Today is observed as the Dev Uthani Ekadashi also known as the Prabodhini Ekadashi, which is believed to mark the beginning of auspicious events.
The Legend:
Once upon a time, it is said that a demon named Sankhyayan had stolen the Vedas. Lord Vishnu was approached by the Gods to retrieve the Vedas. Lord Vishnu assured that he would get the Vedas back from the demon. He is said to have fought with the demon for several days to get back the Vedas. After the fight, Lord Vishnu had gone into a long four months meditative sleep.
The Shayani Ekadashi in the month of June-July marked the beginning of these four months. It is on Dev Uthani Ekadashi when Lord Vishnu is woken up from his four months long yoga-nidra by performing various rituals.
It is also believed that the period between Shayani Ekadashi and Dev Uthani Ekadashi is inauspicious for marragies.
Tulsi Vivah
The ritual of Tulsi Vivah is also observed on this day because it is said that on this day Lord Vishnu married Tulsi, which is regarded as the avatar of Goddess Lakshmi. This ritual is performed to bring happiness into the marriage. Also, the time that follows after this occasion is considered to be auspicious for marriages and other important life events.
This year the Ekadashi tithi is said to start at 02:42 PM on November 25th and end at 05:10 PM on November 26th. Devotees are said to be keeping a day long fast during this tithi.
