Utpanna Ekadashi is one day in the Hindu lunar calendar of great spiritual importance, celebrated with great reverence by Vishnu devotees. On this day, during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Margashirsha (or Kartik Krishna Ekadashi in some regional calendars), the divine birth of the Goddess Ekadashi Devi, regarded as the personification of purity and spiritual discipline, is celebrated.
Utpana Ekadashi will be celebrated on 15 November 2025, on Saturday in the UAE. Based on lunar calculations provided by Drik Panchang, Ekadashi Tithi starts late on 14 November and lasts until 16 November 2025, with slight differences depending on the time of sunrise and sunset in the locality.
To the believers, it is not just a fasting ceremony but a day of awakening to divine consciousness in oneself. Utpana Ekadashi is the very source of the Ekadashi vrata (fast) when the feminine power of the divine appeared to annihilate evil and support justice. Many people who start their annual Ekadashi fasting ritual usually start on this holy day because it is believed to ensure a new, invigorating spiritual power and a sense of inner harmony.
The Divine Narration: The Birth of Goddess Ekadashi
Utpanna Ekadashi is a myth whose origins can be traced to Bhavishya Purana and Padma Purana, two sacred Hindu texts. At one time, there was a powerful demon called Mura who had launched a war against the gods and had tried to destroy the order of things. In search of refuge, the deities went to Lord Vishnu, who was the sustainer of the universe. Vishnu struggled long with the demon, but at some point, He resolved to have a rest in a cave in Badrikashrama.
Lord Vishnu was in his deep sleep of yoga (Yoganidra), and the demon Mura attempted to attack Him. Just as this was happening, a blinding divine force came out of the body of Vishnu- a dazzling girl with divine power. She was actually a personification of Goddess Ekadashi Devi, who was the daughter of the Lord himself. She immediately struggled and killed Mura to save Vishnu and put the universe back on track.
When Vishnu awoke, He was pleased to see that the demon had been vanquished. He blessed the goddess and said: On every fortnight of lunar days, you will be worshipped on the 11th day (Ekadashi Tithi). Saying Fast and pray to Me through you shall be cleansed of sins and shall be liberated.
Thus, Utpanna Ekadashi is a festival of the divine birth (utpatti) of Ekadashi Devi and the initiation of the Ekadashi fast as a method of spiritual cleansing and salvation.
Spiritual and Philosophical Meaning. Utpana Ekadashi means the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil) spiritually. The practice of fasting during this day means the triumph of the power of discipline above the power of desire and cleansing of both mind and body.
GaneshaSpeaks and Dhwani Astro report that fasting is a practice observed on this Ekadashi to assist those who practice it to develop self-control, purify their inner selves and enhance their dedication to Vishnu. It is said that a single one of these fastings can forgive an individual of the sins and bad karma he has done in the past.
This Ekadashi is also a heavenly harmony between action and inaction. In the same way that Vishnu slept in yogic sleep whilst the goddess was performing her actions, the devotees are urged to maintain a balance between meditations, worship and good actions in their lives.
Utpana Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timings (in UAE)
- Ekadashi Tithi Starts - 11:19 PM on Nov 14, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 01:07 AM on Nov 16, 2025
- Ekadashi Vrat Day: Saturday, 15 November 2025
- Date: 16th Nov, Parana Time: 07:39 AM to 08:50 AM
Rituals and Observances
Before Ekadashi (Dashami Day)
This is prepared a day before Ekadashi, also known as Dashami.
Devotees:
- Rise early, take a bath and cleanse the house and body.
- Wash the altar and put flowers, lamps and tulsi leaves.
- Take a sankalaka (vow) before Lord Vishnu, which is a promise in the presence of Lord Vishnu, saying that one will carry out the fast and be sincere and devotional.
- Take a simple satvik meal the evening before the sun goes down and abstain from onion, garlic, grains, and beans.
- This purification is associated with the process of the devotee being willing to abandon worldly things and enter a day of godhood.
During Ekadashi (15 November 2025)
Devotees wake up early in the morning, go to Utpana Ekadashi, bathe in holy water and offer puja to Lord Vishnu and Ekadashi, the Goddess. The worship usually consists of:
- Lamp (deepa) and incense.
- The giving of flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits, sweets, and prasad.
- Reciting Vishnu mantras such as Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya or Om Vishnave Namah.
- The story of the defeat of Mura (Upana Ekadashi Katha).
- Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama and bhajans or meditation.
- Rules on fasting are based on health and devotion:
- Full Fast (Nirjala): No food or water during the day.
- Partial Fast: One may eat fruits, milk or water.
- Ekadashi Fasting and Anukalpa Meal: One light, vegetarian meal, but no grains shall be consumed, and it should be taken before sunset.
ISKCON Dwarka believed that their devotees concentrate on preserving peace, not being angry or negative, and keeping their thoughts devoted to Vishnu.
Following Ekadashi - Parana on Dwadashi (16 November 2025)
The next morning brings the fast to an end, and it is called Dwadashi. The most important thing to remember is that Parana should be performed after sunrise, and yet the Hari Vasara period is over (first quarter of Dwadashi). Hari Vasara does not encourage breaking the fast, and according to Drik Panchang and Book My Pooja Online, it is considered unacceptable.
Before breaking the fast:
- Donate or feed Brahmins, cows or the poor.
- Offer prayers to Vishnu, with gratitude for Godly protection and guidance.
- At this stage, then only eat a plain satvik meal, probably fruits, milk, or khichdi without grains.
Do's
- The mind should be calm and should meditate frequently throughout the day.
- Learn religious books such as the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Purana.
- Gift daan (charity) either in food, clothes or money.
