Glories of Utthana Ekadashi
01 NOV, 2025
The Ekadashi that falls during the bright fortnight of the sacred month of Kartika is known as Utthana Ekadashi. It is also celebrated by the names Haribodhini Ekadashi, Prabhodhini Ekadashi, and Devotthani Ekadashi.
This is the second Ekadashi of the Kartika month and marks the auspicious day when Lord Sri Vishnu awakens from His four-month-long Yoga-Nidra (Chaturmasya). The day also signifies the beginning of the Tulasi-Shaligram Vivaha and the Bhishma Panchaka, the final five days of the Kartika month.
Scriptural Significance
The glories of this sacred day are described by Lord Brahma to Narada Muni in the Skanda Purana. It is said that observing Utthana Ekadashi brings immense merit and purification.
This Ekadashi is considered even more purifying than bathing in the holy Ganga, the ocean, or any pilgrimage site. Those who observe this day with devotion are freed from all sins and attain liberation (moksha).
Divine Benefits of Observing Utthana Ekadashi
It is mentioned in the scriptures that the Supreme Lord personally removes all sins, committed by body, mind, or speech, of one who observe this Ekadashi fasting with sincerity and devotion. Observing this sacred fast not only grants great spiritual merit but also liberates one’s ancestors from suffering in the lower planets, allowing them to attain the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu, Vaikuntha.
According to the Skanda Purana, one who observes fast on this day is freed from the cycle of birth and death, never entering the womb again. Along with liberation, the observance of this Ekadashi also bestows happiness and wealth upon the devotee.
The Mouse who attained Vaikuntha
As mentioned in the Skanda Purana, there was once a mouse who accidentally lit a lamp on the day of Ekadashi, pleased by this small act, Lord Vishnu granted the soul eternal residence in Vaikuntha. This story illustrates that even the smallest acts performed on Ekadashi bring immense spiritual merit.
Holistic Benefits of Ekadashi fasting
Along with spiritual upliftment, Ekadashi fasting has several physical and mental benefits. Ekadashi fasting is done by consuming sattvic meals or observing a complete fast. This helps give rest to the digestive system and a chance to cleanse, which results in improved digestion and metabolism.
Fasting also increases clarity of mind and focus and facilitates self-discipline and willpower.
How to observe Utthana Ekadashi?
On Utthana Ekadashi, devotees should wake up during Brahma Muhurta, take a holy bath, and worship Lord Vishnu with devotion. The most important practice is to chant the holy names of The Lord throughout the day.
One should associate with devotees, hear about the Lord’s pastimes, and offer food preparations to the Lord with Love. Offering Tulasi Manjari on this day is considered highly auspicious. Performing charity according to one’s means is also recommended.
Kindly offer your contribution on this sacred occasion of Utthana Ekadashi, as an expression of love and gratitude towards the Lord. Please visit: https://iskconbhiwandi.org/utthana-ekadashi
The fast should be broken on Dwadashi, the next day, during the prescribed Parana time.
When is Utthana Ekadashi?
Utthana Ekadashi offers a divine opportunity for our purification and spiritual upliftment. By observing this sacred day with sincerity and devotion in the holy month of Kartika, we can please the Lord and progress on the path of devotion. This year Utthana Ekadashi falls on 2nd November 2025, and the fast is to be broken on 3rd November 2025 between 06:40 am and 10:28 am for Mumbai.