Utpanna Ekadashi fast is observed on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Margashirsha month. There is a law to worship Lord Krishna on this day. Those who observe fast on Ekadashi do not eat food in the evening on the day of Dashami. On the day of Ekadashi, Lord Krishna is worshiped with flowers, water, incense and Akshat at Brahmavela. Only fruits are offered during this fast. It is considered to be a combined part of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh Tridev. This part appeared in the form of Dattadaya. It is considered to be a fast that gives salvation.
There is a belief about Ekadashi (Utpanna Ekadashi) that it is a method of fasting to purify the body and refresh the mind. In India, Ekadashi holds an important place for those who follow rituals and worship with devotion. The fast usually lasts from sunrise on the day of the beginning of Ekadashi to the next day. The timing of Ekadashi varies with the position of the moon. The lunar calendar in India marks a progression from a full moon to a new moon, which is divided into 15 equal crescents. Each crescent is divided into a Tithi. The time taken by the Moon to cross a particular length of a lunar day is called Tithi. Ekadashi falls on the 11th date. In the bright side of the lunar month, the moon is visible about 75 percent of the time on Ekadashi, while in the dark side of the lunar month, it would be the opposite.
There are altogether 24 Ekadashi in a calendar year. Two more Ekadashis come in the leap year. Utpanna Ekadashi is sometimes also known as Utpati Ekadashi. It falls on the eleventh day of the month of Margashirsha during Krishna Paksha. This is the first Ekadashi to begin after Kartik Purnima. What is the story behind Ekadashi? Let us know the date and time, fasting story and the importance of this Ekadashi.
Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat story and importance
The legend of Utpanna Ekadashi is related to the birth of Maa Ekadashi as well as how she saved Lord Vishnu from a demon. In Satyuga there was a demon named Mura. He conquered heaven by defeating Lord Indra and his gems. After this all the deities went to Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva suggested him to approach Lord Vishnu and seek his help. Lord Vishnu after hearing all the things from the deities decided to end the black rule of Murasura. After this the war started between Lord Vishnu and Murasura. This war lasted for 10 years. All the other demons were killed, only Murasura was alive. Murasura could neither be killed nor defeated in the battlefield.
Tired of the war, Lord Vishnu went to Badrikashram. He rested in a cave called Hemvati and slept in Yoganidra. When the demon reached Hemvati, he attacked Vishnu. At that time an auspicious lady with positive aura was born from the body of Lord Vishnu. He challenged Murasura to a fight and finally killed him. When Lord Vishnu awoke from his meditation, he was pleasantly surprised to see Murasura dead. Pleased with this, Lord Vishnu blessed her and gave her the name of Utpanna Ekadashi, saying that people would worship her.
Utpanna Ekadashi has great significance in Hindu astrology. It is believed that those who observe the fast with a pure mind and intention are absolved of their past sins. Not only this, it is also believed that one who wants to fast on Ekadashi should start with fasting on Utpanna Ekadashi. On this day Lord Vishnu defeated Murasur with the help of Maa Ekadashi, this Ekadashi is defined in relation to Lord Vishnu. The tradition of worshiping and fasting of Maa Ekadashi and Lord Vishnu is done on the same day. Following the rituals of this Ekadashi will wash away all the sins of your life, both past and present. You will get closer to salvation. If someone observes a fast on this day, then this fast is equivalent to observing the fast of all the Tridevs.
How to perform Puja Vidhi and Vrat for Utpanna Ekadashi?
There are two elements of this Ekadashi. Fasting and worship method. Let us know about them one by one.
Utpanna Ekadashi fasting method
Those who want to fast should start from sunrise and continue till the next day. Avoid eating during this time and donate to the poor according to your ability. Donation should be done before ending the fast. Brahmin Bhoj will help you get the benefits of fasting. This fast is considered very auspicious and fruitful. To avoid any confusion or fear of not following the rituals, many devotees start their fast a day before Ekadashi or eat only sattvic food. Devotees can donate clothes, money, food as charity. It will be very fruitful.
Utpanna Ekadashi Puja Method
Utpanna Ekadashi Puja Vidhi On this day devotees wake up before sunrise, take bath and worship Lord Krishna at Brahma Muhurta. One wears clean clothes and worships Lord Krishna. After this they sprinkle Gangajal in the house. Idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Krishna are kept for worship. Tulsi Manjari is offered to Lord Ganesha. After that incense, lamp, naivedya, roli and akshat are offered to Lord Vishnu. After this Maa Ekadashi is worshipped.
After worship, perform aarti and distribute prasad. To please the deities and seek their blessings, a special bhog is prepared and offered to them as prasad. Devotional mantra chanting and songs are part of this worship. Remember that the puja should be done with a pure heart and mind without any ill intention. After worship it is necessary to listen to the Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat Katha related to the birth of Maa Ekadashi. If you want to worship any Ekadashi, book a free worship consultation!
For more effective results, Vishnu mantra should be chanted during worship. The mantra is mentioned below.
Shantakaram Bhujgashayanam Padmanabham Suresham,Vishwadharam Gaganasdarasam Meghavarnam Subhamgam.
Lakshmi Kantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyan Gamayam,Vande Vishnu Bhavabhayaharam Sarvalokaika Natham.
Utpanna Ekadashi is the first of all Ekadashi and holds great significance in Hindu Vedic scriptures and folklore. The earliest mention of Utpanna Ekadashi can be found in the Bhavishyaottara Purana, which is present in a dialogue between Yudhishthira and Lord Vishnu. The importance of this festival is comparable to auspicious events like Sankranti, where the devotees receive many virtues by doing charity and charity. The fast observed on this day is equivalent to the fast observed for Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Hence one should observe the fast with full dedication to get the blessings and get rid of the sins of one’s past and present.