Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi, marks a deeply significant turning point in the Hindu calendar.
Falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadha (June-July), it carries the powerful vibration of rest, surrender, and spiritual renewal.
🕉️ The Story of Devshayani Ekadashi
Legend says that on this day, Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe, enters his deep cosmic slumber (Yoga Nidra) on the serpent bed of Shesha in the Ksheer Sagar (cosmic ocean of milk).
This sleep lasts for four months, until he awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik (October-November). These four months are known as Chaturmasya, the sacred period of austerities, sadhana, and deeper inner reflection.
🌺 Why Is Devshayani Ekadashi Important?
🔹 It marks a spiritual pause. As Vishnu rests, devotees also turn inward to rest from outer pursuits and focus on inner purification.
🔹 The beginning of Chaturmasya. Traditionally, it is a time when saints, sadhus, and householders commit to vows – dietary discipline, devotional practices, chanting, study, and simplicity.
🔹 A time to plant seeds. Farmers in Maharashtra and other parts of India celebrate Ashadhi Ekadashi as the start of the sowing season, praying for a good harvest.
🔹 The beginning of Chaturmasya. Traditionally, it is a time when saints, sadhus, and householders commit to vows – dietary discipline, devotional practices, chanting, study, and simplicity.
🔹 A time to plant seeds. Farmers in Maharashtra and other parts of India celebrate Ashadhi Ekadashi as the start of the sowing season, praying for a good harvest.
✨ Rituals of Devshayani Ekadashi
- Fasting (Upavasa). Many observe a full or partial fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or water, to cleanse body and mind.
- Night Vigil (Jagran). Devotees stay awake chanting Vishnu’s names, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita, and singing bhajans.
- Altar offerings. Tulsi leaves, lotus flowers, and seasonal fruits are offered to Vishnu.
- Resolutions for Chaturmasya. People take vows for the next four months such as avoiding onion, garlic, grains on certain days, unnecessary travel, or excess socializing, turning focus inward.
🪷 The Spiritual Meaning
Devshayani Ekadashi is a reminder:
🌙 Even the Gods rest.
In a world obsessed with endless productivity and striving, this day teaches:
- Rest is sacred.
- Pausing is powerful.
- Retreat nurtures the soul.
As Vishnu enters cosmic sleep, it invites us to enter our own Yoga Nidra – not just physical sleep, but the deep letting go of egoic striving, resting in pure awareness, and allowing inner renewal.
🌱 How to Honor Devshayani Ekadashi This Year
✅ Wake early, bathe, and set a sankalpa (intention) for Chaturmasya.
✅ Offer gratitude to Vishnu for protection, sustenance, and grace in your life.
✅ Practice silence (mauna) or reduce speech for a few hours to cultivate inner stillness.
✅ Chant “Om Namo Narayanaya” or Vishnu Sahasranama.
✅ Reflect: Where do I need to rest and surrender control in my life?
✅ Rest deeply at night, entering sleep as an act of devotion.
✅ Offer gratitude to Vishnu for protection, sustenance, and grace in your life.
✅ Practice silence (mauna) or reduce speech for a few hours to cultivate inner stillness.
✅ Chant “Om Namo Narayanaya” or Vishnu Sahasranama.
✅ Reflect: Where do I need to rest and surrender control in my life?
✅ Rest deeply at night, entering sleep as an act of devotion.
🌸 Final Reflection
Devshayani Ekadashi reminds us:
🌙 Rest is not the opposite of devotion. It is devotion.
May this Ekadashi help you let go of restless striving, plant seeds of faith, and awaken renewed with Vishnu’s blessings when He rises again in Kartik.
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