Utpanna Ekadashi is the eleventh day from the Pournami day (Krishna Paksha Ekadashi) which occurs on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi Tithi of the Karthik month as per Amantha and the Mrigasheera month as per Purnimantha Calendars. Ideally, this Ekadashi is next to Dev Uthanna Ekadashi.
In the year 2023, Utpanna Ekadashi occurs on Friday, 8th December 2023. The exact duration of the Ekadashi Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Bhagwan Maha Vishnu is called as Murari which is the acronym of Mura Hari, meaning ‘’the slayer of the demon Mura”. The demon Mura was causing havoc allover. Paying heed to the pleas of Devas, Bhagwan Maha Vishnu had begun the war with Mura. But the fight was so tiresome that Sri Vishnu wanted to rest for a while.
When Sri Vishnu was resting at a cave, the demon Mura came there with the intention of diminishing the Bhagwan. However, a female Shakthi named Ekadashi had emanated from the person of Sri Vishnu and the Shakthi Ekadashi had slayed the demon Mura.
The origination of the Sri Shakthi Ekadashi from the person of Sri Maha Vishnu happened on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Karthika month. This Utpanna Ekadashi is the ideal Ekadashi day of the Year for those who wish to start Ekadashi Vrats.
The Vrat is also known as Gauna Ekadashi.
Legend
As per Brahma Vavartha Purna, Bhagwan Krishna had narrated the importance and significance of this Vrat to the King Yudhishtra.
Rituals
The general rituals followed for Ekadashi Vrats are given below:
-The exact time of dawn of Ekadashi tithi is ascertained either from family elders / astrologers. It is mentioned in the Holy Almanac (Panchang) as well. Even daily Calendars provide the information.
-The idol or picture of Sri Vishnu is decorated with flowers. Incense sticks are burned. Diyas are lit with ghee. Pujas are done with tulsi leaves. Slokas or stotras of Sri Maha Vishnu including Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama are recited with devotion. Srimad Bhagavad Gitaa is also recited.
-Special Puja is done for Sri Lakshmi Devi as well.
-The Vrat Katha is to be read and recited.
-At the end of the puja, aarti is done. Prasad is distributed to the family members.
-Devotees of Bhagwan Maha Vishnu observe strict fasting from the dawn of Ekadashi.
-They do not sleep on the night of Ekadashi. At this time, tales of Sri Maha Vishnu are recited by the elders. Others listen to the stories.
-Various bhajans and kirtans are held.
-The fast shall continue till the sunrise of the next day, i.e., Dwadashi.
-Those devotees who cannot do fasting due to medical or other reasons can take sattvic food. Mostly prasadams and fruits are partaken.
-Making daan / donation to the needy on Ekadashi day is believed to please Sri Maha Vishnu.
-On Dwadashi day, unless it happens to be another Vrat day, a nutritious meal is partaken to balance the internal physical effects of fasting on the previous day. It is considered pious to forego eating of brinjal on Dwadashi day.
Benefits
-Observation of this Vrat offers salvation even to the ancestors.
-Fulfillment of the wishes
-Happiness and prosperity
-Alleviation of sins
-Salvation and moksha to reach Vaikunt.
Importance should be given to the sincere prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu.
The synopsis of Kamada Ekadashi, Varuthini Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi, Apara Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, Yogini Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Kamika Ekadashi, Sravana Putrata Ekadashi, Aja Ekadashi, Parivarthini Ekadsshi, Indra Ekadashi, Papankusha Ekadashi, Rama Ekadashi and Dev Uttanna Ekadashi are narrated in the previous articles. The rest of the Ekadashi Vrats shall be dealt with in the subsequent articles of the series.
