Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat 2019

 

Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat 2019 will be observed on Friday, 8th November 2019 Shukl Paksh of Kartik maas, the most auspicious month.

Kachori is to be offered in the Bhog Samagri !

Dev Uthani Ekadashi is a ritual to wake up Shri Hari Vishnu, who is believed to be sleeping since Shayani Ekadashi, for four months. The name “Dev Uthani Ekadashi” itself indicates the purpose as well as the day for the rituals.It is also called Prabodhini Ekadashi where Prabodhini in Sanskrit means awakening as Lord Vishnu is awakened on the day its called Prabodhini Ekadashi

The ritual of Tulsi Vivah is mentioned in  Padma Purana, one of the 18 major Puranas composed sometime between 4th to 15th Century B.C. Tulsi Vivah is a significant ritual performed on Prabodhini Ekadashi. On the day, a ceremonial marriage of Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu is performed. 

As per scriptures, Tulsi plant is an incarnation of a woman named “Vrunda”. She was married to a demon king named “Jalandhar”.  Vrunda was an ardent devotee of Vishnu, he was blessed with immortality.

Jalandhar became so powerful that he went on to conquer the three worlds and even Lord Shiva couldn’t subdue his rage. During a fight between the Gods and demons, Jalandhar disguised himself as Shiva and approached Parvati in former’s absence. Goddess Parvati got so enraged upon realizing his intentions that Jalandhar had to flee.

On the behest of Parvati Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and went to latter’s wife Vrunda. Only after her chastity was destroyed, Vrunda realized that it was Vishnu but not her husband Jalandhar. Cursing Lord Vishnu to meet with the same fate someday, she immolated herself.

Hearing upon his wives death, Jalandhar fumed with rage and a battle ensued with Gods and demons. Subsequently, Jalandhar was killed by Shiva. As per the curse of Devi Vrunda, Lord Vishnu as Ram was separated from his wife Sita in his next incarnation .

Shri Hari Vishnu blessed Vrunda by marring her in her next life so he took the form of Shaligram and married Vrunda on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Thus, the ritual of marrying Tulsi plant to Shaligram .

On the auspicious day of Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi, devotees take early morning bath and resolve to perform fast in front of their deity. Important articles for the performance of rituals on Dev Uthani Ekadashi include – freshly cut sugarcane plant, tulsi plant, conch shell, bell, Lord Krushna idol, Shaligram Shila – a black fossilized stone which is considered a symbol of Lord Vishnu.

Offering Bel Patra to God Vishnu during the rituals is considered especially auspicious and is believed to bring salvation on the performer. Offering flowers of Agastya to Lord Vishnu also holds much significance during the occasion.

The festival of Dev Uthani Ekadashi is very significant for Hindu custom and beliefs. Brahma, the creator of the universe has considered Prabodhini Ekadashi as more auspicious than holy river Ganges and all other sacred pilgrimages. It is believed that a ritualistic observance of Prabodhini Ekadashi blesses the devotee equivalent to performing a hundred Rajsuya Yagnas.

A complete fast during the Dev Uthani Ekadashi is believed to clear away sins of at least past seven lives. Performing small rituals leads to larger fruits of prosperity, peace, love, contentment etc. By just resolving to observe the fast, devotees ensure their and their successors’ passage to heaven.