In this episode of Chants of India Podcast, listen to the significance the festival of Kartik Ekadashi. This day marks the eleventh day in the bright phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha). The month of Kartik appears in the Hindu lunar calendar after the Deepawali or Diwali festival. This day marks the end of the Chatur Maas period (the 4 months period during which Lord Vishnu is supposed to be sleeping). Kartik Ekadashi has two more names, namely, Prabodhini Ekadashi or Devothana Ekadashi.
Chaturmaas Period
Lord Vishnu sleeps for a four-month period beginning from Shayani ekadashi, and wakes up on Devothana Ekadashi . The name Devothana means the day of awakening of the God. The scriptures prohibitmany of the routine prayers and acts during this 4 month period.
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Ways to celebrate Kartik Ekadashi
Festival of Tulasi Vivaha (Tulasi’s marriage)
Many people observe a vrat (or fast) on Kartik Ekadashi day. Tulasi Vivaha, or marriage of the Tulasi or Basil plant to Lord Vishnu, is celebrated on this day. The wedding consists of performing a small ceremony. The plant is married with a black stone called Shaligram. This stone is supposed to represent Lord Vishnu.
This festival is has a special significance in the state of Maharashtra. In that region of India, people pray to Lord Vitthal, who is a form of Vishnu. The ekadashi marks the beginning of the five-day festival in the temple town of Pandharpur in southern Maharashtra. Pilgrims throng Pandharpur temple on the 11th day, celebrations end on full moon day (Purnima). This day marks the beginning of sugarcane harvest in many parts of India.
Praying to Lord Panduranga
In the second part of this episode, you can listen to chanting of Pandurang Ashtaka shloka (eight chants of Lord Pandurnga or Lord Vishnu).
Note: Rama Ekadashi precedes Kartik Ekadashi, and Utpanna Ekadashi follows Kartik Ekadashi.
About this episode
You can listen to Chants of India by Sriram on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Jio Saavn, Spotify, Castbox, Stitcher, Radio Public, and other fine sites and apps where you listen to your favourite shows. Music: Sitar by Leonardoarena. To learn more, visit https://indianchants.xyz
About Chants of India by Sriram
Have you wondered about the significance of chanting a particular mantra at a specific time of the day ? Or praying to a god or goddess on a given day of the week? Chants of India by Sri Ram is a podcast that will help you understand the meaning and the significance of selected chants adn prayers. Chants of India by Sriram is produced by gaatha story.