Devshayani Ekadashi

About

Devshayani Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the bright half of Ashadha, Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi. It is the same in the Purnimanta and Amanta calendars, since it is in the Shukla paksha. The name means "the Ekadashi when the god goes to sleep". By tradition Lord Vishnu begins his rest on the cosmic ocean on this day, and it is observed as the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period of devotion, discipline and restraint.

The period ends with Prabodhini Ekadashi (also called Devutthani), in the month of Kartika, when the Lord is believed to awaken. During these months many people take up extra vows, avoid certain foods, and spend more time in prayer. Weddings and other major auspicious events are traditionally not scheduled during Chaturmas.

Significance and stories

One story describes King Mandhata whose land suffered a drought. On the advice of a sage, he observed this Ekadashi, and the rains returned. Another tradition is that Vishnu takes rest on Shesha, the serpent, in the milk ocean for four months.

Many people see Chaturmas as practical wisdom too. It covers the rainy season, when travel was hard and digestion slower, so fasts and simple food were encouraged. For devotees, it is also a time to read scripture, chant, and give service. The Vaishnava tradition of Maharashtra observes the Ashadhi Ekadashi with great fervour, and pilgrims walk to Pandharpur in the Wari to see Lord Vitthal.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Rise early and bathe. Wear clean clothes.
2. Take a sankalpa (intention) to observe the Ekadashi fast and, if you wish, a Chaturmas vow.
3. Place an image of Vishnu, often with Lakshmi, on a clean cloth. Offer a lamp and incense.
4. Bathe the image with water (and panchamrit if your tradition does so), then offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves and sandalwood.
5. Chant "ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय" (om namo bhagavate vasudevaya). Ask a priest or elder to guide pronunciation.
6. Read the Devshayani Ekadashi katha or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
7. Offer fruits and sweets, then perform aarti.
8. Stay awake at night with bhajans and kirtan, if you can, as in the vigil called jagaran.
9. Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) within the time stated in your calendar, after offering food to Vishnu.

Puja items (samagri)

• Image or idol of Vishnu or Vitthal
• Tulsi leaves (fresh if possible), yellow flowers
• Sandalwood paste, turmeric, kumkum, rice
• Incense, ghee lamp, camphor
• Fruits, panchamrit, sweets
• Yellow cloth, in some customs

Fasting and food

Ekadashi fasting is observed in several ways. Some devotees avoid all food and water, while many take fruits, milk, sabudana, potatoes, sweet potato and rock salt. Grains and beans are avoided. A fruit fast or a single meal of allowed foods is accepted. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast. Break the fast on Dwadashi after sunrise, within the parana time given in your Panchang.

Regional customs

In Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi is the high point of the Wari, a pilgrimage in which lakhs of warkaris walk to Pandharpur singing abhangs and honouring Vitthal. In Odisha the day is linked with the Rath Yatra period. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the day is Harishayani, and many families start Chaturmas observances. Jain monks begin their Chaturmas stay in one place around the same time. Customs vary; follow your family's tradition.

Celebrating in the USA

Many Vitthal and Vishnu temples hold an Ekadashi puja, kirtan and a satvik meal. If you cannot go, set up your own small puja at home in the morning or after work. Sabudana, fruit, potatoes and rock salt are easy to find in Indian groceries. If the Ekadashi falls on a workday, you may keep a simple fruit fast, and read the katha in the evening. The parana time on Dwadashi depends on your city, so check your local Panchang. Fresh tulsi can be grown as a houseplant indoors.