| Prabodhini Ekadashi | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Narayana lying onShesha beside Sridevi and Bhudevi, aspects of Lakshmi | |
| Also called | Deva Uttana Ekadashi, Deothan, Kartika Shukla Ekadashi |
| Observed by | Hindus, especiallyVaishnavas |
| Type | Hindu |
| Significance | End of theChaturmasya |
| Observances | Prayers and religious rituals, includingpuja toVishnu |
| Date | Decided by theLunar calendar |
| 2025 date | 1 November |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Shayani Ekadashi |
Prabodhini Ekadashi (Sanskrit:प्रबोधिनी एकादशी,romanized: Prabodhinī Ekādaśī), also known asDeva Uttana Ekadashi (Sanskrit:देव उत्तान एकादशी,romanized: Deva Uttāna Ekādaśī), is the 11th lunar day (ekadashi) in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of theHindu month ofKartika. It marks the end of the four-month period ofChaturmasya, when the godVishnu is believed to be asleep. It is believed that Vishnu sleeps on the day ofShayani Ekadashi, and wakes on this day.[1]
The end of Chaturmasya, when marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.[2] Prabodhini Ekadashi is followed byKartika Purnima, which day is celebrated as Deva Deepavali, theDeepavali of thedevas.[3]
The symbolic union of Vishnu andLakshmi orTulasi Vivaha is also celebrated on this day.[4]
The occasion is known by various names such as Prabodhini Ekadashi (awakening eleventh), Vishnu Prabodhini (awakening of Vishnu), Hari Prabodhini, Deva Prabodhini Ekadashi, Uttana Ekadashi, and Deothan.
This day is known asThulo Ekadashi ("Biggest of theEkadashis") inNepal.[5]
A fast is observed on Prabodhini Ekadashi andTulsi Vivaha is celebrated. During Tulsi Vivaha, a black, fossilised stone orshaligram (representing the form of Vishnu) is placed next to atulsi plant (representing the form of Lakshmi), a symbolic act of uniting both deities in marriage.[4] During the evening, devotees prepare floor designs by geru paste (red soil) and rice paste in some traditions. Images of Lakshmi and Vishnu are also prepared from it.Lakshmi puja andVishnu puja are observed during the evening time, with the offerings of sugarcane, rice, dried red chillies, which are subsequently given topandits.[6]
InMaharashtra, Prabodhini Ekadashi is linked with the godVithoba - a form of Vishnu.Varkari pilgrims throng thePandharpur temple of Vithoba on this day. The celebrations in Pandharpur continue for five days, till the full moon day (Kartika Purnima).[7] On Prabodhini Ekadashi, thechief minister or a minister of Maharashtra state performs ritual components of worship on behalf of theGovernment of Maharashtra. This form of worship is known assarkari-mahapuja.[8]
InGujarat, more 800,000 pilgrims perform the 32-km Lili Parikrama, circumambulation of Mt.Girnar, over a two-day period. This performed as a gesture of thanksgiving to the gods, who are believed to have assembled on the mountain.[9]
InPushkar, Rajasthan, thePushkar Fair orPushkar mela commences on this day and continues till the full moon day (Kartika Purnima). This fair is held in the honour of godBrahma, whose temple stands at Pushkar. A ritual bath during the five days of the fair in thePushkar lake is considered to lead one to salvation.Sadhus gather here and stay from ekadashi to full moon day in caves. About 200,000 people and 25,000 camels assemble in Pushkar, one of Asia's largest camel fairs.[10][11][12][13][14]
Prabodhini Ekadashi also marks the beginning ofsugarcane harvest. The farmer performs apuja in the field and ceremoniously cuts some sugarcane, laying some at the boundary of the field and distributing five canes to aBrahmin priest, blacksmith, carpenter, washer-man and water-carrier and taking five canes at home. At home, figures of Vishnu and his consortLakshmi are drawn on a wooden-board with cowdung and butter. The sugarcane are tied together at the top and placed round the board. Some cotton, betel-nut, lentils and sweets are offered along with ayagna (fire sacrifice). Aprabhatiya, or song urging the god to wake, is sung. The canes are then broken and hung off the roof tillHoli, when they are burnt.[15]
Prabodhini Ekadashi is considered as an important Ekadashi in theSwaminarayan sect. The day commemorates thediksha, or religious initiation, ofSwaminarayan by his guruRamanand Swami on October 28, 1800.[16] The day also commemorates the passing of authority by Ramanand Swami to Swaminarayan on November 16, 1801.[16] Swaminarayan followers observe a waterless fast and offer an offering of fresh vegetables to the deities.[17]
