Devutthana
Ekadashi
2026

Devutthana Ekadashi (also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Gyaras) is celebrated on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the holy month of Kartik. The name literally means “Lord’s Awakening.” It marks the end of the four-month period of Chaturmas, during which Lord Vishnu was in Yoga Nidra. It is known by a variety of regional and descriptive names—including Utthana Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, Devutthana Ekadashi, Hari Bodhini, Dev Suti Ekadashi, and Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi.

When is Devutthana Ekadashi in 2026? Date, Timings & Muhurat

This year,2026, this festival will be observed on: 20 November, 2026

Tithi Beginning: On November 20, 2026, at 07:15 AM.

Tithi Ends: On November 21, 2026, at 06:31 AM.

The prana timing: 01:11 PM - 3:18 PM on November 21.

Why is Devutthana Ekadashi celebrated?

On this day, Shri Hari wakes up. This day is called Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devauthanigyarasi. In our Vedas and Puranas, there is a faith that on this Ekadashi, which occurs after Diwali, the almighty rises. So that is why all the prosperous practices like marriage, upanayana, or Graha Pravesh, etc., begins after the occasion of Devauthanigyarasi. Hence Tulsi marriage is also performed on this day of Gyarasi. According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu annihilated a ghastly beast named Shankhasura and then the Ekadashi of Asadh Shukla Paksha, which is known as Devshayani Ekadashi in which Shri Hari slept on the bed of Sheshnag started. The awakening of Lord Vishnu after relinquishing the yoga sleep of four months means that in four months, we can reorganize the energy which we gathered from self-study and worship, into karmas which will have advantages in our lives.

Devutthana Ekadashi Vrat & Puja Vidhi

Day Before Ekadashi

• Devotees consume only one meal and perform prayers for deceased forefathers.
• Devotees should sleep on the floor that night

On Devutthana Ekadashi

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean white or yellow clothes
• Read Devutthana Ekadashi katha
• Recite the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” repeatedly. Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama or listening to the vrat story deepens concentration on the Divine.
• Perform special prayers acknowledging divine turning
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.

Breaking the Fast (Dwadashi)

• Break fast after sunrise on Dwadashi
• Offer prayers for positive life changes
• Feed Brahmins and distribute food
• Donate items representing transformation (new clothes, books)

Devutthana Ekadashi Ekadashi Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Ekadashi and the next day is on Dvadashi.
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees are not to eat in another person's house, have only one meal, Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) been not to be consumed, eating on Bell metal plate or cutlery is prohibited and should not massage oil on the body.

What not to eat on Devutthana Ekadashi

During Devutthana Ekadashi fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Ekadashi fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Devutthana Ekadashi Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Devutthana Ekadashi fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of observing Devutthana Ekadashi

• Spiritual Purification: By freeing oneself from distractions, a devotee can more deeply engage in devotional activities like chanting and scriptural reading, fostering a stronger connection with the divine.
• Forgiveness of Sins: It is a core belief that sincere fasting and devotion on Devutthana Ekadashi can wipe away past sins.
• Prosperity and Success: Those who sincerely observe the rituals and fast of Devutthana Ekadashi are believed to earn the blessings of the Lord.

Tulsi Vivah

On Devutthana Ekadashi, Tulsi Vivah is also performed. 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 performed to invoke the God through Tulsi. As mentioned in Vedic scriptures, the couples who dont have a girl child, should perform Tulsi Vivah once in their lifetime to earn the virtue of Kanyadaan.

How to perform Tulsi Vivah at home?

• Bathe the Tulsi plant and place a Shaligram stone (or Krishna idol) in the pot.
• Drape a red cloth (Chunri) around the Tulsi plant like a bride. Decorate the Shaligram with flowers.
• Create a small pavilion (Mandap) using sugarcane stalks around the pot.
• Kanyadaan: Perform a symbolic wedding ceremony. Offer bangles, sindoor, and sweets. Tie a holy thread (Mangalsutra) to the Tulsi plant.
• Aarti: Sing the Tulsi Aarti and distribute Prasad (usually tamarind, amla, and sweets).

Story of Devutthana Ekadashi

One time Goddess Lakshmi asked Lord Narayana- O Lord! Either you remain awake for day and night, or goes on a deep slumber for millions of years! This imbalances the world and destroys 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 relax and sleep. Therefore, from now on, I will sleep for four 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 four months sleep will be my short slumber (Alpa Nindra) and will be highly auspicious for my devotees. During this time, the devotees who will serve me dedicatedly and zealously while organizing the festivities of my sleeping and awakening; I will reside in their homes with you.