Yes, Jagannath Temple is the only Vaishnava shrine where we observe such a surprising ritual. While, it is strictly forbidden to consume rice on Ekadasi fast, but here in Puri, the Lord himself has established this rule. Here, the day of Ekadashi is observed as “Ulti Ekadashi” (Reverse Ekadashi).
The Legend Behind Ulti Ekadashi
According to a revered tale, once Lord Brahma visited Jagannath Puri. Filled with devotion, he eagerly desired to take Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath. However, all offerings had already been consumed—except for a few grains of rice left on a leaf, being licked by a stray dog. Overcome with bhakti, Brahma Dev humbly sat beside the dog and ate the remaining grains, yearning to receive the blessings of Jagannath’s Mahaprasad. But, mistakenly it was the day of Ekadasi.
It was at that moment that Ekadashi Devi appeared. Furious that Brahma dev had violated the austerity of Ekadasi by eating rice, she began tormenting him. Immediately, Lord Jagannath appeared pleased with Brahma Dev's devotion, got enraged by Ekadashi Devi's arrogance. To end the dispute and establish the supremacy of devotion over dogma, Lord Jagannath tied Ekadashi Devi’s hands and hung her upside down as a punishment.
To this day, the Deity of Ekadashi Devi is tied in upside-down position and is enshrined inside the Jagannath Temple complex, near the west wall, in front of Benu Madhava.
From that moment on, the Lord decreed that Mahaprasad must be honored and consumed on all days, including Ekadashi. This event gave rise to the tradition of “Ulti Ekadashi”, celebrated uniquely in Puri.
Some locals also worship her as a form of Katyayani Devi, but her role during Ekadashi is clear: to silently bear witness to the supremacy of Lord Jagannath's Mahaprasad.
This tradition beautifully illustrates the compassionate nature of Lord Jagannath, who values devotion over ritual, love over law, and inclusion over exclusion.
Jay Jagannath 🙏