Hey there, fellow seekers of divine wisdom! Get ready to delve into the sacred realm of Devshayani Ekadashi! This auspicious day holds immense meaning for devotees, especially Vaishnavas, the followers of the Lord Vishnu. Get ready to unravel the enigmatic significance and uncover the secrets behind the joyous occasion. Join us on this thrilling spiritual journey!
Devshayani Ekadashi is deemed the holiest of all Ekadashi days, especially by Vaishnava Hindus who worship and regard Lord Vishnu as the supreme God.
The Long-Awaited Slumber: What Is It?
In the month of Ashadha (June-July), according to the Vikram Samvat calendar (the Hindu calendar used in the subcontinent), the auspicious Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated. This month is divided into two parts-
New Moon to Full Moon Period - Shukla Paksha
Full Moon to New Moon Period - Krishna Paksha
The eleventh day or Ekadashi Tithi in the Shukla Paksha phase of the Moon in the Ashadha month holds a special significance. The entry of the Sun in Gemini marks this date. It is on this auspicious day when devotees observe Devshayani Ekadashi. This is the day when Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe, enters a deep Yogic slumber. Thus begins the Chaturmasya or Chaturmasa, which is a four-month sacred period.
The Chaturmasa: A Time of Spiritual Awakening
According to mythology, on Devshayani Ekadashi, also popularly known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu falls asleep for the complete relaxation of his mind and then wakes up four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi. As Lord Vishnu begins his tranquil sleep, a period of four months called Chaturmasa commences.
During this sacred time, Hindus observe several important festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Shravan Somwar Vrat, Navratri, and Diwali. However, it is believed that no auspicious ceremonies or events such as weddings, engagements, naming ceremonies, or housewarming occasions should take place during this period.
The Chaturmasa is a significant time of introspection, spiritual growth, penance, and devotion. It provides an opportunity for devotees to introspect and cultivate positive qualities, leading to inner transformation and personal growth. This is when devotees seek divine blessings and embark on a journey of spiritual growth.
Devshayani Ekadashi 2023 Date And Time: Check Out Here!
According to the calendar, the occasion falls between June and July. The holy period of four months, beginning on Devshayani Ekadashi, i.e., in June or July) and ending around October or November.
Devshayani Ekadashi 2023 Date- 29th June 2023
Parana Time- 30th June 2023, 01:48 PM to 04:36 PM
Ekadashi Tithi (Starts)- 03:18 AM on 29th June 2023
Ekadashi Tithi (Ends)- 02:42 AM on 30th June 2023
The Blessings of Devshayani Ekadashi Fast
Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi is of great importance. Devotees who observe the Devshayani Ekadashi fast receive abundant blessings. The devotee observing the fast could get the following blessings.
The preservative energy of the Universe protects, preserves, and showers its prosperous blessings upon the devotee.
The devotee's subconscious mind is cleansed of negative Karmic imprints, paving the way for positive change.
Devotees' undesirable habits, tendencies, and behaviors are transformed for the better, allowing the devotee to cultivate a virtuous character.
The devotee's power to evaluate and differentiate between what is right and what is wrong increases.
The devotee's auspicious Karma and the capacity to perform righteous deeds multiply and become more, creating a reservoir of positive actions.
These individuals will manage to do the right thing in the right way at the right time.
The devotee gets aligned with divine energies and becomes a channel for it, experiencing a deep connection with the spiritual realm.
The devotees will be able to manifest the goals and aspirations that are rooted in the depths of their souls.
The devotees will experience fulfillment and contentment in their worldly life.
Things to Know When Embarking on the Devshayani Ekadashi Journey
On the auspicious occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees undertake a profound spiritual journey and worship Lord Vishnu, marked by a day-long fast. There are four types of Ekadashi fasts, and the devotees can decide the type of Ekadashi fast they want to do based on their willpower and physical strength.
Here are the types of Ekadashi fasts.
Jalahar- In this type of Ekadashi fast, devotees consume only water.
Ksheerbhoj- In this type of Ekadashi fast, devotees' diet is restricted to milk and milk products only.
Phalahari- Devotees consume fruit only.
Naktabhoj- In this type of fast, the devotees have a single meal in the day just before Sunset. The meal should not consist of any variety of grains or cereals. Nevertheless, devotees can consume Singhada, Sabudana, potatoes, Shakarkandi, and groundnuts.
What Is The Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi? Know Here!
From the Sunrise on Ekadashi to the Sunrise on Dwadashi (the following day), devotees keep the Devshayani Ekadashi fast, showing their devotion to Lord Vishnu. Visiting a divine Vishnu-Lakshmi temple on this day is also recommended, and the Vrat Vidhi (rituals) should also be followed during Devshayani Ekadashi 2023.
On the day preceding Devshayani Ekadashi 2023, have supper at Sunset.
While bathing in a river, lake, or pond, you should smear mud on your body and chant prayers to Mother Earth.
Worship Lord Govinda with utmost dedication. Offer Bhog (sacred food) with flowers, sandalwood paste, Tulsi leaves, etc. Offer jaggery as Bhog to pray for a melodious and good voice, Til (sesame seeds) for the well-being of children and longevity, and mustard oil for eradicating enemies.
Light a Ghee lamp at home in honor of the Lord. And stay awake and fully conscious throughout the night.
The next morning, the devotee should perform the following acts of charity.
Do charitable deeds for Brahmins and respectfully ask them for forgiveness for any offense. Also, offer them curd rice.
Donating cows to needy people is also considered a charitable deed.
Winter clothes can be donated to the less fortunate.
Devotees who donate a gold article in a bag full of black Til (sesame seeds) are believed to get enlightenment and worldly success.
Offer Gopi-Chandan to the impoverished.
