Devshayani Ekadashi

Ashadha Purnima

In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi dates hold great significance, and among them, Devshayani Ekadashi is considered particularly auspicious, beneficial, and virtuous. This Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) of the Ashadha month. On this day, Lord Vishnu goes into Yogic sleep in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk). For this reason, it is also known as ‘Harishayani’ or ‘Devshayani’ Ekadashi.

The fast on Devshayani Ekadashi is especially meant for spiritual awakening, liberation from sins, and opening the doors to moksha (salvation). Observing a fast on this day brings the inclusion of dharma, devotion, and service into one’s life.

The Mythological Context and Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi

According to religious texts, observing the fast on Devshayani Ekadashi leads to the destruction of all sins and brings happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in life. This fast also marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, during which devotees engage in fasting, penance, chanting, and service to attain spiritual progress.

The Padma Purana mentions that on this day, Lord Vishnu goes into Yogic sleep in the Ksheer Sagar and awakens on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi). During this time, performing fasting, chanting, penance, service, and donations yields special spiritual benefits.

The Importance of Donation and Service

Devshayani Ekadashi is not only a day for fasting but also for service and donation. The donation made on this day is said to yield the same benefits as numerous yajnas (sacrificial rites). The significance of donation is mentioned in Manusmriti:

“Tapaḥ paraṃ kṛtayuge tretāyāṃ jñānamucyate,
Dvāpare yajñamevāhur-dānamekaṃ kaliyuge.”

This means, in the Satya Yuga, penance, in Treta Yuga, knowledge, in Dwapar Yuga, yajnas, and in Kali Yuga, donation is the means of human welfare.

The Virtue of Donation and Service on Devshayani Ekadashi

On Devshayani Ekadashi, donating food to the needy, helpless, differently-abled, and poor people brings immense spiritual benefits. Participate in the service project of Narayan Seva Sansthan to provide lifelong food (once a year) to differently-abled children, and gain the special spiritual merit of this sacred day.