Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, O ocean of compassion, please describe to me the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Kārttika (October–November). What is its name, and what are its glories? Kindly tell me how it should be observed.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, this Ekadasi is called Prabodhini Ekadasi or Hariprabodhini Ekadasi. It is also known as Devotthāna Ekadasi, for on this day I awaken from My divine rest which began on Śayanī Ekadasi in the month of Āṣāḍha.
This sacred day is most auspicious. Whoever observes this Ekadasi with devotion attains the merit of observing all other Ekadasis throughout the year. It destroys all sins, fulfills all desires, and grants both worldly prosperity and spiritual perfection.”
The Lord’s Awakening
“O King, from Śayanī Ekadasi until this day of Prabodhini Ekadasi, I remain in Yoga-nidrā (divine sleep) upon the ocean of milk. During these four months—known as Cāturmāsya—the demigods, sages, and devotees engage in various vows and austerities to please Me.
On this day, I awaken, and the entire universe becomes blessed. It is on this Ekadasi that the Cāturmāsya-vrata concludes, and all vows, fasts, and austerities performed during these four months bear fruit.”
The Glory of the Day
“This day is so sacred that even one who merely sees the Devotthāna (the ritual awakening of the Lord) ceremony or offers a lamp before My image on this day attains the merit of performing a thousand sacrifices.
Whoever observes this fast and worships Me with devotion is freed from all sins, even those as grievous as killing a brāhmaṇa or breaking a sacred vow.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, this day marks the beginning of great auspicious activities—marriages, house constructions, and other sacred ceremonies—after the four-month period of restraint ends.”
The Story of King Mandhāta
“To illustrate the glory of this day, listen to the story of King Mandhāta. Long ago, this virtuous king ruled over the earth with righteousness and compassion. However, due to certain offenses committed by his subjects, his kingdom suffered from drought for three consecutive years.
Crops withered, rivers dried up, and the people were afflicted with hunger and misery. Seeing his subjects suffer, the king sought the counsel of the sages and asked them how to bring rain to his land.
The sages replied, ‘O King, you should observe the fast of Prabodhini Ekadasi with devotion. By fasting and worshiping Lord Viṣṇu on this sacred day, you will please Him, and He will shower His mercy upon your kingdom.’”
The King’s Observance
“Following their advice, King Mandhāta, along with his subjects, observed the Prabodhini Ekadasi fast with great devotion. They bathed early, worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with lamps, incense, fruits, and flowers, and remained awake throughout the night chanting His holy names.
On the next day, Dvādaśī, they fed brāhmaṇas, offered charity, and broke their fast with sanctified food.
Immediately afterward, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and rain poured down across the kingdom, reviving the fields and bringing joy to the people. The king and his subjects prospered, and everyone glorified the Lord’s mercy.”
The Glories of Observance
“O King, fasting on this Ekadasi grants the merit of performing a thousand horse sacrifices and donating a thousand cows in charity.
Whoever worships Me with devotion on this day, offering lamps and tulasī leaves, attains the merit of visiting all holy places and performing all sacrifices.
Even one who hears or reads the glories of this day with faith gains the merit of performing great austerities and will not see the abode of Yamarāja.
This Ekadasi is so sacred that it destroys even sins committed unknowingly and grants liberation to the soul.”
The Cāturmāsya Vow and Its Conclusion
“During the four months of Cāturmāsya, devotees control their senses, eat simply, and engage in My worship. On this day of Hariprabodhini Ekadasi, those who have observed vows complete their worship and receive My full blessings.
Whoever donates food, clothes, or gold on this day gains inexhaustible merit. Offering lamps before My image on this day grants one liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this Ekadasi attains the merit of performing all Ekadasis, and at the time of death, My personal attendants come to take him to My eternal abode.”
The Wedding of Lord Viṣṇu and Tulasī-devī
“This day is also famous as the divine wedding day of Lord Viṣṇu and Tulasī-devī.
In the city of Śālagrāma, devotees celebrate this auspicious event by performing the Tulasī-vivāha ceremony, symbolizing the union of the Lord and His dearest devotee.
Whoever participates in or even witnesses this ceremony with devotion attains the same merit as performing a thousand sacrifices and gains residence in the spiritual world.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, by fasting on Prabodhini Ekadasi, one’s sins of many lifetimes are destroyed. The devotee who remains awake during the night chanting My glories becomes dear to Me.
By observing this fast, one attains the merit of performing all other Ekadasis combined.
Even one who simply hears or reads the glories of this day with devotion is delivered from all sinful reactions and attains My eternal service.
Therefore, O King, observe this sacred Prabodhini Ekadasi with devotion, for it is the crown jewel of all Ekadasis.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Prabodhini Ekadasi is found in the Padma Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about His divine awakening and the deliverance of King Mandhāta.
Observing Prabodhini Ekadasi marks the awakening of Lord Viṣṇu, the end of the Cāturmāsya-vrata, and the bestowal of infinite blessings upon those who fast, worship, and remain awake in devotion.
