Dev Uthani Ekadashi is also known by the names Prabodhini Ekadashi, Deva Uttana Ekadashi, or Hari Prabodhini.
- “Dev” means deity (in this case, Lord Vishnu).
- “Uthani” means waking up or awakening.
- “Ekadashi” refers to the 11th lunar day in the fortnight.
So, Dev Uthani Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu is said to awaken from his four-month cosmic slumber.
It also marks the end of Chaturmas, the period considered inauspicious for major ceremonies and rituals.
Because of this, many ceremonies, marriages, housewarmings, and auspicious beginnings resume after this day.
Date & Time in 2025
In 2025, Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi) falls on 1st November 2025.
The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 09:11 AM on November 1 and ends at 07:31 AM on November 2.
Parana (fast-breaking) time is important to observe properly. In 2025, the Parana window is from 06:34 PM to 08:46 PM on November 2.
🌟 Significance & Meaning
- Dev Uthani Ekadashi symbolizes the awakening of Lord Vishnu from His four-month rest.
- It marks the end of Chaturmas, during which auspicious work is generally avoided. After this day, the period for marriages, worship, and major life events reopens.
- It is also the day when Tulsi Vivah is often celebrated, symbolically marrying the Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu.
- In many traditions, listening to the Vrat Katha (story of the fast) or reciting Vishnu Sahasranama or other sacred texts is believed to yield high spiritual merit.
- Starting new ventures, getting married, or performing religious functions from this day onward is considered auspicious.
Rituals & How to Observe
Here is a typical way devotees observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi:
- Early Morning Bath & Purification
- Wake up before sunrise.
- Take a holy bath (preferably in sacred river or with Ganga water).
- Clean the place of worship.
- Setting Up the Altar
- Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu (or Narayan).
- Decorate with flowers, turmeric, sandalwood, and clean cloth.
- Offer Tulsi leaves, incense, lamp (diya), sweets, fruits.
- Fasting (Vrat)
- Many observe nirjala fast (no food, no water) or a restricted fast (fruits, milk) depending on health/tradition.
- Avoid cereals, beans, onion, garlic, tamasic or heavy foods before the fast.
- Chanting, Katha & Bhajan
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, mantras like Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
- Listen or recite the Prabodhini/Dev Uthani Ekadashi Katha (story).
- Perform bhajans or kirtans, stay awake in worship through the night.
- Tulsi Vivah Ceremony
- In many places, the Tulsi plant is ceremonially “married” to Lord Vishnu or a symbolic Shaligram on or after this day.
- Parana (Breaking the Fast)
- On Dwadashi (following day), break the fast in the prescribed Parana time window.
- Offer food to the needy, Brahmins, or cows as charity.
Stories Behind Dev Uthani Ekadashi
One popular legend goes like this:
Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, complained that her husband would sleep irregularly — sometimes for long periods, sometimes awaken abruptly. Because life and cosmic order get disturbed when Vishnu is asleep, she urged him to fix a schedule. Thus, it was decided that Vishnu would sleep during Chaturmas, and awaken on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi — which is Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
As per tradition, during Vishnu’s slumber in Chaturmas, auspicious events are halted; when he awakens, the world regains flow — hence the resumption of marriages, religious rituals, and new beginnings.
Because of these beliefs, Dev Uthani Ekadashi is held in high esteem among Vaishnavas and many Hindu communities.
Benefits & Spiritual Rewards
Observing Dev Uthani Ekadashi with devotion is believed to grant many benefits:
- Spiritual upliftment and inner peace.
- Forgiveness of past karma and purification of sins.
- Blessings of prosperity, harmony, and well-being in life.
- Auspicious start to new ventures, marriages, and religious activities.
- The fast, katha, and worship are said to be equivalent in merit to thousands of yagnas (fire sacrifices).