Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha of Kartik month is known as Devotthan, Devauthani or Prabodhini Ekadashi. This Ekadashi comes after Diwali. As Lord Vishnu sleeps on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in Aashadh month and wakes up on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, that is why this Ekadashi is known as Devotthan Ekadashi.

According to some spiritual beliefs, Lord Vishnu wakes up after 4 months of sleeping in Kshir Sagar on this Ekadashi day. During these 4 months period, no favorable tasks are performing. From this Devotthan Ekadashi onwards, when Shri Hari wakes up, all spiritual and favorable activities begin. On this day, Tulsi Vivah (marriage) is also performing.

Devutthana Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi

On this Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshipped and invokes to wake up. The rituals that are performing on this Ekadashi are as follows:

• On the day of Ekadashi, vow for the fast in morning and ponder the name of Lord Vishnu.
• After cleaning the house and taking a bath, draw the feet of Lord Vishnu in your courtyard.
• Draw the pictures of God in a Pounder (Okhli) and fill it with fruits, Jujube, Water Chestnut (Singhare), sweets, seasonal Sugarcane and fruit. After that, cover it with a lid.
• On this day, light lamps (Diya) outside your home and in temple.
• At night, family members should worship all Gods and Goddesses alongside Lord Vishnu.
• After that, wake up Lord Vishnu from his slumber by ringing bells and blowing Conch (Shankha) while repeating these words: Utho Deva, Aanguria Chatkao Deva, Batho Deva, Nayi Soot, Nayi Kapas and Deva Uthaye Kartik Masa

Tulsi Vivah

On Devotthan Ekadashi, Tulsi Vivah is also performing. Like a normal marriage, the wedding of Tulsi (plant) and God Shaligram (Lord Vishnu) is also celebrated zealously. Tulsi is also called Vishnu Priya. So, after awakening from his deep slumber, he firstly answers the prayers of natives who worship Harivallabh Tulsi. Tulsi Vivah is performing to invoke the God through Tulsi. As mention in Vedic scriptures, the couples who don’t have a girl child should do Tulsi Vivah once in their lifetime to earn the virtue of Kanyadaan.

Story of Devauthani Ekadashi

One time Goddess Lakshmi asked Lord Narayan- O Lord! Either you remain awake for day and night, or goes on a deep slumber for millions of years! This imbalance the world and destroy everything, moving or not. So, it will be better that you should sleep timely every year. This will give me some time to relax as well.

Narayan smiled and told Goddess Laxmi- Devi! You said right! All the Gods and especially you face problems because of me. You don’t even get time to sleep and relax. Therefore, from now on, I will sleep for 4 months during rainy season every year. During that period, you and the other Gods can relax. The Pralaya Kaleen period (when the world will end) will be called my deep slumber (Maha Nindra). The 4 months sleep will be my short slumber (Alpa Nindra) and will be highly favorable for my devotees. During this time, the devotees who will serve me dedicatedly and zealously while organize the festivities of my sleeping and awakening; I will reside in their homes with you.