JAI JAI VITTALA JAI HARI VITTALA
The auspicious day of Kartika Ekadashi is also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi/ Devuthani Haribodhin Ekadashi and is one of the most auspicious Ekadashi that marks the ending of the long wait for Sri Hari (Vishnu’s) Awakening, there by ending the period of chaturmasa ....
The auspicious Ekadashi day is the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Kartika. It marks the end of the four-month period of Chaturmas, when Sri Hari/ Vishnu is believed to have gone to sleep. It is believed that Sri. Vishnu sleeps on Shayani Ekadashi ie on Ashadi Ekadashi the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashada to wake up on this day. The end of Chaturmas, where in marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.
The story of Chaturmas the time when Sri Hari is said to take rest by sleeping through the months is said to be brought about by Goddess Lakshmi his spouse. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi was unhappy with Sri Hari/ Vishnu as he followed an undisciplined pattern of sleeping. It often happened that Sri. Vishnu slept for days and there were days when he didn't sleep at all. It was due to his this habit that other gods and goddesses had to wait for a long time to meet him. Furthermore, demons highly took advantage of this, thereby leading to the spread of Adharma on earth. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi complained about all these problems to Sri.Vishnu.
Sri Vishnu promised Goddess Lakshmi to soon come up with a solution. Meanwhile, the Devas visited Sri. Vishnu to inform him about the robbery of the Vedas by Sankhyayan, a demon. The demon had soon spread Adharma all around. After fighting for days with Demon Sankhyayan, Sri. Vishnu, was successful in defeating Sankhyayan. He was then able to return the Vedas to ods. Concluding the event, Sri. Vishnu who was tired after the long battle went to sleep and continued sleeping for four months ie from Ashadha Ekadashi to Kartika Ekadashi, thus thereby starting the tradition of Chaturmasa, a time when Sri. Hari would sleep through the months.
The day of Kartika/ Prabodhini Ekadashi is considered an ultimate way to reach the doorway of heaven. It is strongly believed, that if one follows the day of Devuthni Ekadashi with severe devotion, he/she will definitely be gifted with Moksha and will be able to reach the heavenly abode of Devas, Vishnu Loka (Swarga Loka). Devuthani Ekadasi holds a lot of significance among Hindus. It is said to be the start of an auspicious timing. People observe fast on this day and as it is believed that if done so his/her sins are abolished. It is firmly believed that observing the Devuthani/ Kartika Ekadashi fast, helps in attaining liberation, and gives immense benefits.
Devotees observe a complete fast on this day and is terminated on the next day ie on Dwadashi. Some do not even drink water, while some do have fruits twice a day. It is considered highly meritorious and purifying to take bath in sacred rivers on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi, which is not even received by taking bath at a pilgrimage. Prayers and salutations are observed, while kirtan and bhajans are sung throughout the day especially through the night too. Vishnu Sahasranam (1000 names of Vishnu) is recited on this day after offering Tulsi Patta/ leaf to Sri Hari who is said to have been pleased by a single leaf offered with devotion during his Krishna Avatar.
Finally faith is that which counts the most in whatever one chooses to do. There is a saying in hindi “मनो तो भगवन ... ना मनो तो पत्थर” meaning faith can make you see God in Idol and if you have no faith its just a piece of stone for you. Therefore, it is always individual choice what one believes. Having said that it is Hindu culture and our tradition that makes us believe in the supreme strength and bow our head before God and at the lotus feet of our Dharma Guru.
Sri Hari/ Vishnu also tells us the importance of Guru in the Upanishads. Guru is considered to be “dispeller of darkness”. Guru appears in everybody’s life, such as Shri Krishna for Arjuna, Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa for Swami Vivekanand, Samarth Ramdas Swami for Shivaji Maharaj and so on. Further Sri. Hari/ Vishnu says that he who does not have a Guru will not be received even by the God Himself. The way to God is only through Guru. Guru is Brahma (God of Creation), Guru is Vishnu (God of Sustenance) and Guru is Shiva (God of Annihilation) ... My Salutations to such a Guru, who is verily the Supreme God.
We GSB’s / Konkani Gowda Saraswat’s of Kashi Matt Samstan will always remain indebted to our
Our Beloved Dhrama Guru ....
A Sage who will live in our heart forever.
Sahasra Koti Pranams at the Lotus Feet of Our beloved Guru …..
Sadguru Srimad Sudheendra Theertha Swamiji.
Shree Kashimath Samsthan (Varanasi).
31.03.1926 - 17.01.2016
Also offering salutations at the lotus feet of our present Dharma Guru
KASHIMATADISH H. H. SHRIMAD SAMYAMINDRA THIRTHA SWAMIJI.
Wishing all my Friends A Very Happy ~ Pious Karthik Ekadashi … Stay Blessed.
** Disclaimer : I have adapted and written this to the best of my knowledge from net, friends and various other sources. Do excuse if there are any short comings. It is not my intention to hurt any person or anybody’s religious belief.
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