Utthana Ekadasi, also known as Dev utthana Ekadashi, is observed on Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadashi. In 2009, Dev Utthana Ekadasi is observed on October 29. This Ekadashi vrata is also called as Prabodhini Ekadasi or Bodhini Ekadashi. Legend says that on this day, Lord Vishnu awakes from Yoganidra (cosmic sleep). Utthana Ekadasi also marks the conclusion of Chaturmas vrat (observance of four holy months).
On Utthana Ekadashi day, people starts Bhishma Panchaka Vrata which is also known as Bhishma Panchakam. Tulsi Damodar Vivah is also performed on this Ekadashi. On this day, Pandarpur kartik Palki Yatra takes place. Vishnu Sahasranama parayana and Kartika Purana parayana are the other main rituals during Utthana Ekadasi. Devotees break their Ekadasi Upavas on the next day which is known as Ksheerabdi Dwadashi.
Yagnavalkya Jayanti or Jajnavalkya Jayanti is observed on Falgun Shukla Panchami by some communities in India. In 2010, Yagnavalksya Jayanti date is February 19. Yagnavalkya, also spelt as Yajnavalkya, was one of the great sages of Vedic India. Yagnavalkya Jayanthi is also observed on Kartika Shukla Dasami by some communities. In 2010, Yagnavalkya Jayanti date is November 16. Yagnavalkya rushi who belongs to Mithila was a legendary sage credited with the authorship of great Hindu ritual text named ‘Shatapatha Brahmana’. He was known as the author of some other prominent scriptures including Bruhadaranyaka Upanishad, Yagnavalkya Samhita and Yagnavalkya Smriti.
Yagnavalkya jayanthi is celebrated with lot of gusto by the Brahmin communities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. It is also celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
Prabodhini Ekadashi, also known as Bodhini Ekadasi, is observed on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. Prabodhini Ekadashi 2009 date is October 29. It is also called as Dev Utthana Ekadashi. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up from his Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep). Lord Vishnu starts Yoganidra on Ashada Ekadashi (Dev Shayana Ekadashi) and ends on this Dev Utthana Ekadashi. This day also marks the ending of Chaturmas vrat.
Starting from Prabodhini, Kartik Dwadashi, Kartik Tryodashi, Kartik Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima are considered as most auspicious days to perform any pujas. Bodhini, Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi and Kartik Purnima are best days to observed Tulsi Vivah, also known as Tulsi Ksheerabdhi Sayana Vrata. Who performs Ekadashi vrata on Prabodhini would get the result of Ashwamedha Yagam. And who offers food to even a single person after this Ekadasi vrata, would get the merit of performing ‘Annadaan’ (food charity) to ten million people along the river banks of Ganga on Surya Grahan.
Mantra or prayer to chant on Prabodini Ekadashi:
- ‘Ekadashyam niraharam sthithwa ahaani parehani bakshyami’
Chitragupta Puja, also known as Dawat Puja, is a ritual observed during Diwali festival. Chitragupta Puja 2010 date is November 7. It is celebrated on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali, in North India. Chitragupta Pooja marks the birthday or Jayanthi of Chitragupta and it is mainly celebrated by Katyastha caste.
Chitragupta is the son of Lord Brahma. He was emerged from Brahma’s body as his 17th son. The legend or story says that to assist Yamaraj, the Lord of death, Chitragupta was created by Brahma. On Chitragupta Jayanthi or Chitragupta Pooja, Chitragupta is worshipped with shodashopachar puja by Kayastha people. This puja is also known as Dawat Puja which is the biggest festival for Kayastha caste.
Gopashtami is observed on Kartik Shukla Ashtami day. Gopashtami 2009 date is October 26. On this day, Nanda Maharaj sent his kids Krishna and Balarama to herd the cows for the first time. Thus, on Gopaashtami day Krishna and his elder brother Balaram became qualified cowherds. On Gopashtami day, Go Puja is performed. Cows are given bath on this day and decorated with colourful clothes and shawls and adorned with necklaces. Cows are offered special food offerings on Gopaashtami.
Gopashtami is celebrated with much gusto and enthusiasm in Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir in Mathura, Banke Bihariji Temple in Vrindavan, Guruvayurappan Temple in Guruvayur, Dwarkadish Temple in Dwarka, Shreenathji Temple in Nathdwara and all ISKCON Temples.
It is to note that some South Indian panchangs and calendars have referred this day as Goshtashtami.
