Devshayani Ekadashi is when the divine sleep (shayana) of Lord Vishnu in his cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheer Sagar) starts. It is said that on this day, Lord Vishnu falls asleep to rest on his serpent bed, Shesh.

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Shayani Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi, is an important Hindu observance that falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which typically corresponds to June or July in the Gregorian calendar.

The story behind Devshayani Ekadashi is rooted in Hindu mythology and is closely associated with Lord Vishnu. The legend is mentioned in several ancient scriptures, including the Bhavishyottara Puran. Here’s the story:

The Legend of Devshayani Ekadashi:

Once upon a time, there was a powerful king named Mandata who ruled over his kingdom with wisdom and compassion. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and happiness, and his subjects adored him. However, after many years of rule, a severe drought struck his kingdom. No rain fell, and as a result, the rivers dried up, crops failed, and the people began to suffer from hunger and thirst.

King Mandata, deeply troubled by the plight of his people, sought the advice of sages and learned men. They advised him to seek the blessings of the gods to bring rain and prosperity back to the kingdom. The king then embarked on a pilgrimage to various holy places, performing rituals and offering prayers to appease the gods. Despite his sincere efforts, the drought persisted.

During his journey, King Mandata met the great sage Angira Rishi. The sage, after listening to the king’s concerns, advised him to observe the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi, which falls in the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha. Sage Angira explained that this day is extremely auspicious and that by observing the fast with full devotion, the king could not only rid his kingdom of the drought but also secure the blessings of Lord Vishnu for peace and prosperity.

Following the sage’s advice, King Mandata observed the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi with great devotion. He spent the entire day in prayer, worship, and meditation, abstaining from all forms of food and worldly pleasures. His devotion pleased Lord Vishnu, who, in turn, blessed the king and his kingdom.

As a result of the king’s devotion, the drought ended, and rain began to pour down on the kingdom, restoring its prosperity and happiness. The people rejoiced, and King Mandata’s fame as a righteous and devoted ruler spread far and wide.

The Significance:

The story of Devshayani Ekadashi emphasizes the power of devotion and the importance of observing this sacred day to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The day also marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu’s four-month slumber (Chaturmas), during which devotees engage in increased religious activities, austerities, and acts of devotion.

This Ekadashi is not just about fasting but is also a time for spiritual reflection and renewal, as Lord Vishnu is believed to rest, preparing the world for a new cycle of creation, growth, and prosperity.

• Beginning of Chaturmas: Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the four-month period known as Chaturmas, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the Kshirasagara (Ocean of Milk). This period is considered very auspicious for penance, fasting, and religious activities.
• Religious Observances: Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a fast on this day and engage in prayers, reading scriptures, and performing other religious activities to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• End of the Monsoon: Devshayani Ekadashi also coincides with the onset of the monsoon season in India, making it an important period for farmers and those dependent on agriculture.
• Significance for Married Women: It is also a significant day for married women, who pray for the well-being of their husbands and families.

Rituals:

• Fasting: Devotees typically observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. Some may follow a water-only fast, while others might consume fruits and milk.
• Prayer and Worship: Special prayers and pujas are offered to Lord Vishnu, and devotees often visit temples dedicated to Him. Reciting or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama and other sacred texts is also common.
• Night Vigil: Some devotees stay awake throughout the night, singing devotional songs, reciting prayers, and meditating on Lord Vishnu.
• Breaking the Fast: The fast is usually broken the next day, after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Devshayani Ekadashi is the beginning of a spiritually significant period that culminates with Prabodhini Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from His sleep.