Devshayani Ekadashi

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, occurs on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July). This Ekadashi is of immense significance as it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas (four holy months) period, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a state of deep sleep (yoga nidra) on the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheersagar). The Chaturmas period is considered highly auspicious for performing various religious activities and austerities. Devotees believe that observing a fast on Devshayani Ekadashi brings immense spiritual benefits, including the blessings of Lord Vishnu, liberation from sins, and progress on the path to Moksha (liberation).

History:

The history of Devshayani Ekadashi is rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu, after defeating the demon Mura, decided to rest on the Shesha Naag (divine serpent) in the Ksheersagar. This period of rest, known as Devshayani, lasts for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu wakes up. During this time, all auspicious activities like weddings and major religious ceremonies are generally avoided. Devshayani Ekadashi is also associated with the legend of King Mandata, who, by observing this Ekadashi, was blessed by Lord Vishnu and freed his kingdom from drought and miseries.

Rituals:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. The fast can be Nirjala (without water) or with limited consumption of fruits, milk, and nuts.

2. Morning Rituals: The day begins with an early morning bath, often in a holy river or with sanctified water at home. Devotees wear clean, preferably new clothes.

3. Prayer and Worship: Special pujas are performed to Lord Vishnu, including offering flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and Tulsi leaves. Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama and other mantras dedicated to Vishnu.

4. Reading Scriptures: Reading or listening to the stories and significance of Devshayani Ekadashi from sacred texts like the Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana is a common practice.

5. Charity: Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, and money to the needy, are encouraged. Feeding Brahmins and providing for animals are considered particularly meritorious.

6. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake the entire night, chanting the names of Lord Vishnu, singing bhajans, and engaging in spiritual discussions.

7. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken the next day, Dwadashi, after performing morning rituals and offering food to a Brahmin or the needy. Devotees typically break the fast with light and sattvic (pure) food.

Bhog (Offerings):

The offerings made to Lord Vishnu on Devshayani Ekadashi are prepared with great devotion, adhering to fasting guidelines. Typical offerings include:

1. Fruits: Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, and pomegranates.

2. Nuts and Dry Fruits: Almonds, raisins, cashews, and dates.

3. Milk and Dairy Products: Milk, curd, paneer, and sweets made from milk like kheer and pedas.

4. Sweets: Ladoo, barfi, and halwa made from fasting-compliant ingredients.

5. Tulsi Leaves: Offering Tulsi (holy basil) leaves is highly auspicious.

Temples:

Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated with special fervor in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. Some prominent temples include:

1. Tirupati Balaji Temple: Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the most visited and revered temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.

2. Badrinath Temple: In Uttarakhand, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, this temple witnesses grand celebrations.

3. Ranganathaswamy Temple: Located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, this temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture and elaborate rituals.

4. Jagannath Temple: In Puri, Odisha, famous for its Rath Yatra, observes Ekadashi with great devotion.

5. Venkateswara Temple: In Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, it is known for its rich traditions and large gatherings of devotees.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Devshayani Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

ॐ नारायणाय नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

                                      Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! .

Watch : Shree Vishnu Amritwani

Summary:

Devshayani Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance, marking the beginning of the auspicious Chaturmas period. Observed with strict fasting, prayer, and various rituals, devotees prepare special offerings (bhog), visit temples, perform Arti, and chant mantras to honor Lord Vishnu. These practices help devotees purify their minds and souls, seek divine blessings, and strive for spiritual liberation. Observing Devshayani Ekadashi with devotion is believed to bestow immense spiritual benefits, including the blessings of Lord Vishnu, liberation from sins, and progress on the path to Moksha.