 |
| Devshayani Ekadashi Festival |
Hindu Fast Devshyani Ekadashi 2016 = 15th July (Friday)
Hindu festival Devshayani Ekadashi is also known by the name of Ashadh Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi and Prathama Ekadashi. The holy period of four months named as ‘Chaturmas’ begins after Devshayani Ekadashi when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep usually.
Most probably, Devshayani Ekadashi begins after the completion of Jagannath Rath Yatra and Padarpur Yatra. Devotees in Maharashtra celebrate Devshayani Ekadashi with religious fervor. The Main celebration of the festival takes place in Lord Vithal (An incarnation of Lord Krishna) temple with great excitedness.
Most probably, Devshayani Ekadashi begins after the completion of Jagannath Rath Yatra and Padarpur Yatra. Devotees in Maharashtra celebrate Devshayani Ekadashi with religious fervor. The Main celebration of the festival takes place in Lord Vithal (An incarnation of Lord Krishna) temple with great excitedness.
Beginning of Chaturmas Period
Usually, Devshayani Ekadashi occurs on a day at the beginning of the Chaturmas Period. The word Chaturmas stands for four months with Chatur referring four and Mas means month. The Chaturmas period includes the Hindu months Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadarva and Aso. Throughout the Chaturmas period, the devotees are expected to observe penance, carry on devotional activities and have restrictions over their senses. The festive activities and celebrations make these Chaturmas moths live and act.
Significance Of Devshayani Ekadashi
According to religious scriptures, the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi was first explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira who was the king of Mandata. He faced the problem of drought for three years in his Kingdom. This created a precarious condition and the residents of the kingdom had to face hard times. Rivers dried out and man and animal suffered immensely. Due to these happenings, the king was very sad and started a journey to find out some solution for his people.
The wish of the king was to appease the Rain Gods and then he met Rishi Angiras to get a solution. Then, the Rishi advised to observe a fast on Devshayani Ekadashi along with the entire population of the kingdom. Due to this Ekadashi fast following by the King and farmers, Lord Vishnu blessed, the kingdom and heavy rains occurred. Thereafter, the people lived happily with rains prosperity.
Thus, it became a ritual to fast on this auspicious day and is symbolized as the prosperity and good luck to those who showed religious devotion.
Celebrations of Devshayani Ekadashi
All the devotees get the blessings of Lord Vishnu on observing fast of the Devshayani Ekadashi. A true devotee is able to attain salvation if fasting is done by true deposit. The fast of Devshayani Ekadashi helps to fulfil the devotees wishes and aid them to attain freedom from their past sins.
Many devotees of Vishnu observe the fast for two consecutive days. However, the fasting on the second day is suggested only for those who wish to attain Sanyas (salvation) in the long run. Widows and those looking forward to attain Moksha too can go for the second day fast of Devshayani Ekadashi.
Read deeply about DEVSHAYANI EKADASHI
Related upcoming Festivals in Month Of July, 2016
Shravani Mela 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment