‘Devshayani Ekadashi’/ ‘Ashadi Ekadashi ‘- The Beginning of Lord Vishnu's Cosmic Slumber

"Devshayani Ekadashi" is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashada. As it lies in Ashada month, it is also called "Ashadi Ekadashi."

As per Gregorian calendar, this Ekadashi falls in the month of either June or July. This year, we are commemorating the divine occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi on ''17th July ‘24.'

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Devshayani Ekadashi” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Devshayani Ekadashi on Wednesday, 17th July ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 08:33 PM on 16th July ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 09:02 PM on 17th July ‘24

Significance of “Devshayani Ekadashi”:

'Dev' means 'God' & 'Shayani' means 'Sleeping', hence "Devshayani" stands for 'God sleeping.'

Hence this auspicious day holds great religious significance as it marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu's four-month-long cosmic slumber, known as the "Chaturmas" period. Hence "Devshayani Ekadashi" is also known by the name "Vishnu Sayana Ekadashi."

Other than this, there are various names of this Ekadashi such as "Padma Ekadashi", "Shyani Ekadashi", "Hari Shayani Ekadashi", "Maha Ekadashi", "Vaishnava Ekadashi", "Devpodhi Ekadashi", "Hari Sayana Ekadashi", and "Toli Ekadashi."

According to Hindu Vedas, Lord Vishnu reclines on the cosmic serpent, Shesha, in the Kshirsagar (ocean of milk) and goes into a deep slumber (known as Yoga Nidra) during the Chaturmas period, which begins on Devshayani Ekadashi. This period lasts for four months and concludes on Prabodhini Ekadashi (in the month of Kartik- October/ November), also known as Devutthana Ekadashi. In India, Chaturmas coincides with the monsoon season.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu uses this time to rest and rejuvenate, and during this period, all celestial activities, including marriages and other auspicious events, are suspended. Apart from this, during Chaturmas period, people observe all the Ekadashi fasts and avoid onion, garlic, grains and beans during the whole time.

The revered day of Devshayani Ekadashi falls after the very famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra in Orissa.

This occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi coincides with the 'Pandharpur Yatra' in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Basically, Pandharpur Yatra is an annual pilgrimage dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba, who is considered a manifestation of Lord Krishna. It involves a procession on foot from various towns and villages in Maharashtra to the town of Pandharpur, which is located on the banks of the Bhima River. The procession culminates at the Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur.

It is a celebration of faith, devotion, and unity among the devotees who come together to seek the divine grace of Lord Vitthal.

Rituals & Observances of “Devshayani Ekadashi”:

Devotees eagerly await the arrival of Devshayani Ekadashi and engage in various rituals and observances to please Lord Vishnu. Here are some common practices associated with this auspicious day:

Fasting:

Devotees observe a strict fast on Devshayani Ekadashi, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. The fast is believed to cleanse the body and mind, nullify the sins committed, earn the merit to lead a happy, fulfilling life, and help attain spiritual enlightenment.

Parana, i.e. fast breaking, is to be performed on the next day, i.e. Dwadashi. As per “Drik Panchang”, the “Parana timings” for “Devshayani Ekadashi” in the year ‘24 are as follows:

Devshayani Ekadashi on Wednesday, 17th July ‘24

• On 18th July, Parana Time - 05:35 AM to 08:20 AM
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 08:44 PM

Worship and Prayers:

Devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu on this day. They visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and perform elaborate rituals, including the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu). The idol of Lord Vishnu is given a holy bath and decorated with Shankh (shell), Chakra (Lord Vishnu's weapon), Gadha, flowers and yellow clothes. The altar is decorated with floral, mango leaf and festoon hangings. People offer Flowers, Paan (betel), Betelnut, incense sticks, Prasad (sacred food offering) dry fruits and milk.

The Puja includes Kalash Sthapana, Panchang Sthapana, 64 Devshayani Pujan, Shetrapal Pujan, Swasti Vachan, Sankalpa, Ganesh Pujan & Abhishek, Lord Vitthal Puja, Lord Vitthal Mantra Japa, Homa, Aarti & Pushpanjali.

Devotees also recite hymns and sing devotional songs to express their devotion and seek blessings.

Devotional Activities:

Many devotees engage in devotional activities like reading sacred scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita or the Vishnu Purana. They also participate in satsangs (spiritual gatherings) and listen to discourses that narrate the divine stories and teachings associated with Lord Vishnu.

Many ardent devotees take a holy dip in the Godavari river on this day and pay their homage to Lord Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) at Kalaram temple.

Charity and Selflessness:

Devotees believe in the significance of charity on this day. They engage in acts of kindness, donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy, and perform selfless acts to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Vrat Katha (Fasting Ritual Story):

The vrat katha associated with Devshayani Ekadashi narrates the story of King Mandhata, an ancient ruler who successfully overcomes a severe drought and attains salvation through the observance of this Ekadashi fast. It was first narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada. And Lord Krishna also narrated it to the eldest Pandava Yudhishthira. One can find this story in the written form in Bhavishyottara Purana as well.

Legend behind “Devshayani Ekadashi”:

Let's see a brief explanation of this story as follows:

Once there lived a King namely Mandhata. He was a very pious, kind, peace-loving, valiant & honest king. He used to take care of his people (janta) and made sure that all of their needs get fulfilled. He had made his kingdom a healthy and wealthy one. All the people were exceptionally happy & there were no signs of diseases and disasters in the whole kingdom.

In due course of time, suddenly the kingdom suffered from a famine. There were no rains for three years resulting into drought. People started suffering from starvation and illness. They reached their King & requested him for help.

King Mandhata was not able to find the reason behind this. Hence, he went on a long journey in the forest to seek remedy for the plight and get his kingdom healthy as it was earlier.

While wandering in the forest, he met Rishi Angira. He narrated his problem & asked why such a painful disaster has struck my kingdom even though he was following a Vedic way of life, no sins committed. To this, Rishi Angira replied that, "in Satya Yuga, penance and austerities were allowed to be performed only by twice-born Brahmins. There's some Shudra performing these rituals in your kingdom which are unlawful. Hence, you need to find that Shudra and punish him with death."

King Mandhata denied doing this by saying, "I can't kill an innocent person. Please let me know some religious way of getting a solution to this problem."

To this, Sage Angira advised the king to observe the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi along with his kingdom's people (janta).

Hence, the whole kingdom performed a strict fast on Devshayani Ekadashi by following all the rituals. As a result, the rains showered there and the affected people started getting healthy again.

Devotees listen to this story with great reverence on Devshayani Ekadashi, drawing inspiration from the king's faith and determination.

This is believed to be the best for those seeking to welcome a healthy & wealthy life ahead. It also removes inauspiciousness from life.

Apart from this, Devshayani Ekadashi is also considered to give success at both personal and professional levels.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu bestows his divine blessings on those who observe this Ekadashi with a pure heart and mind.

So let us consider this as an opportunity to repent for wrongdoings, seek divine grace, cleanse oneself of impurities and accumulate immense positive karma, leading to spiritual progress and liberation.

|| Shubh Devshayani Ekadashi ||

|| ॐ पद्मनाभाय नम: ||

|| Vithal Vithal Shri Hari Vithal ||