Devshayani Ekadashi 2024: The Beginning of Chaturmas!

Here we are again with another interesting Ekadashi, which falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It’s “Devshayani Ekadashi 2024” also known as Padma Ekadashi, Hari Shayani, Maha Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi and Toli Ekadashi.

This Ekadashi is associated with Lord Vishnu and his eighth incarnation, Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees observe fast, perform rituals and seek blessings to cleanse and purify their mind and body. Come with us to see what’s more in store for the auspicious Devshayani ekadashi Ekadashi.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time

Devshayani Ekadashi Date: 17th July, 2024 (Wednesday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Parana Time: 18th July (05:35 AM to 08:20 AM)
Parana Day Dwadashi End Time: 08:44 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 08:33 PM on Jul 16, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 09:02 PM on Jul 17, 2024

Devshayani Ekadashi Meaning in Hindu Mythology

Devshayani Ekadashi 2024, or Ashadi Ekadashi, is an auspicious observance in Hinduism that falls in the month of July. This day marks the beginning of the Chaturmas or Shravan, the long four-month period when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep. It is believed that during the period of Lord Vishnu’s yogic sleep, he gave Lord Shiva the charge of looking after the entire Universe during his absence.

Moreover, on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, Bhagwan Vishnu, along with his wife, Goddess Laxmi, goes for a yogic sleep known as Yoga Nidra. He sleeps in the body of his serpent, Sheshnag (snake), in Kshirsagar of the cosmic ocean. During this period, he goes to Patal Lok for an entire four months. Also, the four auspicious months of Chaturmas are Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin and Kartik.

Also Read: Somvati Amavasya 2024: Significance, Vrat Katha and Rituals

What is Devshayani Ekadashi Significance?

The beginning of Chaturmas, when Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated, marks the importance of spiritual activities and the need to detach oneself from worldly desires. This Devshayani Ekadashi importance is believed to have a strong transformative power that allows devotees to attain enlightenment and self-discovery through Devshayani Ekadashi vrat and Puja rituals.

However, during this period, Bhagwan Vishnu handed over his responsibility to the Universe to Lord Shiva. Therefore, along with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva is also worshipped and offered special prayers to seek his blessings. So, this four-month chaturmas period is not considered auspicious for weddings, engagements, house warmings, mundan, etc. During this time, one can partake in religious activities such as Puja, bhajans, vrat, and Katha, especially because it coincides with the auspicious month of Shravan when Lord Shiva is worshipped.

Legendary Story behind Devshayani Ekadashi

According to the era of Satyug, Devshayani Ekadashi is associated with an ancient hindu mythological story featuring King Mandhata from the Suryavansh dynasty. This story was narrated by Lord Brahma to his son Narad Muni.

According to the legend, King Mandhata, an honest and powerful ruler, once faced a severe drought in his kingdom. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to comfort his suffering. In his search for a solution, he took guidance from Sage Angira (a Vedic rishi of Hinduism), who advised him to observe the fast and rituals of Devshayani Ekadashi. Following the sage’s advice, King Mandhata observed the fast and performed the specified rituals with the greatest devotion.

As a result of his sincere observance of Devshayani Ekadashi, the drought in his kingdom ended, and his people were blessed with prosperity and abundance once again. Therefore, this story describes the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi and highlights the positive impact of observing this auspicious day with faith and devotion.

Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Rituals 2024

Here are some special puja rituals you must follow on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. So, read carefully as Devshayani Ekadashi 2024 is approaching and it can be helpful for you.

Firstly, you must take a dip in holy water, but if it’s not possible and convenient for you. You can add a few drops of Ganga jal in a bucket of water.
Then, clean the prayer room and place an idol of Lord Vishnu. Then, light a diya of sesame oil or ghee in a brass lamp.
You must offer holy water (Ganga Jal), flowers, incense sticks, fruits, and Naivedhya (specially cooked bhog) as an offering to God.
For Puja, you can decorate a big Thamboolam(brass tray) with chandan, fruits, betel leaves, supari, coconut, kumkum, and haldi.
After that, start chanting “Om Bhagavate Vasudevaya” while doing Ekadashi Puja.
You can chant and read the holy book Vishnu Sahasranamam.
In the evening, take a bath, light a new diya, and prepare a special bhog.
Make sure everything you cook is properly cleaned and pure.

Also Read: Jyeshtha Purnima 2024: Know the Time, Date, and Significance

Tips if you are observing fast on Devshayani Ekadashi 2024

Devshayani Ekadashi Puja can be done by anyone, but these tips are for those who are observing fast on this day. Here are special tips to keep in mind if you are fasting.

Note: For those who are fasting, the Ekadashi vrat starts from the Dashami Tithi, the 10th night before the Ekadashi begins.

Wake up before sunrise and take a bath during the Brahma Muhurat.
Wear clean and washed clothes before starting the vrat rituals.
Light a ghee diya, offer fruits, and start meditating for a while.
Keep chanting “O Asvakrante, O Rathakrante, O Vishnukrante, O Vasundhare and O Mrttike”. Keep chanting throughout the meditation period.
During vrat, you must avoid eating food with onions and garlic. Instead, you can eat fruits, nuts, sabudana khichdi, and Singhare ki Puri.
Donating during the fast is considered very beneficial. You can offer food and clothes to the needy.
People who are observing fast must stay awake all night and indulge in kirtan and bhajans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the meaning of Devshayani Ekadashi?

Devshayani Ekadashi is a special observance in Hinduism that marks the beginning of the Chaturmas or Shravan when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep for four months and wakes up during Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi.

2. Is Devshayani Ekadashi a good day?

Devshayani Ekadashi, the bright fortnight in the lunar month of Ashadha, is an auspicious and sacred day to observe fasting, seek blessings from Gods and Goddesses, chant bhajans, meditate, and take holy baths.

3. How to decorate Lord Vishnu on Devshayani Ekadashi?

On this auspicious day, the idol of Lord Vishnu is given a holy bath and decorated the idol with Shankh (shell), Chakra (Lord Vishnu’s weapon), Gadha, flowers and yellow clothes.

4. What not to do on Devshayani Ekadashi?

On Devshayani Ekadashi, it’s important to refrain from consuming food containing onion and garlic and from engaging in any mischievous activities. Additionally, it is advised to avoid sleeping at night and refrain from participating in any intimate actions during this time.

5. Can I perform Vishnu Sahasranama Puja during Devshayani Ekadashi?

Absolutely, performing Vishnu Sahasranama Puja at your home by performing havans and other activities can cleanse the aura of the home. This will add positivity to your home and give you wealth and prosperity in life.

6. What to do during the Chaturmas period of four months?

Chaturmas are the resting period of Gods and Goddesses, and thus, special functions are avoided during this time. So, it’s best to keep yourself clean and purified by taking a holy bath daily before sunrise and observing chaturmas vrat.

Also Read: Varuthini Ekadashi Significance, Story And More

For interesting Astrological Facts and Videos, follow us on Instagram and read your daily horoscope.