the Hindu wedding season and the return of festive celebrations across India.
देवउठनी एकादशी दिव्य जागरण और शुभ कार्यों के पुनः आरंभ का प्रतीक है। यह चार माह के चतुर्मास का अंत करती है, हिंदू विवाह मौसम की शुरुआत और पूरे भारत में उत्सवी आयोजनों की वापसी चिह्नित करती है।
Key Rituals & Practices
- Observe Ekadashi fast and worship Lord Vishnu in his awakened form
- Perform Tulsi Vivah ceremony (marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram)
- Decorate the Tulsi plant with a bridal dress, flowers, and vermillion
- Light lamps and offer sugarcane sticks around the Tulsi Vrindavan
- Read Devuthani Ekadashi Vrat Katha and sing devotional bhajans
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the wedding season start after Devuthani Ekadashi?
The Hindu wedding season traditionally begins after Devuthani Ekadashi because this day marks Lord Vishnu's awakening from his four-month cosmic sleep. During Chaturmas (Vishnu's sleep period), marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are avoided as the divine preserver is not considered available to bless new unions. Once Vishnu awakens, his presence and blessings are again accessible, making it favorable for weddings. Practically, the timing also coincides with the end of monsoon and the pleasant autumn-winter weather, ideal for large gatherings and outdoor celebrations.
Is Devuthani Ekadashi the same as Tulsi Vivah?
They are closely related but not exactly the same. Devuthani Ekadashi falls on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (the 11th day) and marks Vishnu's awakening. Tulsi Vivah (the ceremonial marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram) is traditionally performed either on Ekadashi itself or on the following Dwadashi (12th day). In many regions, both are celebrated on the same day, but technically Devuthani Ekadashi is the Vishnu awakening observance, while Tulsi Vivah is the specific marriage ceremony. The two celebrations together mark the full transition from the quiet Chaturmas to the festive wedding season.
How is Devuthani Ekadashi observed differently across India?
In Maharashtra, the focus is on Tulsi Vivah celebrations with elaborate decorations. In Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, it is called Dev Uthani Gyaras and involves community feasts and temple processions. In South India, the day is marked by special pujas at Vishnu temples. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, it coincides with the beginning of the busy wedding season. In Bihar and Jharkhand, households perform small Tulsi Vivah ceremonies at home. Across all regions, the common thread is celebrating Vishnu's return and the resumption of auspicious life events.
Festival Details
- Deity
- Vishnu
- Category
- Vrat & Fasting
- Regions
- All India
- Calendar Basis
- Hindu Lunar (Panchang)
- Hindu Month
- Kartik — Shukla Paksha, Ekadashi
- Importance
- normal