Haribodhani Ekadashi 2025: The Social, Scientific, and Cultural Significance of the End of Chaturmas Vrat

1st November 2025, Kathmandu

While every Ekadashi holds its own importance, Haribodhani Ekadashi carries unique significance. This day, also known as ‘Bada Ekadashi’ (The Great Ekadashi), marks the culmination of the Chaturmas Vrat, which begins on Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi and concludes on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi.

Haribodhani Ekadashi 2025

According to Dr. Devendra Pra Pathak, this festival is extremely important from both social and scientific perspectives.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Religious beliefs state that Lord Vishnu goes into Shayan (sleep) on Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi in Ksheer Sagar and Jaga (awakens) on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. These four months are called ‘Chaturmas,’ during which auspicious ceremonies are generally avoided.

Tulsi-Damodar Vivah

After Lord Narayan awakens on Haribodhani Ekadashi, He is specially thanked, and a symbolic marriage ceremony known as Tulsi-Damodar Vivah is performed between Lord Damodar and Tulsi (who is believed to have originated as grass due to a curse from Brinda and is worshipped as the sacred Tulsi plant).

The Witness of Karma

It is believed that Lord Narayan, the witness of all actions (Karmasakshi), is asleep during Chaturmas. Therefore, wedding ceremonies and other mangalik (auspicious) functions are not performed during this period (especially not in the month of Kartik).

Scientific and Physical Importance

Haribodhani Ekadashi is also linked to a scientific perspective:

Purification of Eleven Senses

The human body is a combination of eleven elements: five knowledge senses, five action senses, and the soul. Fasting on Ekadashi is a practice to purify these eleven senses.

Optimal Fasting

Even if one cannot fast for the entire Chaturmas, it is considered best to fast without consuming grains (or only consuming root vegetables) on both Hari Shayani and Haribodhani Ekadashi.

Since the Tulsi-Damodar marriage is performed on this day, tradition dictates that the hosts of the marriage (the kanyadaan givers) do not take meals.

The Tradition of Marriage and Auspicious Timing

The commencement of the Tulsi-Damodar marriage on Haribodhani Ekadashi marks the opening of the marriage season for the general population.

Hawan and Nuvagi: After the marriage, a Hawan (fire ritual) for Lord Narayan continues until Marg Krishna Panchami. During this Hawan, Navanna (new grains) are offered, followed by the ritual of Nuvagi (eating the new grains). It is believed that harvesting and storage of new crops are not complete until this ritual is performed.

Conclusion

Haribodhani Ekadashi is more than just a religious festival; it is a cultural practice that teaches discipline, encouraging us to be physically, mentally, and spiritually pure.

This day is celebrated by Nepalese who practice Sanatan Hindu and Vaishnav Dharma, bringing great enthusiasm and importance to the country’s spiritual and social life.

For more: Haribodhani Ekadashi 2025