When a power was born to protect Lord Vishnu:

In Hindu religion, every fast and festival has its own special significance, and the fast of Ekadashi is considered the best to please Lord Vishnu. Among all the Ekadashis, Utpanna Ekadashi has a unique place. This day is not like any ordinary Ekadashi, rather it is the day of birth of ‘Ekadashi Mata’.

It is believed that on this Ekadashi date falling in the Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month, a Shakti was born from the body of Lord Vishnu himself. This power saved the life of Lord Vishnu by killing a very fierce demon named Mur. For this reason this day is called Utpana Ekadashi. In the year 2025, this important fast will be observed on 15 November.

It is said that whoever observes this fast with full devotion, all his sins are gradually destroyed and he gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Right time and Muhurta for puja

This year Utpanna Ekadashi is on 15th November, but it is important to keep Rahukaal in mind while performing the puja. Rahukaal will be from 09:25 am to 10:45 am, hence one should avoid starting any auspicious work or puja at this time.

It will be auspicious to break the fast the next day, i.e. on 16th November, between 01:10 pm to 03:18 pm.

Remember these things related to Tulsi on Ekadashi

It is believed that on the day of Ekadashi, Tulsi Mata also observes a waterless fast for Lord Vishnu. Therefore, one should not offer water to the Tulsi plant on this day, because doing so may break their fast. Also, plucking basil leaves is also prohibited on this day. Mother Lakshmi may get angry if you do not take care of these small things.

Apart from this, always maintain cleanliness around the Tulsi plant. Where there is dirt, Goddess Lakshmi does not reside there and there is a lack of money in the house.

How to do simple puja at home?

• Wake up early in the morning, take bath and clean the temple of your house thoroughly.
• After this, bathe the idol of Lord Vishnu with Ganga water.
• Apply yellow sandalwood to God and offer yellow flowers, because yellow color is very dear to him.
• Light a ghee lamp in the temple and take a resolution to observe the fast.
• During the puja, read or listen to the fast story of Utpanna Ekadashi.
• Keep chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay” slowly.
• Finally, perform aarti of Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi and offer bhog. Be sure to include a basil leaf in the offering.