Utpanna Ekadasi
Utpanna Ekadashi or ‘Uttpatti Ekadashi’ as it also
known, is observed on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the
waning phase of moon) during the ‘Margashirsh’ month of the Hindu calendar.
However in the Gregorian calendar, it falls between the months of November to
December. Hindu devotees who begin the ekadashi fast should start with Utpanna
Ekadashi. It is a popular belief that this ekadashi helps devote get rid from
all their sins, both of the present and past lives.
Utpanna Ekadashi celebrates the
victory of lord Vishnu over a demon named ‘Murasura’. Furthermore according to
the Hindu legends, the birth of Ekadashi Mata took place on Utpanna Ekadashi.
In the northern states of India this ekadashi is celebrated during the month of
‘Margashirsh’, whereas in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and
Maharashtra, Utpanna Ekadashi falls during the month of ‘Kartik’. Also in the
Malayalam calendar, the month is ‘Vrischika Masam’ or ‘Thulam’ and in the
Tamilian calendar it is observed during the ‘Karthigai Masam’ or ‘Aippasi’. The
main deities of Utpanna Ekadashi are Lord Vishnu and Mata Ekadashi.
Significance
:
The greatness of Utpanna Ekadashi is described in
various Hindu scriptures like the ‘Bhavishyottara Purana’ in the form of
conversation between Sri Krishna and King Yudhisthira. The significance of
Utpanna Ekadashi is same as making donations on the auspicious days like
‘Sankranti’ or taking a holy bath in Hindu pilgrimages. It is considered that
the observer of Utapanna Ekadashi is liberated from his/her sins and finally
attains moksha or salvation. They are taken straight to the abode of Lord
Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’ after death. It is believed that the glory of the Utpanna
Ekadashi is even more than donating 1000 cows in charity. The fast kept on
Utpanna Ekadashi equals to fasting for the three main deities of Hinduism,
namely, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Hence Hindu devotees observe the Utapanna
Ekadashi vrat with full dedication and fervour.
Rituals
during Utpanna Ekadashi:
- The fast on the Utpanna
Ekadashi starts from the dawn of the ekadashi until the sunrise of
‘dwadashi’. Some people even start from vrat from the 10th day by eating
only one ‘saatvik’ meal before sunset. On Utapanna Ekadashi eating rice,
all forms of pulses and grains is prohibited for all.
- The devotees get up
before sunrise on the day of Utpanna Ekadashi. Lord Krishna is worshipped
on this day during the ‘Brahma Muhurat’. After finishing their morning
rituals, devotees offer prayers to Mata Ekadashi and God Vishnu. Special
Bhog and offering s are made to please the lord. Chanting Vedic mantra and
devotional songs is considered auspicious on Utpanna Ekadashi.
- On the day of Utpanna
Ekadashi, one must also offer donations to the Brahmins, poor and needy.
The donations can be in the form of food, money, clothes or other
essentials in life, according to one’s capacity.
2016 Date : 25th November.
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