Vishnu Lakshmi
12 November 2024 is Prabodhini Ekadashi, Dev Utthana Ekadashi, Kartik Ekadashi, Haribhodini Ekadashi, Bada Ekadashi, Garuda Ekadashi, Kaisika Ekadashi, Tulasi Ekadashi, etc..
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.
In Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Kartika Ekadashi is celebrated as Kaisika Ekadashi and the next day as Kaisika Dwadashi.
On Mahashadi or Ashadi Ekadashi, the most famous Ashadi Ekadashi Vaadi Yatra is celebrated. Devotees carry Palkis (Palanquins carrying the images or idols of Lord Vithoba) and throng to Lord Vithoba temple to visit the Lord and to perform special pujas.
Generally, Pandharpur Kartik Ekadashi Yatra begins on the first day of Kartik month and ends on Kartik Purnima day. But, the most auspicious day in this Yatra is Utthana Ekadashi or Prabodini Ekadasi day.
In Puri Jagannath Temple, this Ekadashi vrat is celebrated as Garuda Ekadashi or Bada Ekadashi.
Bhishma Panchak Vrata begins on this Ekadashi and concludes on Kartik Purnima day.
Significance
- Religious Importance: Prabodhini Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious, particularly among devotees of Lord Vishnu. Observing this day is believed to wash away sins and grant liberation (Moksha) to devotees. It is said that fasting on this day can yield merits equal to performing a thousand Ashvamedha sacrifices
- Tulsi Vivah: The festival often includes the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing devotion and the onset of the wedding season in Hindu culture
- Cultural Celebrations: Various rituals and prayers are performed, including special offerings and nighttime vigils. In Maharashtra, large gatherings occur at the Pandharpur temple dedicated to Vithoba (a form of Vishnu), where state officials participate in worship
Observances
- Fasting: Devotees typically observe a strict fast, often refraining from food and water (nirjala fast). They may take a single meal in the evening
- Rituals: The day involves rituals such as bathing before dawn, performing puja (worship) to Lord Vishnu, and offering fresh vegetables as part of the celebrations. These offerings are later distributed as prasad among devotees