Devutthana Ekadashi

Story of Devutthana Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

On Kartik Shukla Ekadashi Lord Vishnu wakes from his four-month sleep (Devutthana or Prabodhini). Households sing "Uth jaago Deva" to wake him, draw his footprints at the door, and offer sugarcane, water chestnut, jujube and seasonal fruit. Tulsi Vivah is performed these days, the marriage of tulsi (Vrinda) to Shaligram, a form of Vishnu. Vrinda was the faithful wife of the demon Jalandhar, and by her blessing Vishnu agreed to be worshipped as Shaligram, always with tulsi.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Devutthana Ekadashi

Chaturmas ends today, and weddings, griha pravesh and other auspicious events restart. In Maharashtra it is called Prabodhini Ekadashi. It is counted among the most important Ekadashis of the year.

The tradition says that keeping Devutthana Ekadashi gives the start of auspicious months and the merit of Tulsi Vivah. It falls in Kartik Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu (Shaligram) and Tulsi.

How to keep Devutthana Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu (Shaligram) and Tulsi.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.