Prabodhini Ekadashi Katha (Dev Uthani)

King Mandhata once ruled a prosperous kingdom. But over time, a terrible drought befell the land — rivers ran dry, crops withered, and his people suffered. Despite his personal righteousness, the calamity persisted.

In despair, the king visited the hermitage of the great sage Angira Rishi and described his kingdom's plight. The sage meditated for a moment and said: "O King, this suffering has descended because the Lord has entered His cosmic sleep — Yoganidra — during the sacred Chaturmas. The land cannot fully flourish when the sustainer sleeps."

"However," said the sage, "there is a way. On the Shukla Ekadashi of the Kartik month — Prabodhini Ekadashi — Lord Vishnu awakens from His sleep. If you and your people observe this Ekadashi with devotion, worship the Lord with Tulsi, lamps, and flowers, and keep vigil through the night, the Lord will be pleased."

The king returned and announced the observance throughout the kingdom. On the auspicious day, all citizens — young and old — fasted, gathered at the Vishnu temple, and spent the night in prayer, kirtan, and the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama.

At dawn on Dwadashi, as the king offered the final prayers, the skies opened and gentle rains fell. The rivers swelled, the land turned green, and joy returned to the kingdom. The Lord had awakened and blessed His devoted children.

Prabodhini Ekadashi marks the end of Chaturmas and the resumption of all auspicious ceremonies — weddings, thread ceremonies, and new beginnings. It is the most joyful of all Ekadashis.