In Hinduism, Ekadashi tithis are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but Devshayani Ekadashi holds a special and profound significance. Also known as Aashaadh Shukla Ekadashi, it marks the beginning of Chaturmas. This auspicious day will be observed on July 6th, 2025. On this day, Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra (divine sleep) on the serpent Sheshnag's bed in the Kshirsagar (ocean of milk), a slumber lasting four months.
This Ekadashi is not only considered highly auspicious religiously but also gains further significance through its associated traditions, cosmic cycles, and the spirit of penance and self-discipline. Let's explore this day in detail – the worship method, auspicious timings, religious beliefs, and the depth of Chaturmas.
Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Date and Muhurat
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 5th, 2025, at 6:58 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 6th, 2025, at 9:14 PM
- Vrat and Puja Date: July 6th, 2025 (Sunday)
- Paran (Breaking the Fast): After sunrise on July 7th
Observing a fast and performing puja on this day is believed to fulfill desires, bring mental peace, and lead to moksha (liberation).
Religious Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu's Yog Nidra, which lasts for four months – until Prabodhini Ekadashi (November 2nd, 2025 this year). This period is known as Chaturmas. It is the time when Lord Vishnu, the preserver of creation, rests, and the responsibility of the world is taken over by Lord Shiva and other deities.
From a religious perspective, during this time:
- Auspicious events like weddings, housewarmings, tonsure ceremonies, and naming ceremonies are prohibited.
- Only activities like recitation, meditation, chanting, penance, pilgrimage, and charity are considered auspicious.
- Rishis (sages) and saints spend this period in penance and spiritual practices.
Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise) and take a bath, wearing yellow clothes.
- Cleanse the home's worship area, spread a yellow cloth, and install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
- With water, flowers, rice, and fruits in hand, make a vow for the fast – 'Om Vishnave Namah, Aham Vishnoh Ekadashi Vratam Aham Karishye.'
- Bathe the deity with Panchamrit (milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar) and pure water.
- Offer sandalwood paste, Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, incense, a lamp, fruits, betel nut, and betel leaf.
- Light a ghee lamp and recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Vishnu Stotra.
- Listen to and share the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha (story).
- Finally, perform the aarti of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Mata and offer bhog (food offering) – including yellow sweets, milk-based dishes, and Tulsi leaves.
What to do and what not to do during Chaturmas?
Do
- Increase devotion to God and religious recitations.
- Perform charity, especially donating food, clothes, and water.
- Follow a sattvic diet and a disciplined lifestyle.
- Undertake pilgrimages, yagnas (sacrificial rites), fasts, and observe religious rules.
Don't
- Conduct auspicious events like weddings, engagements, housewarmings, and tonsure ceremonies.
- Consume onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and excessively oily food.
- Engage in unnecessary travel and disputes.
- Indulge in laziness and negligence.
The Story of Devshayani Ekadashi
In ancient times, King Mandhata consulted Maharshi Angira to find a solution to the severe famine and drought in his kingdom. The sage advised him to observe the Aashaadh Shukla Ekadashi fast. When the king and his subjects performed this fast with devotion, rain fell, the famine ended, and prosperity returned. Since then, this fast has been considered highly fruitful and beneficial.
Special Benefits of this Day
- Those who observe a fast and perform puja on this day receive Lord Vishnu's special grace.
- It brings happiness and peace to the home and relieves mental stress.
- This fast is believed to alleviate sins from past lives and bring auspicious opportunities into life.
- It is considered an excellent practice towards attaining moksha.
Devshayani Ekadashi is not merely a fast or religious day; it symbolizes the spiritual beginning of Chaturmas. It's a time for self-reflection, devotion, service, and restraint. Those who observe the fast and perform puja with complete faith on this day will experience happiness, prosperity, and peace in their lives, bestowed by the grace of Lord Vishnu.
