Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi is an auspicious Hindu festival that falls in the month of Kartik as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The Ekadashi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in Kartik month is known as Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
This year in 2023, Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, November 23. On this day, Hindus across the world worship Lord Vishnu and observe a fast from dawn to dusk. The partial fast is broken after sunset once the moon is sighted.
Significance of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi
The term 'Prabodhini' means awakening. Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi signifies the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long slumber. According to legends Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on Shayani Ekadashi (in Ashadha month) and wakes up on Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi.
So on the 11th day of the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartik, devotees perform elaborate puja and observe a fast to appease Lord Vishnu. They keep vigils, sing bhajans, and remain awake the entire night. The next day marks Chaturmas and concludes with Uttana Dwadashi.
The concluding of Chaturmas also marks the beginning of the auspicious wedding season as per the Hindu calendar. Hence, Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi holds a lot of significance.
The legend behind Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi
According to Hindu scriptures, there is an interesting legend behind the origin of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi and its significance.
The story is about a king named Vaivasvata Manu who had a daughter named Ila. Once sage Katyayana visited the kingdom and after seeing Princess Ila, he predicted that she would give birth to mighty sons. Hearing this, Manu was worried that he had no son to carry forward his lineage.
He shared his concern with the sage. Katyayana suggested that Ila should pray to Lord Vishnu and observe the Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi fast to beget a son. Ila did the same and was eventually transformed into a male named Sudyumna. Later, Sudyumna fathered three sons and also attained salvation.
Since then, the Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi fast became significant and devotees started observing it to beget noble sons. The fasting is also believed to bestow prosperity and forward one's lineage.
Auspicious Time to Break the Fast
The fast on the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi should be broken at an auspicious hour. This is the auspicious time to break the fast on November 23, 2023:
Parana Time (time to break the fast) = 06:39 AM to 08:53 AM on November 24th, 2023
Dwadashi End Moment = 05:06 PM on November 23, 2023
The Kartik month's Shukla Paksha Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 11:03 PM on November 22 and will conclude at 9:01 PM on November 23.
Therefore, the fasting for Devutthana Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi will be observed on November 23, Thursday.
So devotees should break the fast during this window of time by having fruits, milk, and non-grain foods. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol should be avoided while breaking the fast. Ekadashi fasting is followed by Parana on the next day.
Rituals of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi
Here are some of the key rituals associated with Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi:
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear fresh clean clothes.
- Go to the temple and make offerings of prayers to Lord Vishnu. Light a diya and offer flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, etc.
- Chant the 'OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' mantra 108 times.
- Observe fast for the whole day. Only consume milk, fruits, sabudana khichdi, etc.
- Do not consume rice, wheat, or lentils. Also, avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
- Listen to Lord Vishnu bhajans and read scriptures like Vishnu Purana or Bhagavad Gita.
- Stay awake the whole night and sing bhajans while thinking of Lord Vishnu.
- On Dwadashi, break the fast after sunrise at the specified auspicious hour.
- Visit the temple again and offer bhog prasad to conclude ritual fasting.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy.
The ritualistic Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi fasting is a way for devotees to seek blessings and boons from Lord Vishnu. They pay tribute to the Lord for returning from his cosmic slumber and administering the universe once again.
Benefits of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat
Here are some of the key advantages of observing the Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi fast with full devotion:
- Begetting noble and capable children
- Fulfillment of wishes related to childbirth
- Removal of obstacles in marriage
- Eternal marital bliss
- Freedom from Ancestors' curse
- Relief from difficulties and sorrows
- Improvement in career and business fortunes
- Attainment of Swarg (Heaven)
By observing this auspicious fast, one can invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu and progress spiritually. It also fulfills one's wishes and brings prosperity.
What should you avoid on Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi?
To observe the Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat properly, you should avoid the following:
- Eating rice, wheat, or grains
- Consuming lentils and legumes
- Eating non-vegetarian food like meat, fish and eggs
- Consuming alcohol and tobacco
- Eating chana, urad, and masoor dals
- Overeating oily, fried, and spicy food
By avoiding the above food items and adopting a simple sattvic diet for the day, you can complete the fast as per guidelines and traditions.
In conclusion, Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi is a highly significant observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his awakening after the Chatumras period. By fasting on this day, devotees can accrue various spiritual and material benefits with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The auspicious ritual of fasting combined with an all-night celebration makes Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi a special occasion in the Hindu calendar.
FAQs
When is Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi in 2023?
In 2023, Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, November 23rd.
What is the significance of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi?
Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi signifies the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long slumber on this day. It also marks the conclusion of Christmas and the beginning of the wedding season.
Who observes the Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi fast?
Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe the Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi fast with devotion and rigor. Even unmarried women keep this fast to get blessed with a good husband and married women observe it for the long life of their husbands.
What are the rituals of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi?
The rituals include waking up early, taking a bath, worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting mantras, listening to bhajans, staying up all night in vigil, and doing charity on Dwadashi tithi.
What are the benefits of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi?
The benefits include - begetting pious children, marital bliss, relief from difficulties, good fortune in career/business, salvation, and fulfillment of wishes.
