Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 | Date | Day | Rituals | Significance | Legend

Devshayani Ekadashi: The Day of the Lord Vishnu's Divine Slumber

By Intimate Viewpoint

Devshayani Ekadashi is among the most spiritually significant observances in the Hindu lunar calendar. Falling during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) of the month of Ashadha (June–July), it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas, a sacred four-month period dedicated to penance, devotion, and inward reflection.

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This Ekadashi is also called Ashadhi Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Devpodhi Ekadashi, all pointing to one central theme: the divine sleep of Lord Vishnu in the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheer Sagar).

Let’s explore its story, rituals, spiritual significance, and how you can observe this festival meaningfully.

Date & Day

2025 Tithi Details:

Ekadashi Begins: July 5, 6:58 PM

Ekadashi Ends: July 6, 9:14 PM

Parana (breaking the fast): July 7, after 5:30 AM and before 8:15 AM

The legend

According to the Bhavishyottara Purana, when the summer heat intensified across the three worlds, all beings were distressed. To protect creation, Lord Vishnu decided to enter Yoga Nidra (divine slumber) for four months. During this time, the responsibility of upholding the universe passes to Lord Shiva and Brahma.

Devotees believe that during this period, Lord Vishnu reclines upon the mighty serpent Sheshnag, floating peacefully in the milky ocean. His sleep symbolizes cosmic rest and withdrawal—a time when life slows down, monsoon rains nourish the earth, and spiritual practices deepen.

The Another Legend

The legend of King Mandhata is also associated with this Ekadashi. His kingdom faced severe drought for three years. Seeking a remedy, the king approached Sage Angira, who advised him to observe the vow of Shayani Ekadashi with utmost devotion. The king fasted and prayed, and soon the rains returned, ending the suffering. This story illustrates the power of Ekadashi vratas in transforming adversity into blessings

Spiritual Significance

Devshayani Ekadashi is not merely a festival but a profound reminder:

Rest and Renewal: As Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra, the universe slows down. Monsoons replenish the earth. Spiritually, we too are invited to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate.

Chaturmas Begins: From this day until Prabodhini Ekadashi (October–November), devotees observe extra vows—avoiding certain foods, limiting travel, and focusing on prayer.

Karmic Cleansing: Fasting and devotion on this Ekadashi are said to absolve past sins and help the soul progress toward moksha.

This period is also considered inauspicious for weddings and new ventures as Lord Vishnu—the preserver—is asleep. Important ceremonies are deferred until Kartik Shukla Ekadashi when he wakes.

Rituals and Observances

Observances begin the evening before Ekadashi, continue throughout the tithi, and conclude on Dwadashi.

1. Preparations

Clean your home and create a sacred space.

Decorate your altar with yellow flowers and Tulsi leaves.

Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on Sheshnag.

2. Sankalp (Resolution)

On Ekadashi morning, take a bath and make a sankalp—a solemn vow of fasting and devotion.

3. Fasting (Vrat)

Traditionally, devotees observe:

Nirjala Fast: No food or water.

Phalahar Fast: Only fruits, milk, and water.

Partial Fast: A single sattvic meal, without grains or pulses.

The fast continues until dawn of Dwadashi.

4. Puja and Prayers

Offer Tulsi, Panchamrit, incense, lamp, and naivedya.

Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Ekadashi Mahatmya.

Meditate on the image of Lord Vishnu resting on Ananta Shesha.

5. Bhajans and Kirtan

Many communities sing devotional songs all night, especially in Maharashtra, where the Pandharpur Wari culminates in massive congregational singing.

6. Charity

Donating food, clothes, or money to Brahmins and the poor is highly meritorious.

7. Parana

Break your fast on Dwadashi within the designated Parana time. Traditionally, devotees consume Tulsi leaves and offer them to Vishnu before eating.

Regional Celebrations: Pandharpur Wari

One of India’s most spectacular religious gatherings occurs on this Ekadashi:

Pandharpur Wari: A centuries-old pilgrimage where millions walk to the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.

Pilgrims carry palkhis (palanquins) of saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram.

Singing abhangas and chanting “Vitthal Vitthal,” they walk for over 250 km, converging on this sacred day.

The atmosphere is charged with devotion, simplicity, and community spirit.

Planetary Alignments (2025)

In 2025, Devshayani Ekadashi coincides with an auspicious Guru–Aditya Yoga (Jupiter–Sun conjunction). Astrologers suggest this alignment amplifies spiritual benefits:

Favorable Zodiac Signs:

Taurus: Financial prosperity.

Cancer: Career success.

Virgo: Resolving disputes.

Sagittarius: New opportunities.

Pisces: Relief from debts.

Chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” during this period is considered especially powerful.

Chaturmas: The Sacred Four Months

From Devshayani Ekadashi until Prabodhini Ekadashi, devotees observe:

Simplicity in Diet: Many avoid brinjal, leafy vegetables, curd, and non-vegetarian food.

Restraint: No new investments, weddings, or housewarming ceremonies.

Daily Rituals: Extra japa, reading scriptures, and acts of charity.

This period symbolizes a collective withdrawal from external distractions to focus on inner growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Observing Devshayani Ekadashi

1. Preparation (Day Before):

Cleanse the house.

Arrange offerings (fruits, Tulsi, milk).

Set up Vishnu’s reclining image.

2. Sankalp (Morning of Ekadashi):

Bathe and wear clean clothes.

Resolve to fast and worship sincerely.

3. Puja Vidhi:

Light diya and incense.

Offer Panchamrit, Tulsi, yellow flowers.

Recite:

Vishnu Sahasranama

Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Gita Chapter 12 (Bhakti Yoga)

4. Fasting:

Nirjala or Phalahar.

Avoid tamasic foods (onion, garlic).

5. Bhajan and Meditation:

Spend the day in prayer.

Meditate on Vishnu’s cosmic form.

6. Night Vigil:

Optional, but very auspicious.

Chant “Om Namo Narayanaya.”

7. Parana (Breaking Fast):

Break after dawn of Dwadashi within the Parana muhurta.

Offer food to the needy.

Reflections: The Deeper Meaning

Devshayani Ekadashi is a call to:

Pause: Like Vishnu’s cosmic rest, it is time to slow down.

Renew: Reconnect with your higher purpose.

Serve: Extend compassion through charity.

Prepare: Use Chaturmas to plant seeds of positive habits.

By aligning your life with this rhythm, you attune to the cyclical nature of existence—rest, growth, awakening.

conclusion

Every Ekadashi holds spiritual power, but Devshayani Ekadashi is uniquely transformative. It reminds us:

🌿 To honor the cycles of life.

🌿 To withdraw when needed.

🌿 To nourish body, mind, and spirit.

🌿 To let go of restlessness and cultivate inner stillness.