Utthana Ekadasi, or Prabodhini Ekadashi, is observed during the waxing phase of moon in the month of Kartik (October – November). In 2011, the date of Utthana Ekadasi or Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi is November 6. The importance of Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi narrated to Sage Narada by Brahma. The divine conversation is found in the Skanda Purana. Observing this Ekadasi is believed to help in getting rid of the guilt associated with sins committed and is also a path to liberation (Moksha). Ekadasi is an important fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The famous Tulsi Vivah festival is performed on the day by some communities and also on the day after Ekadasi in some regions. The Chatur Mas period also ends with Prabodhini Ekadashi. The famous Kartik Month Pandarpur Yatra also concludes on the day.
All the normal rules associated with Ekadasi fasting are observed on the day.
Utthana Ekadasi, which falls in the Kartik month, is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. Staunch Vishnu devotees observe a rigid fast on the day by skipping food and staying awake during night. Majority of the people take one meal mostly in the evening and visit shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Utpanna Ekadasi, or Uttpatti Ekadashi, is observed during the waning phase of the moon in the month of November – December. In 2011, the date of Utpanna Ekadasi is November 21. The importance of this Ekadasi was explained to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in Bhavishyottara Purana. For those devotees who like to begin the monthly Ekadasi fasting, Uttpatti Ekadasi is the Ekadashi that they should start with.
All the sins accumulated during the previous births and this birth are washed away by observing Uttpatti Ekadashi and this leads to Moksha.
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Fresh beginners who want to undertake Ekadasi fasting start it with Utpanna Ekadasi. They can continue it forever or for a year. How long it is continued depends on the devotee.
All the normal rules associated with Ekadasi are observed during Utpanna Ekadashi.
Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.
When to start Ekadasi Fasting?
Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.
Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method
Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.
Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.
Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer
- A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
- Fruits
- Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)
- Yellow bananas
- And other normal puja items
Observance
- Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
- Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
- Pray or meditate for few minutes.
- If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.
Ekadasi Fasting
- Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
- If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
- Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.
- Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat and eating on a bell metal plate. Do not apply oil on the day. (What food can be eaten on Ekadasi for those observing partial fast?)
- Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk.
Afternoon
Take bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu
Evening Prayers
- Take a bath in the evening.
- Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu
- Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.
Prayers for Ekadashi
- Vishnu Ashotharam
- Vishnu Sahasranamam
- Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana
- Or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna
No Sleep of Keeping Vigil at Night
Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
But those devotees who have health problems sleep at night. Those people who work, take rest at night and avoid keeping vigil at night
Next Day Morning
The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.
December 6, 2011, Tuesday - Mokshada Ekadasi
December 21, 2011, Wednesday - Saphala Ekadasi
December 21, 2011, Wednesday - Saphala Ekadasi
Shattila (VAIKUNDA) Ekadasi is January 05, 2012
