Devshayani Ekadashi

Get Rid From All Your Sins

Devshayani Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Padma and Shayani Ekadashi. This day is observed especially by Hindus in India and Nepal. Though it is holy for all Hindus, this day holds more importance to devotees of Lord Vishnu and also to followers of Nath Sampradaya.

The story of this day narrates how King Yudhishtra asked Lord Krishna about the importance of Devshayni Ekadashi. Lord Krishna said that whoever worships Him on this day with devotion and without fail attains very good results in life. Devotees keep fasting on this Ekadashi and get rid of all their sins and sufferings from life. They can attain the divine grace of Lord Vishnu by performing rituals on this day.

On this day, devotees observe fast for the whole day. There are a lot of legends associated with this day. It is believed that Lord Vishnu enters into Yoga Nidra on this day. Devotees believe that worshipping on this day provides them with the greatest benefits. Devshayani Ekadashi is considered very auspicious for all and it is believed that observing fast on this day purifies all sins committed till date. Devotees are expected to take only fruit and milk as alms during fasts observed on this day.

Usually, people take a vow on this day to devote their lives in God's service. Lord Vishnu goes into a deep sleep on this day which lasts for four months. This period is called "Chaturmas."

What is Devshayani Ekadashi?

The word 'Devshayani' means 'the God sleeps' and 'Ekadashi' means the 11th day of Shukla Paksha (bright lunar phase) in a month according to the Hindu calendar. During this auspicious festival, people observe a fast by keeping themselves away from smoking, drinking alcohol and food habits like meat and fish.

As Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi, the word 'Shayani' in Marathi means sleeping and 'Dev' means God, therefore this Ekadashi is connected to the sleep of Lord Vishnu.

In the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day (Tithi) of every fortnight in both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. As per legend, Shukla Paksha's Ekadashi is celebrated as Devshayani Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi. The day starts on Purnima in Ashadh month and ends with the same day of the following month that is Shravana. Some people observe fasting for two days, while some even fast for three days.

Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi

• By observing a fast on Devshayani Ekadashi, one obtains all auspiciousness, attains liberation and heaven.
• The fasting is of the greatest importance for the execution of the ritual, because it is established at a time when the earth becomes refreshed and rejuvenated.
• It helps in realising self-realisation and helps to attain Moksha.
• All devotees who fast, observe a vow of silence (mauna), or perform austerities on this day become relieved from the bondage of their material bodies. The deity resides in their hearts permanently, bestowing upon them perfect happiness.
• It is also believed that one who dies on Devshayani Ekadashi attains liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Know About Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat

There are five major vidhis that one should perform on Devshayani Ekadashi: Gyaan-Vidhi, Karm-Vidhi, Adhyatmik-Vidhi, Madhurya-Vidhi and Bhakti-Vidhi. Devotees should follow these steps:

• Aspirants should wake up very early in the morning, bathe with Gangajal and do Yoga, vigorous exercise and meditation.
• Devotees should visit a temple to offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees should recite the 'ekadashi katha' followed by offering bhog to Lord Vishnu by invoking him with 108 names.
• Devotees should donate food to Brahmins and donation of Cow is also advised on this day.
• Devotees should clean the house in order to welcome Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees should offer worship as per their capacity with holy water and food items like jaggery (gud).