Do you know, among all the Ekadashi vrats, which one is the most powerful? If you don’t know, then it’s Utpanna Ekadashi vrat. It falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Margashirsha month, which is in November and December.
The word utpanna means "to be born.” And on this day, the Ekadashi vrat was manifested, and it is said to be the day when the birth of all Ekadashis is celebrated. So, in short, we can say that celebrating the birth of all the Ekadashis is said to be the Utpanna Ekadashi.
Let’s get to know the significance and story of this Ekadashi in this informational blog:
The Story of Utpanna Ekadashi
Once, there was an asura named Murasura who tried to attack Lord Vishnu when he was in a deep yogic slumber in Vaikuntha. Vaikuntha is Lord Vishnu’s divine abode, and demon Murasura went there to conquer Vishnu after defeating Indra, Agni, and Vayu.
Now his next step was to win over the heavens by defeating Lord Vishnu. Murasura was very powerful because he was created with the power of Brahma.
So, when Murasura commenced the attack, Lord Vishnu got awakened, mounted his Garuda, and a fierce battle started between them, which lasted for celestial years.
When the war was happening, Murasura was trying to kill Lord Vishnu and, with this intention, entered the cave. As soon as he approached near to Lord Vishnu, a divine feminine energy burst from Lord Vishnu’s body, who was a powerful warrior goddess.
She was Ekadashi Devi, armed with celestial weapons and glowing with the divine light. She fought with Murasura with unmatched might and killed him, saving Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu blessed the divine feminine energy, saying, “You have saved me, and from now on, you will be worshipped by all, and the day will be called Ekadashi.” This day will help people get freed from their sins and attain divine connection. So, the Utpanna Ekadashi became the first of the 24 annual Ekadashis, which offered the people an opportunity for purification, discipline, and divine connection.
Significance of Utpanna Ekadashi
1. Reflects the Power of Femininity
The first and foremost thing that we learn from Utpanna Ekadashi is the power of femininity. A divine feminine energy potential—what can women do to protect or safeguard the one who is close to them? It showcases the Shakti energy in her most protective and devotional form.
2. The Gateway To Moksha
Utpanna Ekadashi is also about achieving Moksha and liberation. When a person observes this fast, it burns the past wrongdoings and increases purity, called sattva, in one’s life. In addition, it is also a journey towards spiritual growth for a person.
3. Mind-Body Balance
Fasting on Utpanna Ekadashi helps clean one’s inner soul. Not only this, but it also helps attain mind-body balance. It cleans the gut and enhances one’s focus on the important things. So, Ekadashi fasting brings numerous benefits, which include physical, emotional, and spiritual.
4. A Fresh Spiritual Beginning
For anyone who wants to commence a spiritual journey, they can start their fasting on this very day. They can connect to Lord Vishnu by simply observing a fast for Utpanna Ekadashi.
This day is the best one to begin monthly Ekadashi fasts, especially for those who are new to this path.
What Has To Be Done On The Day Of Utpanna Ekadashi?
1. The first thing to do is to wake up early during the Brahma Muhurat, between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
2. The person then should take a holy bath, adding a few drops of Ganga Jal into the bathing water.
3. A vow is taken on this day to observe the vrat with utter devotion, purity, and control over the senses.
4. People can keep out of the three vrats, namely, Nirjala, phalahar, and Saatvik (having no rice, wheat, lentils, onion, garlic, non-veg, alcohol, and beans). So, based on the capacity, one can choose the vrat one can observe truthfully.
It’s also important to refrain from gossip, negative speech, and distractions on this day.
5. A Place is kept clean and sacred for doing Puja on this day. An altar is decorated with flowers and lamps, and the Lord Vishnu idol, like in the form of a Vishnu Yantra or Lord Vishnu Carved Shankh, is kept. Tulsi leaves, fruits, incense, and sweets are offered to Lord Vishnu in the puja.
6. Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Ekadashi Vrat Katha are recited on this day.
7. Ekadashi Devi is worshipped, to whom, in the puja, flowers are offered and a mantra is chanted, “ॐ एकादशी देव्यै नमः."
8. Some people also do meditation and sit in silence to connect to the divine energy of Lord Vishnu.
9. Charity is done on this day when food, clothes, and donations are made to the poor, Brahmins, cows, or other needy people.
10. A night vigil called Jagaran is also observed, when people stay awake during the night and sing bhajans, chant, and meditate.
11. On the next day, the Ekadashi vrat is considered complete, and it’s then in a ritual called Parana. The day is called Dwadashi.
Final Thoughts
Utpanna Ekadashi is all about becoming pure and working for the betterment of others. It’s also about connecting to one’s higher self by connecting with the high divine, Lord Vishnu.
But above everything, it reminds us of the strong feminine power of a woman, which is highest amongst everything when challenged, invoked, or threatened.
So, just reflect, pause, and feel the higher divine, observing the Utpanna Ekadashi vrat with utmost devotion.
Get to know the sacred Ekadashi rituals more, only at pandit.com from our Astro expert and the world’s best spiritual leader, Pt. Rahul Kaushl.