Donate turmeric (Haldi) to please Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. During Lord Vishnu's Yogic Sleep or Yoga Nidra for the Chaturmas, Lord Shiva assumes control of the Universe.
Donating Haldi in a silver container awakens the divine energy of Lord Vamana within oneself.
Offer food to anyone in need, embodying the spirit of selfless service.
Here are the Shri Vishnu Puja vidhi or rituals.
Perform Lord Vishnu Puja by adding a few drops of Gangajal to a bucket of water, and then take a bath. After that, wear clean clothes after bathing.
Light an earthen or brass lamp and place it on the altar for Lord Vishnu.
You must begin by worshiping Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings. Then invoke Lord Vishnu and chant, "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya." As you are chanting and reciting prayers, offer Jal (water), flowers, natural perfume made from flowers like jasmine, rose, etc., incense, and Naivedya (sacred food for a worship ritual).
Then offer Tamboolam, which consists of Paan (betel leaves), Supari (betel nuts), a brown coconut broken into halves, bananas or other fruits, Chandan (sandalwood paste), Kumkum (vermillion), Haldi (turmeric), Akshat (unbroken rice grains), and Dakshina (offering of money).
Read the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha, which is a sacred narrative describing the significance of this auspicious day.
Conclude the Puja with an Aarti, expressing devotion and gratitude.
You may also chant the Vishnu Sahasranama and worship and honor the Peepal tree.
Devotees must refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, sweets, and fried foods. The ones who want a long and healthy life should not have fried foods.
Devotees who want children should not have milk or milk products of any kind on this day.
Above all, devotees abstain from harming any living being on this sacred day.
Sleeping during Ekadashi and the following day, i.e., Dwadashi, is not allowed.
The Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Waari Yatra
Ashadhi Ekadashi, another name for Devshayani Ekadashi, is one of the most significant religious festivals celebrated in Maharashtra. It is one of the most meaningful Ekadashis for the devotees. It is not merely a single individual's spiritual journey but a grand celebration shared by millions. On this occasion, even the holy Brahmins stop their travel and stay in one place for the next four months.
On this auspicious day of Devshayani Ekadashi, the town of Pandharpur becomes the epicenter of devotion. On this occasion, a huge yatra or religious procession of pilgrims known as Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Waari Yatra culminates at Pandharpur. A vast number of devotees gather to celebrate the festival. This religious procession is held every year. Pandharpur is the main center of worship of the deity Lord Vithoba, or Lord Vitthal, who is the local avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Lakhs of pilgrims come to Pandharpur from different parts of Maharashtra on this day. Some carry Palkhis (palanquins) with images of the revered saints of Maharashtra. Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj's image is carried from Alandi, Sant Namdev's image is carried from Narsi Namdev, Sant Tukaram Maharaj's image is carried from Dehu, Sant Eknath’s image is carried from Paithan, Sant Nivruttinath’s image is carried from Trimbakeshwar, Sant Muktabai’s image is carried from Muktainagar, Sant Sopan’s image is carried from Sasvad and Sant Gajanan Maharaj's image is carried from Shegaon. These Warkaris sing Abhangas of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, dedicated to Lord Vitthala.
Do You Know The Devshayani Ekadashi Significance?
In the holy Bhavishyottara Purana, the divine and the glorious Lord Krishna tells the importance of the occasion of this particular Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira, similar to how Lord Brahma once narrated to his son, Narada.
Here is the significance.
King Mandhata was a Suryavanshi who was pure, religious, understanding, and caring about the people in his kingdom. He was an efficient king. King Mandhata, fortunately, had a magnificent kingdom of wealthy citizens. The empire had no diseases, drought, or problems.
However, King Mandhata's kingdom once faced a drought for three years. During this time, people were in a terrible situation, as no crops were growing; therefore, no food was available. The people went to King Mandhata, expecting him to give them relief. The King set out to look for a Sage who had answers to the problems. He met Saint or Rishi Angira and asked for the best possible solution.
Rishi Angira gave the King a religious solution. Finally, the great Sage advised the King to observe a fast or Vrat on Devshayani Ekadashi by following all the rules. This will please Lord Vishnu, who will bless with rains in his kingdom. Rishi Angira wanted all the kingdom's citizens to keep the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat or fast to get rid of the drought. It was believed that by doing so, everyone would get the grace of Lord Vishnu, and there would be rain in the kingdom. The Kind and everyone else observed the fast with complete diligence, praying to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was very impressed with this, due to which it rained sufficiently to bring back happiness, prosperity, and peace to the kingdom. Since then, the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat has become a tradition.
Devshayani Ekadashi Remedies You Should Know
On Devshayani Ekadashi, you can wear a Ten Mukhi, a Seven Mukhi, or a Nineteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead, for they are ruled by Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Narayana respectively. These Rudraksha are highly beneficial as they purify the inner self and strengthen willpower.
Devoting oneself to Lord Vishnu and observing the Devshayani Ekadashi fast with sincerity and devotion can lead to spiritual growth. By observing this day, devotees seek the blessings and protection of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Lord bestows his divine grace and safeguards devotees from negative energies and obstacles. The devotees are blessed with good health, prosperity, and success at professional and personal levels by Lord Vishnu.
Devotees who observe this Ekadashi with sincerity and devotion also experience a sense of divine grace and contentment. The fast and the associated rituals of Devshayani Ekadashi help in purging negative Karmic influences and tendencies, allowing for the accumulation of positive Karma and paving the way for spiritual progress. The devotees get the blessings to lead a fulfilling life.
By offering sincere prayers and observing the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat, devotees can seek the fulfillment of their desires, both material and spiritual, with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu's blessings can help bring you success in various endeavors. So, praying to him on this day can do wonders in your life.
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