Devshyani Ekadashi, or Ashadi Ekadashi, is the beginning of the Chaturmas period. A period of four months in the Hindu calendar when Lord Vishnu is believed to enter into the state of yogic sleep or Yoga Nidra.
It’s said that at this time, Lord Vishnu rests on the serpent Shesha in the cosmic ocean of milk known as Ksheer Sagar.
Curious to know more about this story? Let’s have a deep look into it in this informational blog.
Let’s start by first introducing you to a little bit of Devshyani Ekadashi—the period when Lord Vishnu falls into sleep.
About Devshayani Ekadashi
Falling on the 11th day of the bright fortnight, the sacred day holds great spiritual significance. The devotees of Lord Vishnu practice deep meditation and spiritual discipline this day, which helps them take a step forward towards inner awakening.
The history of this Ekadashi dates back to ancient times when it was addressed with the name “Bhavishya Purana.” It tells us about the story of King Mandhata, who observed a strict penance to seek forgiveness from Lord Vishnu. As a result, Lord Vishnu blessed him and imparted to him the importance of fasting on this day.
People also call it Padma Ekadashi and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. The devotees start this day by taking a bath in the holy water and then worshipping Lord Vishnu either by visiting the Lord Vishnu temple or by placing the idol at home or Shri Vishnu Yantra at the altar and praying to it.
They also chant Hari mantras, Vishnu ji mantras and offer cow ghee, five fruits, dry fruits, chandan (yellow), yellow flower garlands, roli, and sweets before the idol.
Some also organize a hawan at home to ward off negativity from the house, while some also feel it sacred to help people or serve the needy this particular day to please the deity.
The Period Of Cosmic Sleep Of Lord Vishnu
In this specified period, it is believed that Lord Vishnu dives into Yoga Nidra, the state of deep sleep, free from the duties of the universe and resting on the serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk.
Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from his deep slumber on Devuthani Ekadashi, commonly called Prabodhini Ekadashi, which marks the end of the Chaturmas period and the return of auspicious activities.
Let’s know the story of Devshayani Ekadashi in detail:
As per the Padma Purana, it is said that once there was a king, Mandata, a kind and righteous ruler, whose kingdom was suffering from severe drought. When he was unable to find any solution for it, he sought the guidance of a sage named Angira, who advised him to observe the vrat of Devashyani Ekadashi.
After he had kept the vrat, he saw that the kingdom was suddenly blessed with rain, symbolizing the universe’s connection with Lord Vishnu, who instantly helped overcome the drought situation of the kingdom. Therefore, whoever observes this Ekadashi with a pure heart gets blessed with infinite prosperity from Lord Vishnu.
Do’s on Devshayani Ekadashi
- Observe a strict fast
- Chant Vishnu ji Mantras
- Visit Vishnu Ji temple
- Do Tulsi Puja
- Practice kindness and charity
Don’ts On Devshayani Ekadashi
- Avoid eating the food that is prohibited.
- Don’t dwell on negative emotions.
- Try not to sleep on this day; instead, chant mantras or do bhajans.
- Avoid breaking the fast before Dwadashi, which means the next day.
In Conclusion
So, Devshayani Ekadashi is not only about the cosmic sleep of Lord Vishnu, but it’s a divine time for Vishnu ji’s devotees to attain inner enlightenment and consciousness, observing the vrat with devotion, sincerity, and truthfulness.
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