Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi
Auspicious and auspicious events start from the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi and the marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram also takes place on this day. There are some things on this day that you need to pay attention to, otherwise you may have to face many problems. Let us know what to do and what not to do on Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi.
Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi has special significance in Hinduism because on this day Lord Narayana gives up Yog Nidra and takes responsibility of the creation. After this, Chaturmas ends and auspicious and auspicious events begin. Puranas say that by fasting on this Ekadashi, a person is freed from the bondage of life and death and attains Vaikuntha. Some special rules have been mentioned in the scriptures regarding Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi and by following these rules, your luck will increase and you will get good fortune in life. If these rules are ignored, then you may have to face many problems.
Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi Date and Time
Also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi, this day marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his four-month rest during Chaturmas. From this day onward, all auspicious activities such as weddings, housewarmings, and sacred ceremonies are resumed.
Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi 2025 Date and Time:
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: November 1, 2025, at 09:11 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: November 2, 2025, at 07:31 AM
- Parana (fast breaking) Time: November 2, 2025, between 01:11 PM and 03:23 PM
This Ekadashi is especially celebrated as Tulsi Vivah and Vishnu Awakening Day. Observing a fast on this day is believed to grant liberation (moksha) and freedom from all sins.
First Story
Once, Goddess Lakshmi said to Lord Narayan,
“O Lord! You remain awake all the time, and whenever you sleep, you do so for millions of years — during which time the entire creation faces destruction. Therefore, please take rest once every year on a regular basis so that I and the other deities may also have some time to rest.”
Hearing Lakshmi Ji’s request, Lord Narayan smiled and said,
“You are right. My constant wakefulness causes trouble to you and the other deities, leaving you no time for rest or relief from my service. Hence, from today onward, I will go into a short slumber every year during the rainy season (the four holy months). This sleep will be known as my ‘cosmic sleep’ or ‘great sleep,’ and it will bring immense blessings and merit to my devotees. Those who serve me with devotion and celebrate the festival of my sleeping and awakening will receive my presence in their homes, along with you, O Lakshmi.”
Second Story
In one kingdom, all the people strictly observed the Ekadashi fast — even servants and animals were not given any grains on that day. One day, a man from another kingdom came seeking employment. The king agreed but set a condition: he would get food every day except on Ekadashi, when he would not be allowed to eat grains. The man accepted.
On the day of Ekadashi, when he was given fruits to eat, he went to the king and pleaded, saying that he could not satisfy his hunger with fruits and begged for grains. The king reminded him of the condition, but seeing his insistence, gave him some flour, rice, and lentils.
The man went to the river, bathed, cooked the food, and called out, “O Lord! Please come, the food is ready.” To his amazement, Lord Vishnu Himself appeared before him in His divine four-armed form, wearing yellow garments, and lovingly ate with him. After the meal, the Lord disappeared, and the man returned to his work.
On the next Ekadashi, he asked the king for double the ration, saying, “Last time I was still hungry, as I share my food with God.” Hearing this, the king was astonished and did not believe him. The man invited the king to come and see for himself. The king hid behind a tree and watched.
That day, even after calling for long, the Lord did not appear. Finally, the man declared, “O Lord! If you don’t come, I will end my life by jumping into the river.” Hearing his sincere devotion, Lord Vishnu immediately appeared, stopped him, and ate with him once again. After the meal, the Lord took him to His divine abode.
Witnessing this, the king realized that fasting and rituals have no true meaning unless one’s heart is pure. From that day on, the king began observing Ekadashi with true devotion and ultimately attained heaven.
Third Story
There once was a prosperous and righteous king whose subjects lived in great happiness. In his kingdom, no one cooked or sold grains on Ekadashi — everyone observed fasting and lived on fruits.
To test the king’s faith, Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman and sat by the roadside. The king happened to pass by and was captivated by her beauty. He asked, “O beautiful lady! Who are you, and why are you sitting here alone?”
The woman replied, “I am homeless and know no one in this city. Whom should I ask for help?” The king, enchanted by her beauty, invited her to his palace and proposed that she become his queen. The woman agreed on one condition — she would have full control over the kingdom, and whatever she ordered, he must obey. The king, blinded by desire, agreed.
The next day was Ekadashi. The new queen ordered that grains be sold as usual and had meat dishes prepared in the palace. The king refused, saying, “Today is Ekadashi; I will only eat fruits.” The queen reminded him of his promise and threatened, “Either eat what I have prepared or sacrifice your eldest son’s life.”
The king, distressed, told this to his first queen, who replied, “Do not abandon your faith, my lord. A son can be born again, but religion and righteousness, once lost, can never return.”
Hearing this, the eldest prince said, “Father, I am ready to give my life. Let your faith remain intact.” The king sorrowfully prepared for the sacrifice.
Just then, the beautiful woman revealed her true identity — she was none other than Lord Vishnu. The Lord said, “O King, this was your test, and you have passed it.” Pleased, the Lord offered him a boon. The king replied, “O Lord, everything I have is yours. Please grant me liberation.”
At that moment, a divine chariot appeared. The king handed over his kingdom to his son and departed with Lord Vishnu to His eternal abode.
What to do on Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi?
- On the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi, one should wake up in the Brahma Muhurta in the morning, take a bath and meditate, and take a vow to fast. One should also make donations in the name of ancestors on this day.
- Purify Lord Vishnu and perform Aarti, light a lamp of pure ghee. After this, recite Vishnu Sahasranama and also do bhajan kirtan of Shri Hari.
- Offer it to Lord Vishnu and also put sugarcane and water chestnut in it.
- On the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi , keep a waterless fast, recite Kartik bhajans and make donations.
- On the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi, serve cows and feed the poor and needy people.
What not to do on Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi
- Eating rice should be avoided during Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is said that those who eat rice on Ekadashi will be born as reptiles in their next life.
- On Ekadashi, one should avoid arguments at home and outside and should not upset anyone even if one is at fault.
- Avoid consuming meat and alcohol on Ekadashi. You should also avoid eating tamasic food like garlic, onion etc. on this day. Even if you are not fasting, eat only satvik food on that day.
- Tulsi marriage takes place on the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi, hence Tulsi leaves should not be plucked even by mistake on this day.
- One should not have negative thoughts about anyone on the day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi. You should also avoid eating cabbage, spinach etc.
- A person observing Ekadashi fast should not sleep on the bed. Apart from this, you should not cut your nails or hair even by mistake.
- Speak less on Ekadashi day and mentally chant the mantras of Lord Vishnu.
