Introduction
Devshayani
Ekadashi (also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi
Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, and Tholi Ekadashi in Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana) is one of the most sacred Ekadashis dedicated to Lord
Vishnu.
It
is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Ashadha month and marks the
beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period when Lord Vishnu is
believed to enter Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) upon Adishesha in the divine
Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk).
In
2026, Devshayani Ekadashi falls on Saturday, 25 July.
History
- Mentioned in Padma
Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
- Lord Vishnu
enters Yoga Nidra on this day and remains in cosmic meditation for four
months.
- During
Chaturmas, devotees intensify fasting, pilgrimage, charity, and
scriptural study.
- Auspicious
ceremonies like marriages and housewarmings are postponed until Prabodhini
Ekadashi.
Significance
- “Devshayani”
means the day when the Lord goes to sleep.
- Symbolizes
awakening of inner consciousness while the Lord rests.
- Observing
this Ekadashi is believed to:
- Destroy sins
- Grant peace
and prosperity
- Bring Lord
Vishnu’s blessings
- Encourage
self-discipline and devotion
- Prepare
devotees for spiritual festivals culminating in Prabodhini Ekadashi
Puranic
Stories
1.
King Mandhata
- A righteous
king faced drought in his kingdom.
- Sage Angira
advised him to observe Devshayani Ekadashi.
- The king and
his subjects observed the vrat sincerely.
- Lord Vishnu
blessed them with rainfall and prosperity.
2.
Lord Vamana & King Bali
- After
subduing King Bali, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon.
- Vishnu
promised to stay with Bali in Patala Loka during Chaturmas.
- Symbolizes
that the Lord never abandons sincere devotees.
Puja
Vidhi
Preparations
on Dashami (Day before Ekadashi):
- Eat only
sattvic food.
- Avoid grains,
onion, garlic, meat, alcohol.
- Sleep on the
floor as humility.
On
Ekadashi Day:
- Wake during
Brahma Muhurta.
- Take a sacred
bath.
- Make a
Sankalp (vow).
- Worship Lord
Vishnu with Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers.
- Light ghee
lamp and incense.
- Offer fruits,
Panchamrit, sweets.
- Recite:
- Vishnu
Sahasranama
- Bhagavad
Gita
- Vishnu
Gayatri Mantra
- Om Namo
Narayanaya
- Hari Nama
Sankirtana
Fasting
Rules
- Nirjala Vrat:
No food or water.
- Phalahar
Vrat: Fruits, milk, water only.
- Partial Fast:
One sattvic meal without grains.
Avoid: rice,
wheat, lentils, pulses, onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, anger, falsehood.
Parana
(Breaking the Fast):
- On Dwadashi
after Hari Vasara.
- Offer
prayers, feed Brahmins/poor, donate food/clothes.
Scriptural
References
- Padma Purana:
Observance destroys sins, grants Moksha.
- Brahma
Vaivarta Purana: Fulfills worldly and spiritual
desires.
- Bhagavata
Purana: Describes Vishnu’s Yoga Nidra and
Chaturmas significance.
Temple
Celebrations
|
Temple |
Location |
Special
Celebration |
|
Vitthal
Rukmini Temple |
Pandharpur,
Maharashtra |
Conclusion
of Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage |
|
Padmanabhaswamy
Temple |
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala |
Vishnu
Yoga Nidra rituals |
|
Sri
Ranganathaswamy Temple |
Srirangam,
Tamil Nadu |
Vishnu
pujas & processions |
|
Jagannath
Temple |
Puri,
Odisha |
Post-Rath
Yatra observances |
|
Badrinath
Temple |
Uttarakhand |
Beginning
of Chaturmas rituals |
Regional
Observances:
- Maharashtra:
Pandharpur Wari concludes on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
- Andhra
Pradesh & Telangana: Known as Tholi
Ekadashi; seeds are sown symbolizing new beginnings.
- North India:
Vishnu yajnas, satsangs, bhajans, annadanam.
Do’s
and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Wake during
Brahma Muhurta
- Worship
Vishnu with Tulsi leaves
- Chant Vishnu
Sahasranama
- Read Bhagavad
Gita
- Perform
charity
- Practice
truthfulness and compassion
Don’ts:
- Avoid grains
and tamasic foods
- No alcohol or
intoxicants
- Avoid anger,
harsh speech, violence
- Do not begin
major ceremonies during Chaturmas
FAQs
When
is Devshayani Ekadashi in 2026? Saturday, 25 July
2026.
Why
is it called Devshayani Ekadashi? It marks Lord Vishnu
entering Yoga Nidra.
What
is Chaturmas? Four-month spiritual period from
Devshayani to Prabodhini Ekadashi.
Why
is it called Tholi Ekadashi? In Andhra Pradesh &
Telangana, it is the “First Ekadashi” after monsoon begins.
Can
everyone observe the fast? Yes, with variations based on health
and age.
Conclusion
Devshayani
Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually significant
observances, marking the beginning of Chaturmas, a sacred period of
devotion and self-discipline. By fasting, worshipping Lord Vishnu, reciting
scriptures, and practicing charity, devotees seek blessings for peace,
prosperity, and spiritual growth.
In 2026, Devshayani Ekadashi falls on 25 July, offering devotees a sacred opportunity to renew faith and embark on deeper spiritual reflection as Lord Vishnu enters His divine Yoga Nidra.