Sri Utthana Ekadashi (Haribodhini / Prabodhini / Devotthana Ekadashi)उत्थान एकादशी

When Maharaja Yudhishthira asked Lord Sri Krishna about the Ekadashi of the bright fortnight of Kartik, the Lord said: "This is the most exalted Utthana Ekadashi — also called Haribodhini or Prabodhini, the awakening Ekadashi, because on this day I rise from My four-month yoga-nidra and the entire universe rejoices. To explain its glory let Me tell you what Lord Brahma himself once told Narada Muni."

In ancient times Narada Muni inquired from his father, Lord Brahma: "O father, of all the Ekadashis in the year, which one is supreme? Which one gives the maximum result with the minimum effort?" Lord Brahma replied: "O child, all Ekadashis are dear to Lord Hari, but Haribodhini Ekadashi — the Ekadashi on which the Lord rises from His mystic sleep — is the crown jewel of them all. From Sayana Ekadashi in Ashadha the Lord has been reclining on Sesha Naga in the ocean of milk for four full months. During this Chaturmasya every devotional act is multiplied many times; every austerity bears multiplied fruit. But on Utthana Ekadashi, when the Lord awakens, the merit of every other Ekadashi of the year combined is given to one who observes this day."

Brahma further said: "On this day the demigods themselves descend with celestial vimanas to wake the Lord. Lakshmi-devi, who has been patiently serving His lotus feet throughout His sleep, gently rouses Him with sweet music and the chanting of His holy names. The four-month vows of the Vaishnavas — giving up green leafy vegetables, curd, milk and pulses — are concluded with great celebration. The famous divine marriage of Sri Tulasi-devi to Sri Saligrama-shila is performed in every Vaishnava home and temple, sealing the message that pure bhakti to the Lord must always be accompanied by service to the saintly devotee. Auspicious sanskaras — marriages, house-warmings and new undertakings — that were paused for Chaturmasya now resume in greater glory."

Lord Brahma also illustrated the day's power with the brief story of King Nahusha. Once King Nahusha — having earned the post of Indra by his pious deeds but later fallen into pride and curse — was reborn in a lower condition. By the mercy of his descendants who observed Utthana Ekadashi in his name, he was lifted again to the heavenly planets and eventually attained Vaikuntha. "Such," said Brahma to Narada, "is the unfathomable mercy of Sri Hari on this day."

Lord Krishna concluded to Yudhishthira: "O king, anyone who observes Utthana Ekadashi with sincere devotion attains the merit of all the Ekadashis of the year together. One who participates in the marriage of Sri Tulasi to Sri Saligrama on this day attains the merit of giving away his own daughter in a kanya-dana for the welfare of dharma. There is no greater day in all the year for opening the door of Vaikuntha."