Kartiki Ekadashi, also known as Devutthana Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, or Dev Uthani Ekadashi, is one of the most sacred fasting days for Hindus. Falling on the 11th day (Ekadashi Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the holy month of Kartik (October–November), it holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from His cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra).
This auspicious day symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, virtue over vice, and awakening over ignorance. Devotees across India observe fasts, perform Vishnu Puja, and celebrate Tulsi Vivah, which signifies the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the auspicious Hindu wedding season.
Kartiki Ekadashi 2025 Date, Muhurat & Timings
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 1 November 2025 at 09:11 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 2 November 2025 at 07:32 AM
- Fast Observance Date: Sunday, 2 November 2025
- Parana (Fast Breaking) Time: 2 November 2025, between 1:11 PM and 3:23 PM
- Hari Vasara End Time: 12:55 PM
📍 Note: Timings are based on the Indian Panchang (IST). Devotees should check their local Panchang for precise timings based on their city.
Significance of Kartiki Ekadashi
Kartiki Ekadashi is celebrated as the day when Lord Vishnu awakens from His divine slumber, which began on Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi). The period between these two Ekadashis — known as Chaturmas is considered inauspicious for marriages or new beginnings.
On Kartiki Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu awakens, marking the resumption of auspicious activities, including weddings, engagements, and housewarming ceremonies. This Ekadashi is also associated with the holy marriage of Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu (in the form of Shaligram) celebrated as Tulsi Vivah.
Observing the Kartiki Ekadashi Vrat is believed to:
- Wash away sins and negative karma
- Bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening
- Grant liberation (Moksha) to the soul
- Ensure success in life and protection from misfortune
Other Names of Kartiki Ekadashi
Kartiki Ekadashi is celebrated under different names across India:
- Prabodhini Ekadashi – “The Awakening of Lord Vishnu”
- Devutthana Ekadashi / Dev Uthani Ekadashi – “The day Lord Vishnu rises”
- Hari Prabodhini Ekadashi – among Vaishnava devotees
- Kartika Shukla Ekadashi – as per Hindu lunar calendar
- Tholi Ekadashi – in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Legend and Vrat Katha (Mythological Story)
According to the Padma Purana, once after defeating the demon Shankhasura, Lord Vishnu went into deep sleep (Yoga Nidra) in the Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk). During this time, the entire universe symbolically entered a period of rest, known as Chaturmas.
The Devas, Rishis, and devotees eagerly awaited His awakening. On Kartiki Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu finally awakened, bringing divine light and energy back into the world. The gods celebrated this event with great joy — this became known as Devutthana Ekadashi.
On the same day, the holy marriage of Tulsi (incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi) and Lord Vishnu took place. This sacred union is performed as Tulsi Vivah on Earth, signifying the beginning of the auspicious season and renewal of life.
Tulsi Vivah – The Holy Wedding Ceremony
One of the major rituals of Kartiki Ekadashi is Tulsi Vivah, where devotees perform a symbolic marriage between Goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu (Shaligram).
Ritual Steps for Tulsi Vivah
- Decorate the Tulsi plant like a bride with a sari, ornaments, and flowers.
- Place a Shaligram or Vishnu idol beside her, symbolizing the groom.
- Perform a wedding ceremony with mantras, chanting, and offering of sweets.
- Sing wedding songs and distribute prasadam (holy food).
Married women pray for their husband’s well-being and family prosperity, while unmarried girls seek a suitable partner and a blessed marriage.
Tulsi Vivah also signifies the start of the Hindu marriage season, ending the period of inauspiciousness during Chaturmas.
Puja Vidhi (How to Observe Kartiki Ekadashi Vrat)
1. Pre-Dawn Preparations
- Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta (4–5 AM).
- Take a holy bath, preferably with Ganga Jal.
- Clean the house and decorate the puja area.
2. Setting Up the Altar
- Place Lord Vishnu’s idol or image on a clean platform.
- Decorate it with yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, lamps, and incense.
- Keep a Shaligram stone if available.
3. Fasting (Vrat)
- Observe a full or partial fast from sunrise to the next day’s sunrise.
- Avoid grains, pulses, onions, and garlic.
- Devotees may consume milk, fruits, and water.
4. Worship and Offerings
- Offer Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and Hari Om.
- Read or listen to the Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
5. Night Vigil (Jagran)
- Stay awake throughout the night chanting bhajans and singing hymns of Lord Vishnu.
- Light diyas (lamps) all night as a symbol of awakening.
6. Parana (Breaking the Fast)
- On Dwadashi Tithi (next day) after sunrise, break the fast during the parana period (1:11 PM – 3:23 PM in 2025).
- Offer food to Brahmins, the poor, or cows before eating yourself.
Spiritual and Health Benefits
- Spiritual Cleansing: Removes negative energies and sins.
- Health & Mind: Fasting detoxifies the body and calms the mind.
- Prosperity & Harmony: Brings peace and stability in family life.
- Divine Blessings: Pleases Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Moksha (Liberation): Leads to spiritual awakening and salvation.
Celebrations Across India
1. Pandharpur, Maharashtra
- One of the grandest celebrations of Kartiki Ekadashi is held at the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur.
- Thousands of Warkaris (devotees) walk in pilgrimage singing bhajans and chanting “Vitthal Vitthal.”
2. Vrindavan & Mathura
- Devotees decorate temples beautifully and perform Tulsi Vivah with great devotion.
3. Varanasi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan
- Vishnu temples host special aartis, annadaan (food donations), and jagrans.
- The famous Pushkar Mela in Rajasthan also coincides with this Ekadashi.
4. ISKCON Temples
- Worldwide ISKCON centers celebrate the day with grandeur, bhajans, and kirtans dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Do’s and Don’ts on Kartiki Ekadashi
✅ Do’s
- Observe fast with full faith and devotion.
- Offer Tulsi leaves and light lamps.
- Chant Vishnu’s name and read the Vrat Katha.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy.
❌ Don’ts
- Avoid eating grains, pulses, or non-vegetarian food.
- Refrain from anger, lies, or violence.
- Do not pluck Tulsi leaves after sunset.
- Avoid sleeping during the daytime.
Conclusion
Kartiki Ekadashi 2025 is a sacred festival of devotion, purity, and divine awakening. As Lord Vishnu awakens from His slumber, devotees are reminded to awaken their own inner consciousness toward truth and dharma.
By observing Kartiki Ekadashi Vrat with sincerity, performing Tulsi Vivah, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, one can attain peace, happiness, and divine blessings. This holy day marks not just the end of Chaturmas but the beginning of renewed spiritual energy and auspicious times.
May Lord Vishnu and Goddess Tulsi bless all devotees with prosperity, health, and eternal bliss.
FAQs on Kartiki Ekadashi
1. When is Kartiki Ekadashi in 2025?
Kartiki Ekadashi falls on 2 November 2025 (Sunday).
2. Why is it called Devutthana Ekadashi?
Because Lord Vishnu wakes up (Uthana) from His divine sleep (Yoga Nidra) on this day.
3. What is Tulsi Vivah?
It is the symbolic marriage of Goddess Tulsi (Holy Basil) with Lord Vishnu (Shaligram), marking the end of Chaturmas and the start of the wedding season.
4. Can we eat fruits during the fast?
Yes, devotees observing a partial fast may consume fruits, milk, and water.
5. What mantra is chanted on Kartiki Ekadashi?
Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or recite Vishnu Sahasranama throughout the day