Haribodhani (Thuli) Ekadashi today

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Nov 1 : Haribodhani Ekadashi will be observed across the country on Saturday.

Devotees will gather at various Narayan temples in the Kathmandu Valley—primarily Budhanilkantha—as well as at other Narayan temples across the country from early morning to mark the occasion.

To celebrate the day, devotees will hang flower torans (garlands) at the Pashupatinath Temple. 

On this auspicious day, the Tulsi plant, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is beautifully decorated with flowers and ornaments. Small bamboo twigs, locally known as lingo, are raised over the Tulsi Math (altar where the Tulsi plant is grown) to hang garlands.

According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu goes into a cosmic sleep on Harishayani Ekadashi and awakens to preside over the universe’s religious activities on Haribodhani Ekadashi. This day is regarded as one of the most important and sacred among all Ekadashis and is also known as Thuli Ekadashi or the “Great Ekadashi.”

To observe the day, devotees fast or consume only pure vegetarian food and worship the Tulsi plant. It is believed that those who observe this fast are blessed with prosperity, fame, and success and ultimately attain Vaikuntha, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu.

A fair will be held at the four Narayan temples in the Kathmandu Valley—Ichangu Narayan, Sheshnarayan, Bishanku Narayan, and Changu Narayan.