Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: 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 – Devshayani Ekadashi 2026. Read ahead to know all the details.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 07:42 AM on Jul 24, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 10:04 AM on Jul 25, 2026

What is Devshayani Ekadashi?

Ashadi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 in Hinduism, is an auspicious observance held in July. This day marks the beginning of the Chaturmas or Shravan, the long four-month period when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep.

Also, during 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 and his wife, Goddess Laxmi, go 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 four months. Therefore, these four auspicious months of Chaturmas are Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin and Kartik.

Also Read: Somvati Amavasya 2025: Significance, Vrat Katha and Rituals

What is Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Significance?

The celebration of Devshayani Ekadashi marks the importance of practising spiritual activities and detaching oneself from worldly desires at the beginning of Chaturmas. The Devshayani Ekadashi importance has 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 of the Universe to Lord Shiva. Therefore, we worship Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and offer special prayers to seek their blessings. So, this four-month chaturmas period is not auspicious for weddings, engagements, housewarmings, mundan, etc.

During this time, individuals must actively participate in religious activities such as Puja, bhajans, vrat, and Katha because it coincides with the auspicious month of Shravan. Other names for this Ekadashi include – Padma Ekadashi, Hari Shayani, Maha Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi and Toli Ekadashi.

Also, read more about all the Ekadashi in 2025.

Legendary Story behind Devshayani Ekadashi

According to the era of Satyug, Devshayani Ekadashi holds significance in ancient hindu mythological stories featuring King Mandhata from the Suryavansh dynasty. Lord Brahma narrated this story 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.

King Mandhata Observes Fast

Following the sage’s advice, King Mandhata observed the fast and performed the specified rituals with the greatest devotion. His sincere observance of Devshayani Ekadashi resulted in the end of the drought in his kingdom, blessing his people 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 2026

Here are some special puja rituals you must follow on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. So, read carefully as Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 is approaching, and it can be helpful for you.

Firstly, you must 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. 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.
Ensure that you clean and purify everything you cook.

Also Read: Jyeshtha Purnima 2025: Know the Time, Date, and Significance

Tips for Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Fast

Anyone can do Devshayani Ekadashi Puja, 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 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 meditate 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 food and clothes to the needy during the fast brings many benefits.
People who are observing fast must stay awake all night and indulge in kirtan and bhajans.

Conclusion

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026, falling on July 25, marks the beginning of Chaturmas, when Lord Vishnu enters a four-month yogic sleep. Devotees observe strict fasts and perform rituals to seek blessings and spiritual growth. It is a sacred time for meditation and detachment from worldly desires while pausing major life celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 do you 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 or engaging in mischievous activities. Additionally, it is advised to avoid sleeping at night and abstain from participating in any intimate actions during this time.

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

Performing Vishnu Sahasranama Puja at your home by conducting havans and other activities can cleanse the home’s aura. This will bring positivity to your home and give you wealth and prosperity.

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

Chaturmas are the resting period of Gods and Goddesses; 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

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