Hari Shayani Ekadashi – Significance, Puja Vidhi & Vrat Katha
Spiritual Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Hari Shayani Ekadashi – Significance, Puja Vidhi & Vrat Katha
Hari Shayani Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi, is one of the most spiritually significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha (June-July). This day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month holy period when Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a divine cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) in the Kshirasagar (Ocean of Milk).
What is Hari Shayani Ekadashi?
The term "Hari Shayani" literally translates to “the day when Lord Hari (Vishnu) goes to sleep.” On this day, devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, seeking His blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual upliftment. It is also known as Padma Ekadashi in some regions.
Spiritual Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
According to scriptures, from Hari Shayani Ekadashi onwards, Lord Vishnu rests until Prabodhini Ekadashi (in Kartik month). During this period, no auspicious ceremonies like marriages, griha pravesh, or mundan are performed. It is a time for inner reflection, penance, devotion, and spiritual discipline.
The Vaishnavas and devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate this Ekadashi with great reverence, believing that observing the fast and prayers can remove sins and help attain Moksha (liberation).
Rituals and Puja Vidhi for Hari Shayani Ekadashi
Early Morning Bath and resolve to fast with devotion.
Altar Preparation with idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Offering Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and lighting ghee lamps.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Devotees fast all day, some opting for Nirjala (without water) or Phalahar (fruits/milk) fasting.
Night Vigil (Jagran) with bhajans and chanting of Lord Vishnu's names.
The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, after offering prayers.
The Vrat Katha (Story Behind the Fast)
According to the Padma Purana, a king named Mandata once ruled a prosperous kingdom suffering from severe drought. A sage advised him to observe Hari Shayani Ekadashi. With full devotion, the king and his people observed the fast, and soon, the kingdom was blessed with rains and abundance.
Importance of Chaturmas Beginning on Hari Shayani Ekadashi
This Ekadashi marks the start of Chaturmas, the spiritually potent four months considered ideal for self-discipline, penance, reading scriptures, and avoiding non-vegetarian food and indulgences. It is also when saints and sages stay in one place for spiritual retreats.
Hari Shayani Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi, is one of the most spiritually significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha (June-July). This day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month holy period when Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a divine cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) in the Kshirasagar (Ocean of Milk).
What is Hari Shayani Ekadashi?
The term "Hari Shayani" literally translates to “the day when Lord Hari (Vishnu) goes to sleep.” On this day, devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, seeking His blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual upliftment. It is also known as Padma Ekadashi in some regions.
Spiritual Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
According to scriptures, from Hari Shayani Ekadashi onwards, Lord Vishnu rests until Prabodhini Ekadashi (in Kartik month). During this period, no auspicious ceremonies like marriages, griha pravesh, or mundan are performed. It is a time for inner reflection, penance, devotion, and spiritual discipline.
The Vaishnavas and devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate this Ekadashi with great reverence, believing that observing the fast and prayers can remove sins and help attain Moksha (liberation).
Rituals and Puja Vidhi for Hari Shayani Ekadashi
Early Morning Bath and resolve to fast with devotion.
Altar Preparation with idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Offering Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and lighting ghee lamps.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
Devotees fast all day, some opting for Nirjala (without water) or Phalahar (fruits/milk) fasting.
Night Vigil (Jagran) with bhajans and chanting of Lord Vishnu's names.
The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, after offering prayers.
The Vrat Katha (Story Behind the Fast)
According to the Padma Purana, a king named Mandata once ruled a prosperous kingdom suffering from severe drought. A sage advised him to observe Hari Shayani Ekadashi. With full devotion, the king and his people observed the fast, and soon, the kingdom was blessed with rains and abundance.
Importance of Chaturmas Beginning on Hari Shayani Ekadashi
This Ekadashi marks the start of Chaturmas, the spiritually potent four months considered ideal for self-discipline, penance, reading scriptures, and avoiding non-vegetarian food and indulgences. It is also when saints and sages stay in one place for spiritual retreats.
