Utpanna Ekadashi signifies the birth of Goddess Ekadashi from Lord Vishnu.
It marks the beginning of the Ekadashi fasting tradition for many devotees.
Parana must be done within Dwadashi and not during Hari Vasara.
Smartha devotees fast on the first Ekadashi; Vaishnavas may fast on the second.
Fasting on both days is recommended only for highly devoted seekers of Vishnu.
Details
Utpanna Ekadashi marks the origin of all Ekadashi fasts and is celebrated as the birth of Goddess Ekadashi, a divine energy born from Lord Vishnu to destroy the demon Mur while he was asleep. Revered as one of Vishnu’s protective Shaktis, Goddess Ekadashi is invoked on this day for her power to uphold righteousness. It is also considered the foundational Ekadashi, and devotees who wish to begin their annual Ekadashi vrat (fasting cycle) traditionally start with Utpanna Ekadashi. Goddess Vaishnavi, part of the Sapta Matrika, is also associated with Vishnu's divine feminine energies.
Parana, the ritual of breaking the fast, must be done after sunrise the next day within Dwadashi Tithi. It should not occur during Hari Vasara, which is the initial quarter of Dwadashi. Pratahkal (early morning) is ideal for Parana, while Madhyahna (midday) should be avoided. In rare cases when Ekadashi spans two days, householders (Smartha) observe the fast on the first day, while ascetics or those desiring liberation may observe it on the second (Vaishnava Ekadashi). Devotees deeply devoted to Vishnu often fast on both days for greater spiritual merit.
