Devshayani Ekadashi

Ekadashi Tithi begins at 00:25 on 27th July 2015

Ekadashi Tithi ends at 00:10 on 28th July 2015

Parana time or time to break the fast in from 05:54 to 08:25 on 28th July 2015

Devshayani Ekadashi, also k nown as Deva Sayani Ekadasi, Shayana Ekadashi and Tholi Ekadashi, falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month (June-July), according to Hindu calendar. People worship Lord Vishnu on this day as it is believed on this day Vishnu falls asleep in his cosmic ocean of milk, known as Ksheersagar. Thus this day is also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi, meaning the eleventh day on which the God sleeps. He sleeps for four months and wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of bright fortnight in the month of Kartik, (October-November), according to Hindu calendar. These slumber four months are collectively known as Chaturmas.

Legend for Observing the Fast

This story and its significance was told to Yudhisthira by Krishna. Once a good and noble king named Mandhata governed a prosperous kingdom. He was just and people under his kingdom were very happy. The only issue his kingdom faced was lack of rainfall because of which farmers couldn’t grow crops and thus couldn’t earn money. Many humans and animals died due to lack of water. Mandhata went to many sages for a solution but nothing worked for him. Finally he met a wise sage named Angira who told him to observe the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi with complete dedication and pure heart. He followed the advice of the sage and observed the fast along with his family members and courtiers. Soon rainfall arrived at his kingdom and the period of drought ended. The people were happy again and thankful to their king and they lived once again in prosperity.

How to Observe the Fast?

Devotees should be extra cautious and observe penance. They should not indulge in evil activities like jealousy, greed, anger etc. They should also stay at bay from sensual gratification. The time should be used in praying and meditating. It is considered very auspicious to take a dip in holy water as Vishnu himself resides in the water, thus making it purer. Chanting Vishnu’s thousand names also prove very beneficial. One should also listen to his teachings.

One can observe the fast for the complete day without consuming any food item or a single meal without grains or cereals can be consumed throughout the day. People who want to perform rituals for their deceased ancestors can do it in the afternoon. Earlier, horse sacrifices were a common practice for the day but nowadays, fire sacrifice has become a part of the ritual.

Benefits of Observing the Fast

Devshayani Ekadashi opens the gate of peace and prosperity for the devotees. People can get all their wishes fulfilled by observing this fast. It also makes devotees more controlled and stable, both physically and emotionally. If the fasting is done according to the rituals with utmost dedication then one can attain salvation as he would be free from the cycle of life and death and all his evil activities of the past would be forgiven. Most of the people looking for salvation, fast for two consecutive days.

Devotees can gain a charming life and a blissful future be observing this fast.

Pandharpur Yatra

A religious procession of pilgrims takes place at Pandharpur (Solapur district, Maharashtra). The locals worship another form of Vishnu called Vithoba and his images and idols are offered flowers, fruits and incense sticks. People sing hymns dedicated to the deity and spend the entire day in worshipping him.

 

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