Devuthani Ekadashi (also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi) holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. From this day onwards, all auspicious ceremonies begin, such as marriage, Upanayana (the sacred thread ceremony), housewarming, and other rites of passage. This is due to the belief that Lord Vishnu sleeps for six months and remains awake for six months. Let's learn from Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha, Head of the Postgraduate Department of Astrology at Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, why and how this tradition is observed.

Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha explains that Devuthani Ekadashi holds significant significance in Sanatan Dharma.

It is also known as Hari Prabodhini Ekadashi because Lord Vishnu awakens from his sleep on this day. According to mythological belief, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in the Kshirsagar on Harishayan Ekadashi (also known as Shayani Ekadashi) in the month of Ashadha and awakens again on Devuthani Ekadashi in the month of Kartik. During this period, the six months (from Ashadha to Kartik) when the Lord sleeps are called Chaturmas. Many auspicious activities are prohibited during Chaturmas, as the Lord is asleep during this time, and the creation of the universe is controlled by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Why are auspicious activities prohibited?
Dr. Jha explains that the six months from the time Lord Vishnu sleeps on Hari Sayan Ekadashi until Devuthani Ekadashi are considered inauspicious. Therefore, marriages, Upanayana ceremonies, house warming ceremonies, and other important rites are not performed during this period. It is believed that the Lord's sleep alters the energy and balance of the universe, so auspicious activities are prohibited during these months.

After Devuthani Ekadashi (this year on November 1, 2025), Lord Vishnu awakens, and all auspicious activities resume from then on. Dr. Jha says that after November 1st, all rituals—Upanayana, marriage, housewarming, and other auspicious ceremonies—can be performed. This time is considered auspicious because it marks the awakening of the universe.

The Secret of God's Six Months of Sleep and Six Months of Awake
According to mythology, one day of Lord Vishnu is equivalent to one human year. One night of his is considered six months, and one day of his is six months. This is why: On Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi (Hari Sayan Ekadashi), Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in the Kshirsagar. This marks the beginning of Chaturmas, during which the Lord sleeps for six months. On Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devuthani Ekadashi), the Lord awakens, and auspicious activities resume from then on.

Dr. Jha explains that this story of God's sleep and awakening teaches us that the balance and energy cycle of the universe also keeps changing. When the Lord awakens, positive energy flows into the world, and therefore, this time is considered suitable for auspicious works.

This year's dates: Hari Sayana Ekadashi (Shayani Ekadashi): Ashadha month, 2025 (from this day, the Lord will sleep for six months). Devuthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi): November 1, 2025 - All auspicious works will begin from this day. Practical tips according to Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha. Dr. Jha emphasizes the following:

1. Perform auspicious works only after Devuthani Ekadashi: Marriages, Upanayana, Griha Pravesh, and other rituals should be performed after November 1, 2025.

2. Caution during Chaturmas: Avoid any auspicious work during the six months from Ashadha to Kartik. During this time, focus on religious rituals, fasting, and worship of Lord Shiva.

3. Worship Lord Vishnu: On Devuthani Ekadashi, perform special prayers to awaken Lord Vishnu, recite Vishnu Sahasranama, and offer Tulsi leaves.

4. Scriptural Reason: This belief is not only religious, but also astrological and related to the cycles of nature. Chaturmas is the rainy season, and sometimes auspicious works are hindered due to the weather. Therefore, the scriptures consider this period inauspicious.

Devuthani Ekadashi holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma because on this day, Lord Vishnu awakens from his sleep, and auspicious works begin again. According to Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha, after November 1, 2025, all rituals—marriage, Upanayana, Griha Pravesh, etc.—can be performed because Lord Vishnu has awakened.

This story of Lord Vishnu sleeping for six months and waking for six months is not only a mythological belief, but also reflects the energy cycle of the universe and the balance of nature. Therefore, following this tradition in Sanatan Dharma is not only important from a religious point of view, but it is also a way to maintain positive energy and balance in our lives.

PC Social Media