The literal meaning of Devshayani Ekadashi is, ‘The God sleeping eleventh’. Other popular names of Devshayani Ekadashi are Padmanabha, Hari Shayani Ekadashi and Prabodhini. The occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is celebrated on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksh) in the Hindu month of ‘Ashadha’(June –July) and thus is also called ‘Ashadhi Ekadashi’. Lord Vishnu’s followers spend the whole night singing hymns and chanting mantras to please the Lord and seek his blessings. Devotees observe fast and take vows to be followed during ‘chaturmas’ or four holy months of rainy season. This sacred day holds high regards among Vishnu followers who are popularly called ‘Vaishnavs’. It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep in the cosmic ocean of milk ’Ksheersagar’ on cosmic serpent ‘Shesh Naga’ and that is why it is called the ‘God sleeping eleventh. It is believed that he sleeps throughout ‘Chaturmas’ and wakes up on ‘Prabodhini Ekadashi’. All the desires are fulfilled on this auspicious occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi and all kinds of problems are removed from the path of an individual. Health related issues are also removed and the person is able to enjoy good health. Fear of accidents and immature death is also removed and the individual becomes fearless. Sense of responsibility is developed in an individual and he takes care of his family, protecting them from difficulties and problems.
What is the legendary story behind celebrating Devshayani Ekadashi?
According to the folklore, once upon a time there lived a king named ‘Mandata’ in Suryavansha kingdom which was a prosperous one. The king was kind, noble and his subjects were quite satisfied from his rule. Unfortunately, once it did not rain for three straight years in the kingdom. People lost their fields and cattle and unhappiness and poverty spread throughout the kingdom. The king consulted a lot of sages to seek solution to his problems, he even did a lot of ‘poojas’, ‘homas’ etc but to no avail. Ultimately, he met with a great sage called, ‘ Angira’ who told him about the Devshayani Ekadashi fast and instructed him how to perform it appropriately. The king observed the fast and completed all the rituals on the holy day along with his family members and courtiers.
To everyone’s happiness and amazement, the kingdom received heavy rainfall and life once again became normal in the kingdom. Since then, the tradition of celebrating this ‘Devshayani Ekadashi’ has been of uttermost significance for those seeking prosperity and happiness in their lives. Thousands of devotees gather on the banks of River Godavari and take a holy dip in the water.
What are the rituals one has to follow on the ‘Devshayani Ekadashi’?
- Devotees have to take a bath in the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ for cleansing and purification of both body and mind.
- People observe fast throughout this day to seek Lord’s blessings.
- They abstains themselves from eating grains, cereals, brains and certain vegetables like onions and certain spices.
- Followers clean the praying area and decorate the idol of Lord Vishnu.
- They clean the idol with ‘Panchamrit’ (mixture of curd, milk, honey, ‘gangajal’ and ‘ghee’)
- They then offer flowers, ‘roli’, ‘kumkum’, incense sticks, holy water, ‘diyas’, lamps, a hand fan and ‘prasadam’(sweets) to the deity.
- People then visit the nearby Vishnu temples along with their families to pay their respects there.
- They listen to Lord Vishnu’s mantras, songs, ‘Bhajans’ and other hymns religiously and chant the powerful, ‘Hare Rama Hare Rama Hare Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Hare Hare’.
- People donate clothes and food to priests as an act of charity in order to receive Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
Devotees must worship Lord Vishnu on ‘Devshayani Ekadashi’ to lead a blissful life. More than the rituals one has to be careful about his ‘karma’ and should abstain from doing bad with others. Lord Vishnu always blesses souls which are pure at heart and dedicated in their love towards him. The auspicious occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi is considered to provide the individuals with various beneficial effects. It is believed that all the problems are eradicated from the life of an individual as the effects of Devshayani Ekadashi. If someone starts with something new and important on this day, like new business or purchase a new property etc, then he assured to get beneficial results. The auspicious occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi is able to provide the individual with success and profits and protects him from negative energies and evil eye. The person is shielded from the fear of any misfortune and an improvement in his luck factor could be observed. All this is possible if he celebrates Devshayani Ekadashi by performing all the necessary rituals. The followers are bestowed with the blessings of Lord Vishnu that protects them from all kind evil effects. The person is also able to overcome his enemies and provided with victory over his competitors with the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Thus, the auspicious occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi provides all kinds of benefits to the followers. Followers are bestowed with the blessings of Lord Vishnu and are protected from all kind of problems. Obstacles are eradicated from their path and they are able to achieve their target with their efforts. Those who seek the love and blessings of Lord Vishnu and want to attain success and growth in life should celebrate the occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi following all the rituals. This could help them to live a happy and prosperous life. They are able to acquire the required wealth and earn profits and benefits in life. This occasion is also considered ideal to eradicate the sins of past life and enable a person to live a healthy life full of satisfaction.
