The festival of Dev Uthani Gyaras holds immense significance in Hindu culture. Also known as Devuthani Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, and Vishesh Parva, this auspicious day marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period when Lord Vishnu is believed to be resting. Dev Uthani Gyaras is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm mainly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan in India, and in various parts of Nepal.
Significance of Dev Uthani Gyaras:
1. Awakening of Gods: The term “Dev Uthani Gyaras” translates to “the waking of the gods on the 11th day.” It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode after a four-month hiatus and wakes up Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva from their deep meditative states.
2. Marriage Season: Dev Uthani Gyaras also marks the beginning of the marriage season in Hindu culture. It is considered an auspicious period to solemnize weddings, and many communities prefer this time for arranging marriages.
3. Importance of Ekadashi: Ekadashi is the eleventh day of each of the two lunar phases, and it holds significant spiritual importance in Hinduism. Dev Uthani Gyaras falls on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Kartik month.
4. Fasting and Prayers: Devotees observe fasts on this day to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and to purify their minds and souls. It is believed that fasting on Dev Uthani Gyaras helps in attaining salvation and washing away sins.
5. Symbol of New Beginnings: Dev Uthani Gyaras signifies a new beginning, both in terms of spiritual awakening and the start of a new phase in life. It is a time for people to renew their faith, start afresh, and seek prosperity and happiness.
Celebration of Dev Uthani Gyaras:
The celebration of Dev Uthani Gyaras is marked by various rituals, customs, and festivities. Let’s delve into the traditional practices associated with this auspicious day:
1. Tulsi Vivah: One of the key rituals of Dev Uthani Gyaras is the ceremonial marriage of Lord Vishnu to a basil plant (Tulsi). This ritual, known as Tulsi Vivah, is performed in homes and temples with great reverence.
2. Devotees Wake Up Lord Vishnu: In many households, the male members of the family pretend to be Lord Vishnu, while the women enact the role of his consorts. They ceremonially wake up Vishnu from his slumber amid chanting of hymns and shlokas.
3. Devotional Songs and Prayers: Throughout the day, devotional songs, bhajans, and prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu are sung in homes and temples. These prayers are believed to invoke the blessings of the Lord and seek his divine grace.
4. Offerings and Prasad: Offerings of fruits, flowers, sweets, and Tulsi leaves are made to Lord Vishnu as a part of the rituals. Prasad, consisting of specially prepared dishes, is distributed among family members and devotees.
5. Community Celebrations: Dev Uthani Gyaras is also celebrated with great fervor in temples and local communities. Special pujas and processions are organized, and prasad is distributed to all participants.
6. Importance of Charity: Charity and donating to the less fortunate are significant aspects of the Dev Uthani Gyaras celebrations. Many people choose to perform acts of kindness and donate to those in need on this auspicious day.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. What is the origin of Dev Uthani Gyaras?
– Dev Uthani Gyaras finds its roots in Hindu mythology and is associated with the awakening of the gods after a period of rest during Chaturmas.
2. Why is Tulsi Vivah performed on Dev Uthani Gyaras?
– Tulsi Vivah symbolizes the marriage of Lord Vishnu to the sacred Tulsi plant, which is considered auspicious and brings prosperity and happiness to the household.
3. How long is the fasting observed on Dev Uthani Gyaras?
– Devotees observe a day-long fast on Dev Uthani Gyaras, breaking it only the next day after offering prayers.
4. Can anyone observe fast on Dev Uthani Gyaras?
– Yes, anyone can observe the fast on Dev Uthani Gyaras, regardless of age or gender, as a way to seek blessings and spiritual purification.
5. Are there specific prayers to be recited on Dev Uthani Gyaras?
– Various prayers, bhajans, and hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu can be recited on Dev Uthani Gyaras to seek his divine blessings and grace.
In conclusion, Dev Uthani Gyaras is a festival that signifies the awakening of spirituality and the beginning of auspicious occasions in Hindu culture. It is a time for devotees to immerse themselves in prayers, rituals, and acts of kindness to seek the blessings of the divine and usher in happiness and prosperity in their lives.
