Devshayani Ekadashi 2023

Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha in the Ashad month is known as Devshayani Ekadashi. This month, Devshayani Ekadashi will be celebrated on 29th June 2023. Chatur Mass will also be beginning from this day. Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Padmanabha and Prabodhini. Devshayani fast is considered to be the most important of all. A person fasting on this day is free from all sort of problems. All his wishes are fulfilled and he is blessed by the Lord. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Worshipping Lord Vishnu is considered to be very important on Devshayani Ekadashi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu’s resting time begins from this day. The resting time of Lord Vishnu is believed to be for four months which begins from the day of Devshayani Ekadashi.

Importance of Hari Shayani Ekadashi

A detailed explanation of Devshayani or Hari Shayani Ekadashi has been given in Puranas. Beginning from this day, Lord Vishnu resides in the underworld for a duration of four months. Lord Vishnu goes to the underworld on the day of Ekadashi in the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. He stays there for four months and comes back when Sun enters Libra sign. This day is known as Devothani Ekadashi. During these four months, Lord Vishnu resides and rests in the Kshir Sagar. Therefore, religious activities are not carried out during these four months.

Devshayani Ekadashi worship

Devshayani fast begins from the night of Dashami. Salt should not be consumed on the night of Dashami. On the next morning, you should wake up early, take a bath and worship Lord Vishnu’s idol with total devotion and dedication. Panchamrit should be used during his worship. Dhoop, deep, flowers etc. should also be used. Tambul and Pungifal should be dedicated to Lord Vishnu before chanting some mantras. Besides this, all the principles of fasting mentioned in the Shastras should be strictly followed.

Devshayani Ekadashi Fast story

There is a famous story associated with Prabodhini Ekadashi. There was a king named Mandhata who belonged to the Surya dynasty. He was honest, magnificent and energetic. He considered his subjects as a part of his own family. Mandhata’s kingdom was always prosperous. But once, there was a draught in the kingdom. All the subjects went to the King’s palace and asked for his help. Mandhata did not have any solution to this problem and proceeded towards the jungle in order to find one. On his way, he visited Saint Angira’s asylum. Saint Angira’s was lord Brahma’s son. The king discussed his problem with Saint Angira, who advised him to fast on Ekadashi. As advised, the king kept a fast on Ekadashi and was free of all his problems. A person fasting on this day should control his feelings, behaviour, food etc. Ekadashi fast guides a person to walk on the path of salvation and freedom.