Devotthan Ekadashi

Usually denoted with several names including famous ones—Prabodhini Ekadashi, Devutthi Ekadashi, Deothan, Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, the Hindu festival Devotthan Ekadashi remains a prominent one amongst the certain sects in Hinduism. This festival is very much common amongst Vaishnava Hindus who observe them in the entire Indian subcontinent.

History

Celebration of Devotthan Ekadashi is based on the Hindu lunar calendar that indeed falls in the October to November months of the Gregorian colander. Exciting things during this festival are the observances which usually include the multiple types of prayers and the variegated religious rituals as part of this festival. Worshipping Lord Vishnu remains one of the most noticeable activities during this festival.

Devotthan Ekadashi or the Prabodhini Ekadashi is equally famous with its various other names. This festival is celebrated on the 11th lunar day or Ekadashi in the Hindu month of Kartik that is an indication of the observance of bright fortnight or the Shukla Paksha time. Devotthan Ekadashi festival is known for marking the end of a 4-month Chaturmas period. As the myths describe, it is a period while Vishnu God is assumed sleeping. The festival is to celebrate the awakening of Vishnu God from the sleep that continued from Shayani Ekadashi to Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Celebrations

The name of Devotthan Ekadashi festival time is Prabodhini Ekadashi or awakening eleventh as well when Vishnu-prabodhini or awakening of Vishnu is celebrated with a special puja. Dev-Prabodhini Ekadashi, Deothan, Dev uthav Ekadashi and or Dev Oothi Ekadashi to be understood in a laymen’s language are all indication of God’s awakening. These are the some metaphors often used to celebrate this prominent Hindu festival in India. Chaturmas is a period while marriages are usually prohibited in Hindu religion. Once Devotthan Ekadashi festival starts the marriage season also begins. That is why this festival is also denoted with the beginning of the wedding season in Hinduism.

Several rituals are involved in the Devotthan Ekadashi which make this festival one of the most important attractions in the present context. A few notable aspects of this celebration are that most devotees observe a symbolic fast on the special day of Prabodhini Ekadashi. An attractive event on this particular day is of performing a ritual marriage between the Tulsi plant with the Vishnu God as symbolic marriage and the indication of beginning of the Hindu marriage season. That is why Vishnu is also considered the husband of Tulsi plant in the Hindu mythology. This ritual of a Tulsi Vivah or the symbolic marriage of Tulsi plant with God Vishnu remains exciting ritual for the believers.

Importance of Festival

There are certain important aspects that keep Devotthan Ekadashi festival apart from the rest. Such factors make it important in all respects. Most notable element is that Devotthan Ekadashi festival is symbolic of Hindu marriages. It is a time while the believers of Hinduism assume that auspicious season for marriages begin from this special day. Pujas are organized with keen interest and then the occasion is celebrated with total fun.

Devotthan Ekadashi is celebrated with great zeal in various parts of country. Take for example its celebration in Maharashtra state. Believers link Prabodhini Ekadashi with the Vithoba God in this region. God Virthoba is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped here. Likewise, in Gujarat’s Mt. Girnar area, common celebration of Devotthan Ekadashi changes with the different mood. The theme of the worship though remains same to worship Lord Vishnu. Pujas are organized as thanksgiving gesture to Hindu Gods on this occasion.

Similarly, the celebration of Pushkar in Rajasthan has major relation with Devotthan Ekadashi. Pushkar Fair or Pushkar mela begins on this special day in Rajasthan. Started on the full moon Kartik Poornima day, the fair is an honor to Brahma God whose huge temple is located in Pushkar. Ritual bathing celebration is for 5 days remain an interesting attraction here that indicates one’s salvation from the sins.

Many other elements are associated with Devotthan Ekadashi. Take for example the association of this festival with sugarcane harvesting. This festival marks the start of sugarcane harvesting for that special pujas are performed. Swaminarayan sect of Hindus celebrate Devotthan Ekadashi festival with great zeal.

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