Here, we share with you Devshayani/Ashadi Ekadashi Katha and Date 2024. The Ekadashi that falls on Ashadha Shukla Paksha is known as Devshayani Ekadashi. It is usually observed in June or July, according to the English calendar.
Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and wakes up after four months. So the day is celebrated on Prabodhini Ekadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Ashadi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. It is observed just after the famous Jagannath Rathyatra. Chaturmas, a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar, start from this day.
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About Ashadi Ekadashi
Ashadi Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated on Ashada Shukla Paksha, which falls in July.
Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu goes to Yoga Nidra on this day for four months. During these months, “Mangalik Karya” (such as marriage ceremonies) is not performed.
It is believed that during these months, Lord Vishnu stays with Raja Bali in Patal Loka. During this period, Lord Shiva manages the affairs on earth.
Although Lord Shiva is married to Goddess Parvati, He is a Sannyasi. So, during these months, marriage ceremonies are not performed.
The Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Vrata blesses the devotees with all kinds of pleasures, health, wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Those who keep this Vrata get rid of all sins of the past and lead a happy life.
Fasting on this day helps to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. Moreover, it brings peace and serenity to the lives of devotees.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. The idol of Lord Vishnu is made to sleep in white bedding. Devotees wake up early in Brahma Muhurta and take a bath. Then, devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
They offer Dhoop and Deep to the Lord and narrate the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Ashadi Ekadashi holds a special significance for the Vaishnavas (followers of Lord Vishnu). They take a vow on this day. This may include giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day.
Images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped on this day. Devotees keep vigil all night and offer prayers (in the form of songs) to Lord Vishnu. They do not consume any grains, beans, cereals, vegetables, or spices.
In the Hindu scripture known as Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Krishna narrates the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi to Yudhishtira.
The story of King Mandata is narrated in this context.
The pious king’s country was facing drought for three years. But, unfortunately, the king was not able to find a solution to please the rain gods.
Finally, it was Sage Angiras who advised the king to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrata. In doing so, the grace of Lord Vishnu falls on his kingdom. There was rain in his kingdom.
Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Lord Krishna narrated the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha to Yudhishtira. Then, he told Yudhishtira, “Let me tell you the story which Lord Brahma had narrated to Narad Muni.”
In ancient times (olden days), there was a king named Mandhanta. He was a pious and generous king. He took care of his kingdom just as a father looks after his child. His kingdom was rich and prosperous.
Once, it so happened that no rainfall occurred in his kingdom for three years. This created a famine in his kingdom. Gradually, all the stocks of food grains vanished. The people became poor and fell victim to starvation.
The king consoled his people and assured them that he would soon find a solution for this. The king took some men and went towards a forest where the sages lived.
There he met Angira Rishi. He bowed down before him and explained the plight of his kingdom to Sage Angira. The king said that his country suffered because of the misdeeds of the king himself.
The sage used his yogic powers and told the king that there was a Shudra in his kingdom who had been worshipping Lord Vishnu without properly cleansing himself. Therefore, in Satyuga, only the Brahmins were permitted to perform Vishnu Puja.
The sage told the king that the people’s suffering would vanish only when the Shudra stopped worshipping Lord Vishnu. However, the king replied that he had no right to stop a man from worshiping the almighty. Everyone has the right to offer prayers to the Lord.
So, the king asked the sage for another remedy.
Now, the sage advised the king to observe the Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat. This fast is the giver of all the powers and achievements. It will cleanse the sins of the devotees. The sage asked the king that his kinsmen, servants, and ministers should also observe this Ekadashi fast.
The king became happy and thanked the sage.
When the king returned to his kingdom, he announced that the whole empire must observe the Ashadi Ekadashi Vrata.
Lord Vishnu was pleased to see the devotion of the whole kingdom. Soon the plight of the people vanished. His kingdom received heavy rainfall. The drought disappeared, and people became happy again.
So, this Ekadashi is called as Saubhagyadayani Ekadashi.
Devshayani/Ashadi Ekadashi Date 2024
Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed on:
- 17th July 2024, Wednesday
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 08:33 PM on 16th July 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 09:02 PM on 17th July 2024
- Parana Time – 05:35 AM to 08:20 AM on 18th July
Note: Parana means breaking the fast. It is done after sunrise on the next day of Ekadashi Vrata. You should do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi.
If you cannot break the fast during Pratahkal, you should do it after Madhyahna.
Well, that’s all in this post on Devshayani/Ashadi Ekadashi. We hope that you would have found the post useful. Thanks for visiting. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Jai Shri Vishnu!!