Don'ts
- Avoid rice, wheat, pulses, onion, garlic, alcohol or tobacco.
- Reckless not to criticise or gossip.
- Breaking the fast is not allowed during the Hari Vasara period.
Essential Things for Utpanna Ekadashi Puja
In order to carry out the Utpanna Ekadashi Puja with full devotion, the devotees get ready one of the essential samagri for Vishnu Puja, which is the symbol of purity and total surrender. Various items used in the ritual are Tulsi leaves, Panchamrit (which consists of milk, honey, curd, ghee and sugar), incense sticks, light from the ghee lamp (diya), kumkum, haldi, akshat (rice), fresh flowers, holy water, and satvik food offerings such as fruits or sweets. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama or Ekadashi Katha is also very much included in the ritual.
Ekadashi Vishnu Vrat Pooja Box by Divine Sansar
For the worshippers situated in the UAE, the Ekadashi Vishnu Vrat Pooja Box from Divine Sansar presents a complete and authentic manner to observe the vrata. The kit is curated by Divine Sansar, the biggest Hindu spiritual community in the UAE. This thoughtfully prepared kit comprises 39 sacred items required for a complete Vishnu Puja. Every item is pure, genuine, and precisely labelled, therefore convenient and holy.
The box contains a printed puja guide as well as a QR code for Vishnu Katha, which makes it suitable for novices and families. Developed in premium packaging and packed exclusively for the Hindu Temple Dubai, it is offered for deliveries throughout the UAE.
Apt for home rituals or presenting as gifts, the Divine Sansar Vishnu Vrat Pooja Box makes it possible for the devotees to perform Utpanna Ekadashi with devotion, ease, and spiritual completeness.
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)
A simplified home puja vidhi, adapted from Drik Panchang and ISKCON traditions:
- Morning Purification and Setup: Bathe early, wear clean clothes, and prepare your puja space. Place images or idols of Lord Vishnu (especially in His Vaikuntha or Maha Vishnu form) and Goddess Ekadashi on the altar.
- Sankalpa (Vow): Sit facing east, place water in your palm, and make the sankalpa: “O Lord Vishnu, on this sacred day of Utpanna Ekadashi, I shall observe fasting and worship You for the removal of sins and attainment of divine grace.”
- Invocation and Offerings: Light a ghee lamp, offer tulsi leaves, flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, fruits, and sweets. Chant Vishnu mantras or the Gayatri Mantra.
- Katha and Chanting: Read or listen to the Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Then chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or perform 108 chantings of the Maha Mantra (Hare Krishna, Hare Rama).
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Evening Prayer:
Light lamps again in the evening, perform aarti with conch and bell, and meditate on Vishnu’s form resting on Shesh Naag. -
Charity and Conclusion:
Before breaking the fast the next day, donate food, clothing, or funds to a temple or charity organisation. End the vrat with a silent prayer for family well-being and world peace.
Observing Utpanna Ekadashi in the UAE
Living in the UAE, devotees are blessed with vibrant Hindu communities and beautifully maintained temples where Ekadashi vratas are observed collectively.
Temples and Community Events:
Dubai Temple (Jebel Ali) and Shiva Temple (Bur Dubai) usually organize Ekadashi pujas, Vishnu Sahasranama recitations, and satsangs.
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir (Abu Dhabi) and ISKCON UAE communities often hold group bhajans or evening kirtans during major Ekadashis.
- Devotees in Sharjah or Ajman may participate in small community gatherings organised by Indian associations.
- Devotees in Sharjah or Ajman may participate in small community gatherings organised by Indian associations.
Home Observance:
For those unable to visit a temple, performing the vrat at home is equally meritorious. Set up a small altar with Vishnu’s image, light a diya morning and evening, and follow the puja vidhi as described. Even in apartment living, the focus should be on inner devotion rather than grand arrangements.
Modern Adaptations:
In today’s busy life, some devotees in the UAE observe a simplified version of the fast—consuming milk, fruits, and water through the day while joining online satsangs hosted by temples in India. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook Live stream Ekadashi Kathas and Bhajans, allowing spiritual connection even from abroad.
Such hybrid observances—combining tradition and technology—show how Hindu festivals continue to evolve beautifully across cultures and geographies.
Benefits of Observing Utpanna Ekadashi
The benefits of fasting on Utpanna Ekadashi are both spiritual and psychological. According to GaneshaSpeaks, Drik Panchang, and Padma Purana references:
- Spiritual Purification: Observing these fasts cleanses one’s body and soul from accumulated sins.
- Discipline and Mental Strength: Fasting instils control over desires, promoting mindfulness and focus.
- Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that Vishnu blesses those who keep this vrat with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
- Gateway to Moksha: It is said that even observing Utpanna Ekadashi once with full faith can grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- Good Health and Balance: From a modern viewpoint, fasting and meditation on this day bring detoxification, mental calmness, and emotional clarity.
Many devotees begin their annual Ekadashi routine with this day, believing that it strengthens their spiritual foundation for the months to come.
Conclusion
Utpanna Ekadashi is not merely a day of fasting; it is a celebration of divine energy, discipline, and faith. It reminds us that even in times of darkness, divine power can emerge from within to restore light and balance.
For Hindus living in the UAE, observing this sacred Ekadashi is an opportunity to stay connected with timeless traditions while living in a modern, multicultural world. Whether one participates in temple rituals or performs a humble puja at home, what truly matters is sincerity, devotion, and gratitude toward the divine.
As the day dawns on 15 November 2025, devotees across the Emirates will light their lamps, chant Vishnu’s names, and feel a deeper connection to the divine rhythm of the universe.
