Dev UthaniEkadashi

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   The close of Chaturmas

   The four months from Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla) to Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla) are the Chaturmas, when weddings and other auspicious work are set aside. Dev Uthani Ekadashi ends this period — and the whole community turns again to auspicious beginnings.

2. 2

   Baba's manifestation day

   In the Shyam-devotee tradition, Kartik Shukla Ekadashi is held to be the manifestation (prakatya) day of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji. That is why the Kartik Mela is kept around this date, and the temple celebrates with extraordinary fervour.

3. 3

   Tulsi-Shaligram vivah

   The tradition of the Tulsi-Shaligram marriage begins on Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Tulsi is worshipped in every home, and temples sing the mangal songs that wake the Lord.

1. 1

   Bathe at dawn on Ekadashi, take the vow and worship Vishnu / Shyam Baba.
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   Keep a fruit fast and bhajan-kirtan through the day; give up grain.
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   Light lamps in the evening — diyas in the courtyard and before Tulsi, with songs to wake the Lord.
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   Worship Tulsi-Shaligram; remember Baba's manifestation at the temple.
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   Break the fast (paran) on Dwadashi morning.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi — FAQ

1. 1

   How is Dev Uthani Ekadashi connected to Khatu Shyam?

   In the Shyam-devotee tradition, Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi) is held to be the manifestation day of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji. That is why the Kartik Mela is kept around this date and the temple holds a special celebration.
2. 2

   What happens on Dev Uthani Ekadashi?

   Vishnu wakes from the yoga-sleep of Chaturmas, the auspicious work paused for four months begins again, and the Tulsi-Shaligram marriage tradition is observed. At Khatu it is the manifestation festival of Baba.
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   When does Chaturmas end?

   Chaturmas begins on Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla) and ends on Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla) — about four months, after which weddings and other auspicious work resume.