Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 08:33 PM on 16th July 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 09:02 PM on 17th July 2024
Parana Time – 05:35 AM to 08:20 AM on 18th July
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
The Ekadashi occurring during the Ashadha Shukla Paksha is referred to as Devshayani Ekadashi. Typically falling in June or July by the Gregorian calendar, this day holds special significance in Hindu tradition.
According to belief, Lord Vishnu enters a state of slumber on this occasion and awakens after four months, marking the celebration of Prabodhini Ekadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi is alternatively known as Ashadi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. It follows closely after the renowned Jagannath Rathyatra and heralds the commencement of Chaturmas, a sacred period lasting four months in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi:
Ashadi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, is celebrated during the Ashada Shukla Paksha, typically falling in July.
According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu enters a state of Yoga Nidra, or divine slumber, for a period of four months starting from this day. During this time, certain auspicious ceremonies like marriages, known as “Mangalik Karya,” are avoided.
It is believed that during Lord Vishnu’s rest, He stays with King Bali in Patal Loka, while Lord Shiva oversees earthly affairs.
Despite Lord Shiva being married to Goddess Parvati, He is considered a Sannyasi, or ascetic. As a result, marriage ceremonies are also abstained from during this period.
The Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to bestow devotees with various blessings, including pleasure, health, wealth, prosperity, and overall well-being. Observing this fast is thought to absolve one of past sins and promote a joyful life.
Fasting on this day is a way to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and attain inner peace and tranquility.
Devotees worship Lord Vishnu by making His idol sleep on white bedding. They rise early in the Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and offer prayers, along with Dhoop and Deep to the Lord. The Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha is recited as part of the rituals.
For Vaishnavas, this day holds special significance, and many take vows, such as giving up certain foods or fasting on every Ekadashi day.
Images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are also worshipped, and devotees keep vigil throughout the night, offering prayers in the form of songs. Grains, beans, cereals, vegetables, and spices are avoided during this fast.
In the Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Krishna narrates the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi to Yudhishtira, citing the story of King Mandata.
Facing a severe drought for three years, King Mandata sought a solution to please the rain gods. Sage Angiras advised him to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrata, assuring him of Lord Vishnu’s grace. Following the sage’s guidance, the rain finally blessed his kingdom.
Katha of Devshayani Ekadashi:
Lord Krishna recounted the tale of the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha to Yudhishtira, then proceeded to share a story passed down from Lord Brahma to Narad Muni.
In ancient times, there was a king named Mandhanta renowned for his piety and generosity. He nurtured his kingdom like a caring father would his child, and as a result, it flourished with wealth and prosperity.
However, a severe drought struck his land, depriving it of rainfall for three consecutive years, leading to widespread famine and poverty among his subjects. Determined to find a solution, King Mandhanta journeyed to a forest where sages resided, seeking guidance from Angira Rishi.
Upon meeting the sage, the king humbly explained the dire situation facing his kingdom. Angira Rishi, employing his yogic powers, revealed that the suffering was a consequence of a Shudra in the kingdom worshiping Lord Vishnu without proper purification, a practice limited to Brahmins in Satyuga.
Despite the sage’s suggestion to halt the Shudra’s worship, King Mandhanta upheld the principle of religious freedom, insisting that all individuals have the right to worship the divine. Thus, he sought an alternative remedy.
Angira Rishi then advised the king to observe the Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat, emphasizing its potency in absolving sins and granting blessings. He recommended that the king’s relatives, servants, and ministers also undertake the fast.
Grateful for the sage’s guidance, King Mandhanta returned to his kingdom and decreed that all inhabitants observe the Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat. Moved by the kingdom’s collective devotion, Lord Vishnu showered blessings upon them, bringing an end to the drought and restoring happiness and abundance.
Henceforth, this Ekadashi came to be known as Saubhagyadayani Ekadashi, signifying its role in bestowing prosperity and fortune.