Prabodhini Ekadashi, Dev Uthani or Devotthan Ekadashi is an auspicious day on which Tulsi Vivah takes place. The date to celebrate this occasion falls on the 11th lunar day (called Ekadashi in Hindi) in the month of Kartik on Shukla Paksha.

It marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from four months of sleep or Chaturmas. In Hindu mythology, it is said that God Vishnu goes to sleep on Shayani Ekadashi and wakes on Devotthan Ekadashi.

The day also marks the end of long Chaturmas when no marriage ceremonies are allowed. With prabodhini Ekadashi, the Hindu wedding season gets started.

This day is followed by Kartik Poornima. It is called the Diwali of Gods or Dev Diwali. According to a famous belief, Lord Vishnu married Goddess Tulsi on this day in the form of Shaligram.

Tulsi Vivah 2017- 2018

Tulsi plant holds greater significance in Hindu religion. It’s not only a plant but the origin of people’s reverence. In 2017, tulsi vivah or Kartik Ekadashi will take place on 31st October.

However, in 2018, it will take place on 19th November.

Tulsi also called Basil plant holds many medicinal properties. In every Hindu household, it is grown in front of the door for prosperity. It is said to ward off evils as well.

Ways and vidhi to perform Tulsi Vivah

As stated earlier, tulsi vivah takes place on Kartika or prabodhini Ekadashi. This day people observe Ekadashi vrat for one day.

By the twilight, clean the place around tulsi pot. Prepare the bhog or offering in advance. The offerings may include eleven items including fruits. However, some people believe in offering chappan bhog (56 offerings).

Make sure to put shaligram (religious black stone) just beside the tulsi plant. Now offer water, tilak, and sindur to the tulsi plant. Wrap a red or yellow chunni or piece of cloth around. Provide the offerings or bhog. Now, perform the ekadashi vrat katha.

Conclude the tulsi pooja with aarti. People also take fera (go around the plant).

Once the pooja has been done, offer the prasad among family members.

Legend of Prabodhini Ekadashi

According to the famous legend, Goddess Laxmi- the deity of wealth wasn’t pleased at all owing to the sleeping of God Vishnu. There wasn’t a fixed time table for sleeping as Lord Vishnu has irregular timing. He used to sleep for many days or remained awake for many days.

Not only Goddess Laxmi, but Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma were unhappy with it. Upon asking, Lord Vishnu assured Goddess Laxmi to get a solution as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, just after a few days, other devas and saints came to Lord Vishnu for help. They informed Him about Sankhyayan- the demon who stole the holy scriptures or vedas. He had stolen vedas to keep humans away from the knowledge of religious literature. He also wanted to spread evil all around.

Lord Vishnu conquered Sankhyayan in a battle and took over vedas. He also told Goddess Laxmi that he would go on a long sleep for four months. This period is known as Chaturmas.