Ashadhi Ekadashi is revered by many devotees. This holy day has special significance for devotees, especially Vaishnavas, followers of the Hindu God, Lord Vishnu. Do you want to know the importance of Ashadhi Ekadashi and why people celebrate the occasion? Read on here.
Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Shayani Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Toli Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Devshayani Ekadashi, is one of the critical Ekadashis observed by devotees. It is regarded as the holiest of all the Ekadashis celebrated by Hindus, especially Vaishnavas, who consider Lord Vishnu their supreme deity.
Let’s get to know more about Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024 Date And Time: When Will It Be Observed?
According to the Hindu calendar, the pious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha in the Lunar month of Ashadha. As per the Gregorian calendar, this holy occasion falls between the months of June and July. As it falls in the Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar, this Ekadashi is called Ashadhi Ekadashi. This occasion is right after the spectacular chariot festival, Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Given below are the Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024 date and time.
Why Is Ashadhi Ekadashi Celebrated, And What Is The Importance of Ashadhi Ekadashi?
According to Indian beliefs and mythology, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, and every Ekadashi has its own significance. Amongst all the Ekadashis, Ashadhi Ekadashi holds major significance, especially for the Vaishnava community. This occasion has different names in numerous Indian languages, but Ashadhi Ekadashi is this occasion's most widely accepted name.
As mentioned, Ashadhi Ekadashi is considered quite significant and is often observed as the first Ekadashi. The occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This day is important as Lord Vishnu is believed to attain Yoga Nidra, a state of mental relaxation. This period marks the commencement of Lord Vishnu going to deep sleep, which continues for four months. Ashadhi Ekadashi is when Lord Vishnu sleeps on the 'Shesha Naag' and floats in the 'Ksheersagar,' the cosmic ocean of milk. This is why this occasion is also called the Hari Shayani Ekadashi. Hari Shayani Ekadashi begins a night prior to the actual date.
As per Hindu beliefs and legends, Lord Vishnu wakes up after four months on Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi during the month of Kartik. The slumber period of Lord Vishnu is referred to as 'Chaturmas,' which is the holy period of four months between Ashadha and Kartik. Typically, no auspicious activities are carried out, especially marriages during this period. Celebrations in temples are also avoided.
Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat And Rituals That You Should Follow
Let's get to know a little about the Ashadhi Ekadashi rituals.
The day begins with devotees observing the Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat waking up in the Brahmamuhurta, approximately an hour and a half before sunrise. They must purify themselves with a holy bath and meditate.
As Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the onset of the Chaturmas period, devotees observe a holy fast to invoke Lord Vishnu's blessings. People observe this fast to get the blessings of the powerful deity.
Devotees observe a fast and refrain from consuming specific food items such as grains, cereals, rice, particular vegetables, spices, etc. It is believed that by keeping the fast, devotees will be able to resolve any problems or tensions in their life.
You must set up an altar to perform the Puja rituals. You must also clean the Puja area where Lord Vishnu's idol will be placed.
The idol of Lord Vishnu is adorned in yellow-colored clothes.
Once all the essentials for the rituals are prepared, the idols are placed over a red cotton cloth. Holy water is sprinkled on the idol of Lord Vishnu. People offer flowers, Tilak, and also light lamps. Lamps symbolize the divine energy of truth and knowledge.
Paan (Betel leaves), Supari (Betel nut), incense sticks, flowers, sandalwood, etc., are offered to Lord Vishnu. Even Bhog is presented to the deity.
After the Puja, Aarti is done, and the devotees pray to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu. After that, the Prasad is eaten by everyone.
Devotees observing fast are allowed to consume food once a day. On the next day, during the Parana period, you can break the fast by consuming food. Performing Ekadashi Parana is as critical as the Ekadashi Vrat.
Devotees use this pious occasion to show their deep respect and reverence to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. After the Puja is done, devotees should also listen to the Vrat Katha. Kheer is prepared to offer to the divine deities. On Ashadhi Ekadashi, people who observe the fast should chant hymns, mantras, Bhajans, and Shlokas the whole day in praise of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama is also considered very auspicious.
Devotees commonly believe that anyone observing this particular Ekadashi with complete devotion and commitment will be blessed with a harmonious and prosperous life. People who keep fast on this occasion with dedication are blessed with grace and blessings.
Mythological Legend Associated with Ashadhi Ekadashi
As per the Bhavishyottara Purana, the significance of Ashadhi Ekadashi was first narrated by Lord Brahma to his son, Narad. Later, it was narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas.
There are many legends associated with the celebration of Ashadhi Ekadashi. But, the most famous story associated with this occasion is the story of a King named Mandhata. The King looked after his people, and he made sure that the kingdom flourished. But the tides turned, and his kingdom was subjected to drought and famine, leaving everyone in despair. King Mandhata could not find a way to please the rain God. The King went on a journey to find a solution to put an end to the famine and drought. On his way, he met Sage Angira. He advised the King to observe a fast on Ashadhi Ekadashi to fight the problem his kingdom was facing. The King observed the Vrat with diligence and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was impressed by the King's devotion. As a result, it rained in the kingdom. This got rid of the famine and the drought and offered peace, prosperity, and bliss to the people. Since then, the Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat has become a tradition. This Ekadashi is one of the holiest days to devote oneself to the worshiping of Lord Vishnu.
The day is dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu. On this occasion, a strict fast is observed by devotees. The night is often spent singing devotional songs and praying to the supreme Lord Vishnu. People who observe the Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat and pray to atone for their sins will attain salvation.
Devotees also organize a devotional get-together and sing and dance to devotional songs as a dedication to Lord Vishnu.
The day begins with a bath. Taking a bath in a sacred river is considered quite auspicious and significant. Devotees also gather at Nasik to take a dip in the Godavari River. This is done in honor of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the ending of the ‘Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadashi Waari Yatra’. Pandharpur is a tiny district in Maharashtra, and in this place, Lord Vithoba, a personification of Lord Vishnu, is worshiped by devotees. The religious procession or the 'Yatra' organized is a 17-days long event that captivates many tourists.
This occasion is of great importance at the Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. The pilgrims, especially those belonging to the Warkari sect, who observe Ashadhi Ekadashi, undertake the Yatra to go to the temple. Pilgrims come from various parts of Maharashtra to Pandharpur. Lord Vithoba, or Lord Vitthal, is the local avatar of the divine Lord Vishnu.
The occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi holds massive relevance for the devotees. The Ashadhi Ekadashi Vrat is a must for all staunch devotees who seek blessings and love from Lord Vishnu.
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