Devshayani Ekadashi 2023 Date

Devshayani Ekadashi, often known as the first Ekadashi, mark the 11th day of the Shukla paksha of the Hindu month Ashadha. Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is known as Devshayani Ekadashi. This day of Ekadashi is of high importance for Vaishnava's or devotees of Sri Hari Vishnu. It is believed that Sri Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Devshayani Ekadashi comes just after famous Jagannath Rathyatra and currently falls in month of June or July on English calendar. Chaturmas, a holy period of four months in Hindu calendar, starts from this day. Ekadashi fasting on both days, if it falls on 2 days, is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu. Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Maha Ekadashi, Prathama Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi and Hari Shayani Ekadashi.

Devshayani Ekadashi Significance

Devshayani Ekadashi is the day when Sri Vishnu goes into a state of deep meditation for four months. It is believed that he rests on Shesh Naag in the bed of Kshirasagara and thats why this is also known as Hari SHayani Ekadashi. During his absence, Lord Shiva looks after the entire universe.

Devshayani Ekadashi also marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, which includes Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik months. No auspicious ceremonies like weddings, engagements, tonsuring, housewarming and naming ceremonies are planned during Chaturmas.

Prominent Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, Diwali, Shravan Somwar and Navratri are celebrated during these four months. People who observe Ekadashi Vrat with devotion are blessed with a successful and happy life.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi

Devotees wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurat (two hours before sunrise), take a bath and practice dhyana or meditation on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. Devotees of Sri Vishnu observe a fast and chant 'OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' Mantra to seek his blessings. People adorn Sri Hari Vishnu in bright yellow clothes and offer prayers with water, flowers and bhog. Bhog can be fruits, sweets or any other Sattvic food preparation.

People seek forgiveness for any wrong deeds while observing the fast and also donate food and essential items to poor and less privileged people. You must break the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat or complete the Parana rituals by consuming only Sattvic food (pure vegetarian food without onion, garlic or any other heat-generating or strong-flavoured ingredient).

Devshayani Ekadashi 2023 Date & Parana Time