Devshayani Ekadashi has great significance in Hinduism. It is a very auspicious day and is also called Ashadhi Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, etc. Ekadashi comes twice a month, once during the Shukla Paksha and once during the Krishna Paksha. Hence, there are 24 Ekadashi days in a year. Ekadashi days are very important for Vishnu devotees. They observe a Vrat/fast on this day.
‘Dev’ refers to god, and ‘shayani’ refers to sleep. Devyani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a period of four holy months, when Lord Vishnu goes into Yog nidra or cosmic sleep in the Ksheer Sagar or Milky Ocean. Vishnu is the deity who preserves the universe. During this period, as Vishnu slumbers, Lord Shiva assumes the role of the protector of the universe. Thus, it is a major celestial shift.
This sacred Ekadashi holds great significance in the religious and
spiritual sense. It brings spiritual merit and inner purification, as well as a deep connection with the divine. This Ekadashi always follows the Puri Jagannath Yatra.
Devshayani Ekadashi falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight) in Ashadha month (June–July). During his sleep, Vishnu is believed to rest on the divine serpent Sheshnag.
Chaturmas is a spiritually intense phase. It is ideal for devotion, penance, and purification. During these months, auspicious ceremonies like marriage or housewarming are not performed.
The Legend Behind Devyani Ekadashi
The Padma Purana and Skanda Purana claim that, once, Vishnu felt tired sustaining the universe for a long period, and fell into a state of yogic sleep. Vishnu chose Ashadha Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha for his divine slumber and decided to take rest for four months. He awoke only on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Karthik.
During Vishnu’s cosmic sleep, Lord Shiva takes care of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Vishnu’s consort, Goddess Lakshmi, stays alert and vigilant, ensuring Dharma and prosperity.
This period is believed to be good for prayers, vrat (fasting), charity, and introspection, as the divine energy is more inward-focused and highly receptive to the devotion of worshippers.
How to Observe Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat?
The rituals of this Ekadashi are mentioned in the scriptures. Lord Krishna himself specified them while responding to a query by the Pandava prince, Yudhishthira.
One should observe the vrat (fast) of Devshayani Ekadashi with devotion, purity, and discipline. The rituals for the observance are given below:
1. Preparations:
Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat (4–6 AM).
Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
Clean the Pooja space or altar. Keep an idol or image of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent, Sheshnag.
2. Take Sankalp (Resolution):
Take a solemn vow to observe the Ekadashi vrat.
3. Pooja Vidhi:
Offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, Chandan/sandalwood paste, fruits, and sweets to Vishnu.
Light ghee lamps and incense sticks.
Chant Vishnu Mantras like Vishnu Sahasranama, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and Hari Om.
Offer Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, sugar) to the deity.
4. Fasting:
Nirjala (not taking even water) fast is ideal but not mandatory.
You can also observe a fruits-only fast.
Avoid consuming rice, garlic, onion, and tamasic foods.
5. Read the Scriptures:
Read stories about Vishnu’s incarnations, especially the Vamana avatar and Krishna leelas.
Listen to the Devshayani Ekadashi Katha (story).
6. Jagran/Night Vigil
- Spend the night singing Bhajans and kirtan, chanting Mantras, or offering prayers to Vishnu.
- Light a ghee lamp to Sheshnag and Goddess Lakshmi.
Spiritual Blessings of Devshayani Ekadashi
The benefits of observing Devshayani Ekadashi are many. They include:
Freedom from all the sins of your past lives
Protection from evil forces and nightmares
A long, prosperous, and righteous life
Blessings of both Vishnu and Shiva
Mental clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual growth
Moksha (liberation) for departed ancestors if rituals are performed in their name
A place in Vishnu’s abode, Vaikuntha Dham
Shiva’s Role
As Vishnu slumbers, it is Shiva who is the active force of the cosmos. His role covers:
Managing the distribution of karma
Maintaining the cosmic order
Offers divine protection and spiritual progress
Dos and Don’ts of Devshayani Ekadashi
Dos:
Maintain silence and do inner reflection.
Read the scriptures on Vishnu.
Donate to the needy and feed cows.
Offer Tulsi and chant “Om Namo Narayanaya.”
Break the fast during Parana time on Dwadashi Tithi.
Don’ts:
Avoid rice or non-sattvic food like meat, eggs, garlic, and onions.
Do not pluck any Tulsi leaves.
Do not use soap or body wash during your bath.
Avoid lies, anger, or violence.
Maintain celibacy.
Do not disrespect elders or skip Pooja routines.
When Does Vishnu Awaken?
Vishnu wakes up from his slumber on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. This is also called Devutthana or Prabodhini Ekadashi (8 November 2025). On this day, devotees celebrate Tulsi Vivah. The wedding season also commences in the Hindu calendar at this time.
Conclusion:
There are supposedly 33 crore divinities in the Hindu religion. Vishnu and Shiva are part of the Trimurti, which includes Brahma. Vishnu, as preserver, and Shiva, as destroyer, have very important roles to play in the cosmic order. Both Shiva and Vishnu have their own bands of followers or devotees. History is witness to the fierce and bloody squabbles between Vaishnavites and Shaivites over which god is supreme. However, Devshayani Ekadashi reminds us that they are one and the same.