The date for Dev Uthani Ekadashi in 2017 is October 31. Want to know the secret to attain a step closer to Moksha? Then, this day is the answer. Venerate Lord Vishnu this Dev Uthani Ekadashi and lead a divine life...

Dev Uthani Ekadashi : What Is Dev Uthani Ekadashi?

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, is considered to be an auspicious day according to Hindu traditions. The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu . Want to know more about the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi? Then, let's proceed forward as we have brought you everything you need to know about Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

According to the Hindu calendar Dev Uthani Ekadashi takes place on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik. Prabodhini Ekadashi means 'the awakening eleventh'. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up after sleeping on the day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi. Hence its name is also popular as Dev-Prabodhini, Deothan, and Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

Now, let's know when the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi in 2017 will be observed.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2017 Date & Timing

Event	Day	Date	Tithi
Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2017	Tuesday	October 31	Ekadashi

Parana Muhurat is the auspicious time of breaking the fast on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. The Vrat of Prabodhini Ekadashi should be terminated within Dwadashi Tithi (succeeding day).

We hope that now as you know when to observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi in 2017, you would be able to follow the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi with more piousness.

But, why is the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is observed every year? Now, let's discuss the legends associated with Dev Uthani Ekadashi and find out the reasons behind observing Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi : Why To Observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi?

It is said that Goddess Laxmi was unhappy with Lord Vishnu as he followed an undisciplined pattern of sleeping. It often happened when Vishnu slept for days and there were days when he didn't sleep at all. It was due to his this habit that other gods and goddesses had to wait for long to meet him. Furthermore, demons highly took advantage of this, thereby leading to the spread of Adharma on earth. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi complained about all these to Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu promised Laxmi to soon come up with a solution. Meanwhile, the Devas visited Vishnu to inform him about the robbery of the Vedas by Sankhyayan, a demon. The demon had soon spread Adharma all around. On hearing this, Lord Vishnu assured the Devas that they would be able to get back the Vedas.

After fighting for days with Demon Sankhyayan, he was successful in defeating Sankhyayan. He was then able to return the Vedas to the gods. Concluding the event, Vishnu continued with a long sleep for four months.

His sleep started from Ashadha Ekadashi and continued till Kartik Ekadashi. The day of Kartik Ekadashi is known as Prabodhini Ekadashi. Since then, the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi came into being.

Now, as you know why to observe the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, let's take a look at how to observe the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

How To Observe Dev Uthani Ekadashi?

Following are the rituals that are to be carried out on Dev Uthani Ekadashi:

1. On the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi, devotees take a holy bath early morning.
2. Devotees perform the ritual of marriage of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi plant on this day. This ritual is known as Tulsi Vivah (marriage with Tulsi plant).
3. A fast is performed that begins on the day of Dashami day (preceding day). Vrat is continued till Dwadashi (succeeding day).
4. The fast is terminated within Dwadashi Tithi according to the Parana Muhurat.

But, why one should observe such austerities on this day of Ekadashi? We must definitely know the significance of Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Let's take a look at it.

Significance Of Dev Uthani Ekadashi

The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is an ultimate way to reach the doorway of heaven. It is strongly believed that if one follows the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi with severe devotion, he/she will definitely be gifted with Moksha and will be able to reach the heavenly abode of Devas, Vishnu Loka. The day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is also believed to carry the boon to free the souls of a person's ancestors.

Now, we will take a look at the different patterns of observing the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Let's proceed:

Dev Uthani Ekadashi : Maharashtrian Pattern

In Maharashtra, the day of Dev Uthani or Prabodhini Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Vishnu. Celebrations take a festive turn at Pandharpur where thousands of pilgrims visit temples of Lord Vishnu. The celebrations take place for a period of five days at Pandharpur. The worshiping pattern at Pandharpur is also known as Sarkari Puja.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi : Rajasthani Pattern

In Rajasthan, Dev Uthani Ekadashi takes place at Pushkar where Pushkar Mela is organized. This continues till Kartik Purnima (full-Moon day). Pushkar Mela is held to worship Lord Brahma. It is believed that if one takes a holy bath in Pushkar lake, one can attain a step closer to salvation. The fair is continued till Kartik Purnima. During the period, a camel fair is also organized in Rajasthan, which is considered to be Asia's largest fair.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi : Gujarati Pattern

In Gujarat, a Parikrama (circumambulation) is held by the devotees at Mt. Girnar for a two-day period. It is believed that the Lord resides around the mountain during Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Over 800,000 devotees pay reverence to Lord Vishnu on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi at Mt. Girnar.

Lord Vishnu is coming to you this Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Don't miss the chance to venerate him and achieve the blessings of divinity from the Lord.

We hope that this article has been able to deliver you a detailed picture of the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

AstroSage wishes you all a Happy Dev Uthani Ekadashi..!