कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृते: स्वभावात्।
करोमि यद्यत्सकलं परस्मै नारायणायेति समर्पयामि॥

Devshayani Ekadashi occurs during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Ashadha month (June-July). It is one of most significant Ekadashis in Hindu calendar, marking beginning of Chaturmas, four month holy period during monsoon season. On this day, Bhagawan Vishnu enters cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) on Sheshnag in Ksheera Sagara (ocean of milk) for four months and awakens on Devutthana Ekadashi in Kartik month. Devotees dedicate this day to worship Lord Vishnu to seek eternal peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Meaning and Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals spiritual importance of this divine day. In Sanskrit, Dev refers to Lord Vishnu and Shayani means sleeping. Therefore, Devshayani Ekadashi translates to 11th day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep. It is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Hari Sayana Ekadashi.

This period marks time of introspection, spiritual discipline, and restraint. Since Bhagawan Vishnu goes into cosmic slumber, auspicious events like marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and major celebrations are paused during Chaturmas. Observing fast on Devshayani Ekadashi purifies soul, grants peace of mind, removes past negative karma, and earns immense blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

Legend associated with Devshayani Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving noble ruler named King Mandhata. King Mandhata ruled prosperous kingdom with great truthfulness, justice, and devotion to subjects. Under his rule, people lived happily and experienced no hardship.

However, severe drought struck kingdom due to past unmanifested karma, and no rain fell for three continuous years. Rivers dried up, crops failed, and people suffered great misery due to starvation. Distressed seeing suffering of his people, King Mandhata journeyed into deep forest to seek advice from wise sages to restore prosperity.

In forest, king reached ashram of Sage Angiras, son of Lord Brahma. King Mandhata bowed respectfully and explained terrible plight of his kingdom, asking for spiritual remedy to bring rain. Sage Angiras advised king to observe Devshayani Ekadashi fast in Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month along with all his subjects. Sage assured him that sincere fast and prayer to Lord Vishnu on this day would restore balance and bring rainfall.

King Mandhata returned to his capital and observed Devshayani Ekadashi fast strictly along with royal family, ministers, and citizens. They worshiped Bhagawan Vishnu with complete faith and devotion. By divine grace of Lord Vishnu, heavy rainclouds gathered over sky and brought abundant rain across kingdom. Drought ended, crops bloomed again, and prosperity was fully restored.

Rituals to be performed on Devshayani Ekadashi

Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath in clean water.

Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu in sleeping posture on Sheshnag should be placed respectfully.

Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, betel leaves, and Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Devshayani Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.

Observe fast during entire day according to individual health capacity. Healthy individuals can observe strict fast without water or taking only water. Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is difficult due to health reasons. Rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains must be avoided strictly. Heavy spices, regular salt, garlic, onion, tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol must be strictly avoided.

Perform evening Aarti with devotion, offer special yellow sweets or fruits as Naivedya, and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, falsehood, or harsh speech.

Break fast next day on Dwadashi tithi during scheduled Parana time. Fast should be broken after sunrise once Hari Vasara period concludes. Offer naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform short prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before eating regular food.

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