Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Vishnu Shayani Ekadashi, is one of the most sacred Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It falls during the Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month and marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four holy months dedicated to spiritual practices.

According to Hindu beliefs, on this auspicious day Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) in Kshira Sagar (the Ocean of Milk). He remains in this divine sleep for four months and awakens on Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi).

Devshayani Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious for observing fasts, performing Vishnu Puja, chanting mantras, donating food, and seeking blessings for prosperity, peace, and liberation.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Date & Time

Note: Panchang timings vary slightly depending on your city. Always consult your local Panchang before performing the vrat.

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Meaning of Devshayani Ekadashi

The word Devshayani is derived from two Sanskrit words:

• Dev – Divine Lord (Lord Vishnu)
• Shayani – One who sleeps

Thus, Devshayani Ekadashi signifies the day when Lord Vishnu enters his divine cosmic sleep.

Spiritually, this period symbolizes:

• Inner purification
• Meditation
• Self-discipline
• Reduced attachment to material pleasures
• Increased devotion towards God

Why is Devshayani Ekadashi Important?

Devshayani Ekadashi is important because it marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month sacred period dedicated to worship, fasting, charity, and spiritual growth.

During Chaturmas:

• Weddings are generally avoided.
• Housewarming ceremonies are usually postponed.
• Many saints and spiritual teachers stay at one place and conduct discourses.
• Devotees increase japa, meditation, and charity.

Story Behind Devshayani Ekadashi

According to the Padma Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra on this Ekadashi after protecting the universe from negative forces.

His divine sleep does not mean inactivity. Instead, it represents cosmic balance and the continuous operation of universal laws while devotees dedicate these four months to spiritual upliftment.

The period concludes with Dev Uthani Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu awakens and auspicious ceremonies resume.

Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

Follow these rituals with devotion:

1. Wake Up During Brahma Muhurta

Take a holy bath and wear clean yellow or white clothes.

2. Clean the Puja Place

Decorate the temple with flowers and rangoli.

3. Place Lord Vishnu’s Idol or Image

Install an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu or Lord Narayana.

4. Offer Sacred Items

Offer:

• Tulsi leaves
• Yellow flowers
• Sandalwood paste
• Incense
• Ghee lamp
• Fruits
• Panchamrit
• Mishri
• Dry fruits

Never offer Tulsi leaves without devotion, as Tulsi is especially dear to Lord Vishnu.

5. Chant Vishnu Mantras

Recite:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

or

Om Namo Narayanaya

108 times.

You may also recite:

• Vishnu Sahasranama
• Gajendra Moksha
• Bhagavad Gita
• Narayan Kavach

6. Observe the Fast

Depending on your health, you may observe:

• Nirjala Vrat (without water)
• Water-only fast
• Fruit fast
• Milk fast
• One sattvic meal without grains

Avoid:

• Rice
• Wheat
• Pulses
• Onion
• Garlic
• Non-vegetarian food
• Alcohol

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7. Perform Aarti

Offer ghee lamp and sing Vishnu Aarti with family members.

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8. Charity

Donate:

• Food
• Clothes
• Grains
• Fruits
• Cow feed
• Dakshina
• Umbrella (during monsoon)
• Drinking water

Charity performed on this day is believed to bring immense spiritual merit.

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Benefits of Observing Devshayani Ekadashi

According to Hindu scriptures, sincere observance of Devshayani Ekadashi helps:

• Removes accumulated sins
• Brings Lord Vishnu’s blessings
• Increases prosperity
• Improves peace of mind
• Removes obstacles
• Strengthens spiritual growth
• Protects the family
• Enhances positive karma
• Grants happiness and harmony
• Helps progress toward moksha

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What to Do During Chaturmas

The four months after Devshayani Ekadashi are considered ideal for:

• Daily Vishnu worship
• Reading Bhagavad Gita
• Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama
• Tulsi worship
• Meditation
• Charity
• Temple visits
• Satsang
• Feeding cows and needy people
• Practicing self-control

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Things to Avoid on Devshayani Ekadashi

Avoid:

• Consuming grains
• Anger and arguments
• Gambling
• Alcohol
• Non-vegetarian food
• Negative speech
• Sleeping during the daytime
• Hurting animals
• Excessive material indulgence

Powerful Vishnu Mantras

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Om Namo Narayanaya

Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham

Shri Vishnu Sahasranama (recommended)

Book here Gajendra Moksha Path Online Puja