Ekadashi 16 of 24
Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi)
देवशयनी एकादशी / आषाढी
Paksha
Shukla
Masa
Ashadha
Window
July
Deity
Vishnu (entering yoga-nidra)
Origin & story
Bhavishyottara Purana.
On this day Vishnu reclines on his serpent-couch Sheshanaga in the cosmic ocean and enters yoga-nidra (4-month cosmic sleep) — Chaturmasya. He awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi (Kartik-Shukla). This Ekadashi begins the 4-month observance period for Hindus.
Worship mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Fasting rule
Phalahara fast; resolve a chaturmasya vrat for next 4 months.
Foods permitted
- ✓ Milk
- ✓ Fruits
Foods forbidden
- ✗ Grains
- ✗ Lentils
- ✗ Onion / garlic
Benefits
- ◈Beginning of Chaturmasya — 4 months of intensified sadhana
- ◈Special merit for any vrat resolved today
- ◈Marriage muhurat ceases for 4 months from this day
Who should observe
Special note
Marriages, gruhapravesh, new-business launches traditionally avoided for the next 4 months (until Prabodhini). Hugely significant — Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage culminates today.
Want Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadhi) vrata guided by a qualified pandit?
Pandit-guided Vishnu puja, parana (fast-breaking) muhurat, and personalized sankalp ensure your vrata bears full merit.