About Utpanna Ekadashi:

Utpanna Ekadashi or ‘Uttpatti Ekadashi’ is observed on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha during the ‘Margashirsh’ month. Devotees who begin Ekadashi fast should start with Utapanna Ekadashi. It celebrates the victory of Lord Vishnu over a demon ‘Murasura.’ According to the legends, the birth of Ekadashi Mata took place on Utpanna Ekadashi. The main deities of Utpanna Ekadashi are Lord Vishnu and Mata Ekadashi.

Significance of Utpanna Ekadashi:

The significance of Utpanna Ekadashi is described in Hindu scripture ‘Bhavishyottara Purana’ as a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhishthira. It is a popular belief that Utpanna Ekadashi helps devotees to get rid of all their sins. The observer of Utapanna Ekadashi is liberated from their sins and attains moksha or salvation. They are taken straight to the abode of Lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’ after death. The glory of the Utpanna Ekadashi is more than donating 1000 cows. The fast kept on Utpanna Ekadashi equals to fasting for the Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesh.

Legend:

As per the legend, Devas were quite terrified from demon Mura. He even defeated Lord Indra, along with the God of Wind, the God of Sun, and the God of fire. Demigods approached Lord Vishnu and for his help to get away from Mura. Lord Indra told Lord Vishnu that Mura lives in Chandravati. Lord Vishnu had a fight for many years. Hence, Lord Vishnu went to the cave to take rest. Demon Mura decided to kill Lord Vishnu in the cave. A beautiful damsel appeared and started fighting with the demon. After a long battle, the damsel killed the demon. When Lord Vishnu woke up, he saw that the damsel had killed the demon. When asked, she replied that she has originated from the body of Lord Vishnu. Since then, the day is known as Utpanna Ekadashi.

Celebrations and Rituals:

Utpanna Ekadashi fast starts from the dawn of the Ekadashi until the sunrise of ‘Dwadashi.’ On Utpanna Ekadashi, consuming rice, all forms of pulses and grains are prohibited. The devotees wake up before sunrise on the day of Utpanna Ekadashi. Lord Krishna is worshipped during the ‘Brahma Muhurat.’ Devotees offer prayers to Mata Ekadashi and Lord Vishnu. Special Bhog and offerings are made to Lord Vishnu. Chanting Vedic mantra and devotional songs is considered auspicious.On Utpanna Ekadashi, one must offer donations to the Brahmins, poor and needy. The donations can be in the form of food, money, clothes or other essentials in life.