Devshayani Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashi of the year. Ekadashi of Ashadh Shukla Paksha is called Devshayani Ekadashi. It is mentioned in the Puranas that on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu resides in Yoganidra here at Raja Bali in Hades for four months and departs on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. For this reason, it is called Devshayani Ekadashi. Shayani Ekadashi, Maha ekadashi, Prathama ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Toli Ekadashi and Prabodhni Ekadashi are also called. The period from Ashadh month to Kartik month is called Chaturmasya. In these four months, Lord Ksheer sleeps on the eternal bed of the ocean. In these four months, auspicious work is not done in marriages etc. In these days, sadhus stay austerities by staying in one place.
This fast should be performed by both males and females. Fasting should be done throughout the day. An idol of Lord Narayana and mother Lakshmi should be installed in the evening. Worship and aarti should be done with yellow flowers, sun and lamps. One should enjoy the sweet dish made from pure country and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
In the Satyuga, a Chakravarti emperor ruled at Mandhata Nagar. Once there was a drought in his state for three years. There was an outcry among the subjects. All the people reached the king's court and prayed. The king started praying to God that I have not done any bad thing. To find a solution to his sufferings, the king reached the ashram of the sage Angira in the forest. Angira Rishi asked the king the reason for coming. The king turned and prayed to the sage that "O sage, I have practiced religion in every way, yet my kingdom has been in drought for three years". Now the dam of patience of the people is broken and their sorrow is not being seen from me. Please show a way to get out of this disaster. The sage then said that please Lord Vishnu by observing the fast of Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Rajan Ashad month. It will definitely rain with his grace.
The king returned to the capital and observed Ekadashi fasting in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashada. Due to the effect of the fast, there was torrential rain in the state and there was happiness all around.
Devshayani Ekadashi is the day on which Lord Vishnu goes into yogic sleep for a period of four months. The god is said to rest on the coiled body of his serpent, Sheshnaag, in the Kshirasagara or the cosmic ocean.
It is mentioned in the Puranas that on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu resides in Patal Lok for four months at King Bali's place in Yognidra and departs on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. That is why it is called Devshayani Ekadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi is on Sunday, 06 July 2025.