Everything You Need to Know About Devshayani Ekadashi

Out of all the Ekadashi observations, Devshayani Ekadashi stands out among the Hindus. Falling in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Ashadha month, Devshayani Ekadashi is the day when Lord Vishnu goes into Yog Nidra in the cosmic ocean Kshira Sagara.

Sometimes referred to as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi, this festival is celebrated by devotees of Lord Vishnu all over India. With fasting, prayers, offering Vishnu Sahasranama, and other observances, devotees dedicate this day to the blessing of the Protector of the Universe.

What is Devshayani Ekadashi?

The term "Devshayani" comprises two Sanskrit words – "Deva" means God and "Shayani" is translated as sleeping. According to Hindu literature, Lord Vishnu begins His cosmic sleep on Devshayani Ekadashi and stays in it till Prabodhini Ekadashi that comes in Kartik month.

This four-month period is called Chaturmas. During this time period, many auspicious activities like weddings, house-warmings, and other similar occasions are postponed, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu is sleeping. Instead, devotees pay attention to spirituality, self-discipline, charitable acts, etc.

Why Is Ashadhi Ekadashi So Important?

Ashadhi Ekadashi is one of the most significant Ekadashis for devotees of Lord Vishnu, as it marks the beginning of the period of prayers, fasting, and purification.

In Maharashtra, the day is devoted to Lord Vitthal, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Millions of devotees gather in Pandharpur Wari yatra, covering hundreds of kilometers by foot, while singing spiritual songs and chanting the name of Lord.

Elsewhere in India, devotees visit Vishnu temples, offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits and make Vishnu Puja to receive the blessings of the Lord for success, protection, and peace.

Spiritual Importance of Chaturmas

The beginning of Chaturmas is the sign that it is time to stop running and think about something more important.

Saints and spiritual gurus stay in one place during this four-month period, to impart knowledge and scriptures to their disciples.

Many devotees take some personal vows for Chaturmas like:

• Everyday reading of Bhagavad Gita;

• Chanting the name of Lord Vishnu;

• Giving alms in the form of food and clothes;

• Living a disciplined lifestyle;

• Avoiding some kind of food and bad habits;

• Frequent visits to temples;

These acts will increase the faith in the Lord and help to lead a disciplined way of life.

Ekadashi Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi

One of the primary observances of Devshayani Ekadashi is Ekadashi fasting. Devotees observe the fast according to their health conditions and family customs.

Some people keep a strict fast without grains, others have fruits and milk products and other fasting food. The fast starts from the sunrise of Ekadashi and ends after the specified Parana time of Dwadashi.

Apart from not eating any food, the main idea of the fast is controlling senses, purifying the mind and dedicating the day to devotion. The spending of time in prayers, chanting, meditation and studying scriptures is also highly regarded.

Vishnu Puja on Devshayani Ekadashi

Vishnu Puja on Devshayani Ekadashi is believed to give divine blessings and help to remove all obstacles from the path.

One can perform the puja in accordance with the following steps:

• Cleaning the house and puja place;

• Putting an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on the clean altar;

• Decorating the altar with flowers and lighting a diya;

• Offering Tulsi leaves, fruits, sandalwood paste, incense;

• Chanting "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" mantra or reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama;

• Reading chapters from Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavata Purana;

• Performing aarti and praying for the good health, happiness and spiritual development.

Also, many devotees keep the image of Lord Vishnu in the place of their puja during the observation to have the devotional environment.

Benefits of Observing Devshayani Ekadashi

As per Hindu beliefs, the sincere observance of Shayani Ekadashi provides many spiritual benefits.

Some of them include:

• Blessings of Lord Vishnu;

• Removing of past karmas;

• Improvement of inner peace and mental clarity;

• Increase in devotion and faith;

• Prosperity and harmony in the family;

• The beginning of Chaturmas with good spiritual intentions;

As it was mentioned above, devotion, humility, righteousness are more important than complex rituals.

Conclusion

Devshayani Ekadashi, also called Ashadhi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi is not just fasting day, but the sacred beginning of Chaturmas, which invites the devotees to dedicate the next four months to spiritual discipline and devotion.

Whether you keep an Ekadashi fasting, perform Vishnu Puja, chant the holy mantras, or spend time thinking about Lord Vishnu – any sincere acts of devotion are believed to bring the divine blessings.

For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, the observance of Devshayani Ekadashi is the beautiful beginning of the sacred period of spiritual progress.