Prabodini Ekadashi, or Dev Uthani Ekadasi, is observed on the eleventh day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Kartik Month as per traditional Hindu Lunar Calendar. Lord Vishnu who was in a deep slumber during the Chaturmas period wakes up on the day. An interesting story associated with Prabodini Ekadashi is listened to on the day. There are several versions of Dev Uthani Ekadasi Vrat Katha this is one of them.
Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, was unhappy with manner in which Lord Vishnu slept. Sometimes Lord Vishnu used to remain awake for days together and sometimes would sleep continuously for several days.
Goddess Lakshmi then complained to Lord Vishnu about his undisciplined way of sleeping. She said that Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Devas and Saints visiting him are forced to wait for long period as He is sleeping for several days together. They are forced to return disappointed without having the Darshan of Lord Vishnu.
Demons take advantage of your neutral state and inflict pain on human beings and this leads to the spread of Adharma on earth.
Lord Vishnu patiently listened to Goddess Lakshmi and promised that he will find a solution.
Soon the Devas and Saints approached Lord Vishnu with the news that Vedas have been stolen by a Demon Shankhyayan. The demon stole the Vedas to deprive people of knowledge and to spread Adharma. Lord Vishnu promised to get back the Vedas. He then fought for several days with Demon Shankhyayan and got back the Vedas.
Goddess Lakshmi, Devas and Saints. Lord Vishnu then said that he is tired of the long battle and will go to sleep now. But will restrict his sleep to four months starting from Ashadha Shudda Ekadasi and will wake up on Kartik Shuddha Ekadasi which is the Prabodini Ekadasi or Dev Uthani Ekadasi.