Utpanna Ekadashi: a deeply spiritual and auspicious observance in the vivacious religion of Hinduism. In the Hindu calendar there are 24 Ekadashis in totality and Utpanna Ekadashi denotes the beginning of this sacred cycle of Ekadashis. Utpanna Ekadashi celebrates and honors Lord Vishnu and is symbolic of triumph of good over evil and of virtue over deceit.
Utpanna Ekadashi is observed in the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar in accordance with the lunar placement. It falls in the esteemed mass or month of Margashirsha which is the month of November or December. It is believed that Utpanna Ekadashi is the first amongst the 24 Ekadashis to be started by the deity Lord Vishnu.
This year in 2025, Utpanna Ekadashi is falling on the 15th of November,2025 which is a Saturday. Followers who have deep faith in this observance will celebrate this day by observing Vrat in order to achieve spiritual liberation and relief from the agonies of the physical world.
The tale of Utpanna Ekadashi
Bhavishyottara Purana describes the tale of Utpanna Ekadashi beautifully. Bhagwan Shri Krishna depicts and portrays the importance of this Ekadashi to Yudhishthira who was the eldest amongst the five Pandavas. As per this Purana, many years ago there was a very ferocious and savage demon called Murasura. Murasara resided in Chandravati. He was strong, egoistic, proud and merciless and he caused hardship and agony to the Gods and Rishis.
This distress had become unbearable for the Celestial Gods and they in unison went to Lord Vishnu in order to get relief from the atrocities. In order to reinstate harmony and tranquility in the universe, Lord Vishnu fought a very intense war with the demon Murasura and the battle went on for more than hundred decades.
As the battle was going on for too long, Lord Vishnu decided to rest in a cave in the Himalayas. Demon Murasura upon coming to know of the fact that Lord Vishnu is resting thought of attacking him in order to win the battle. Just then, a cosmic female figure and energy appeared from inside the body of Lord Vishnu. This feminine energy was glorious, splendid, intense and beaming of cosmic unending energy.
This relentless female force fiercely fought and defeated Murasar seamlessly. As soon as Lord Vishnu got up from his rest, he was atartled to see what had happened and wanted to know who this divine feminine force is. This female energy was called Ekadashi and she told Lord Vishnu that she was born from the energy of Lord Vishnu only to fight this battle.
Lord Vishnu was very appreciative of the strength and confidence of Goddess Ekadashi and it was after this event that anyone who observes vrat or fast on the eleventh day of the new lunar phase will be relieved from his past karma and sins and spiritual enlightenment is achieved.
Thus, Utpanna Ekadashi is observed to honour the revered Goddess Ekadashi who represents cosmic radiance, peace, faith and discipline.
Importance of Utpanna Ekadashi
The word Utpanna in Hindi means “born” or “originated.” and thus Utpanna Ekadashi is the day when Ekadashi was born and it is observed as the birth anniversary of Maa Ekadashi. The followers believe that if one fasts on the day of Utpanna Ekadashi all pat bure karma will be erased and the path of ultimate salvation which is called moksha can be achieved.
This Ekadashi is the first out of the 24 Ekadashis as per the Hindu Calendar and sets the path for the other observances. It is said that if you want to start observing the Ekadashi Vrat, this is the first Ekadshi Vrat which you should observe as this will purify and clear your mind, soul, thought process and thus your heart will be at peace.
It is sternly believed that if one fasts on Utpanna Ekadashi it will earn you the same amount of blessings as to doing a
It is also said that observing this fast generates results equivalent to performing a thousand Ashwamedha Yajnas or donating to the poor and needy. This truly represents the power of this Ekadashi.
Date and Time of Utpanna Ekadashi 2025
Utpanna Ekadashi this year is on Saturday the 15th of November, 2025. Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 12. 49 am on 15th of November, 2025 and will end at 02.37 am on Sunday, the 16th of November, 2025.
For those fasting on the Ekadashi, the Parana Time is on Sunday, the 16th of November, 2025 from 01.11 pm to 03.19 pm
Observances on Utpanna Ekadashi
- Ekadashi Vrat:
The primary ritual of Utpanna Ekadashi is fasting. Arrangement for the big day begins one day in advance that is on Dashami Tithi. This Dashami Tithi is a day of purification. Those doing the Vrat eat only one meal on Dashami and that too a Satvik meal which has no onion or garlic. On the day of Ekadashi, Nirjala Upvas or Nirjala Vrat is observed which is without food or water. Some who are not able to do Nirjala Vrat, do a Phalahari Vrat and consume fruits and water. - Worship of Lord Vishnu:
The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Narayana or Lord Vamana which are the forms of Lord Vishnu are especially worshipped on this day. An idol or portrait of Vishnu is worshipped with agarbatti (incense sticks), tulsi (holy basil), fruits and home made sweets. Do chant the Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, or Ekadashi Mahatmya for greater blessings. - Jagrata or Jagran:
Night vigil or all night programs of bhajans, kirtans, and prayers are organised for the Maa Ekadashi. “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” should constantly be recited. - Parana:
You should break your fast the next day on Dwadashi Tithi which is the twelfth day as per lunar phase. Perform Vishnu Puja at dawn and indulge in charity.
Conclusion
Utpanna Ekadashi is not just a fasting ritual but a time to invoke your spiritual health. This day reminds us that cosmic divine power is there for us, for our protection, our safety and for our mental well being. If followed with stern faith and full devotion, you can defeat all hurdles and negative energies.
The Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat is the binding thread with the divinity. The auspicious day of Utpanna Ekadashi brings:
- Past Bure karma are erased and mental peace is attained
- Increases and establishes full faith in Lord Vishnu
- The threads of this world are broken and moksha may be achieved
- All your loved ones are blessed with health, wealth and peace.
If you have faith and dedication towards Utpanna Ekadashi the results are greater than many other auspicious customs combined. The first amongst the Ekadashis, the path of discipline, faith, peace and purification is paved by Utpanna Ekadashi. This sacred day clears and cleanses heart, uplifts the soul and brings eternal peace by the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Maa Ekadashi.