Devshayani Ekadashi is one of the major Ekadashi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. This fast is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha. It is also known as Harishayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi and Padma Ekadashi.
According to religious belief, on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu goes into Yognidra in Kshirsagar. Chaturmas is considered to begin from this time. The Ekadashi that comes after Lord Vishnu awakens from Yognidra is called Devuthani Ekadashi.
Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi
The Ekadashi Tithi is considered special for the devotion and worship of Lord Vishnu. The importance of Devshayani Ekadashi also increases because it is associated with the beginning of Chaturmas.
According to religious tradition, fasting on this day and remembering Lord Vishnu inspires the devotee to follow restraint, devotion and good conduct.
On this day especially:
Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped.
Ekadashi fast is observed.
Vishnu mantra is chanted.
Vishnu Sahasranaam or other stotras are recited.
Donations are given to the needy.
A resolution to perform religious practices is taken during Chaturmas.
Devshayani Ekadashi and the sleep of Lord Vishnu
It is believed in Hindu religious tradition that From Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu goes into Yognidra for four months. This period is called Chaturmas.
During Chaturmas, special importance is given to worship, chanting, penance, fasting and charity. In many traditions, there is also a tradition of postponing auspicious events like marriage during this period.
This period is considered to last till Devuthani Ekadashi.
Story of Devshayani Ekadashi
Among the religious stories associated with Devshayani Ekadashi, the story of King Mandhata is famous.
According to the story, there was a time when there was no rain in the kingdom of King Mandhata for a long time. Due to this lack of rain, the people faced difficult circumstances. The king sought guidance from the sages to solve the problem.
The sages advised the king to observe the fast of Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi. The king observed Ekadashi fast with devotion. According to religious belief, due to the effect of the fast, it rained in the kingdom and the people got relief from the crisis.
This story shows the importance of faith, restraint and devotion to God.
Method of worship of Devshayani Ekadashi
Lord Vishnu can be worshipped on Devshayani Ekadashi in the following manner:
1. Bath and Resolution
Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Meditate on Lord Vishnu and take a resolution to observe the fast.
2. Installation of Lord Vishnu
Install a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu at the place of worship. Goddess Lakshmi can also be worshipped along with it.
3. Light a lamp
Light a ghee or oil lamp in front of the Lord and offer incense.
4. Offering of worship materials
Offer yellow flowers, fruits, basil leaves and naivedya to Lord Vishnu.
5. Chant the Mantra
Chant the mantra of Lord Vishnu:
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya.
6. Reading the Vrat Katha
Read or listen to the story of Devshayani Ekadashi.
7. Aarti
Finally, perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu and pray for the happiness and peace of the family.
Importance of Tulsi on Devshayani Ekadashi
Special importance is given to Tulsi leaves in the worship of Lord Vishnu. According to religious belief, Tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu.
Clean Tulsi leaves can be offered to Lord Vishnu during the puja. Chanting the name or mantra of Lord Vishnu while offering Tulsi is considered auspicious.
How to observe Devshayani Ekadashi fast?
The practice of observing Ekadashi fast may vary according to the capacity of the individual and religious tradition. Generally, devotees observe:
waterless fast,
fast by consuming water,
fruit diet,
or sattvik fruit diet
.
In case of health related problems, it is better to take diet as per your condition instead of observing strict fast.
What to eat on Devshayani Ekadashi?
Fruit-eating devotees can consume the following according to their tradition:
Fruits
Milk
Curd
Makhana
Sabudana
Water chestnut flour dishes
Kuttu flour dishes
Potatoes
Dry fruits
Dietary rules may vary in different traditions of the fast.
What should not be eaten on Devshayani Ekadashi?
In the general tradition of Ekadashi fast, rice, wheat and other grains are not consumed. In many traditions, pulses are also avoided.
The person observing the fast should follow the rules as per his family and religious tradition.
Donation on Devshayani Ekadashi
On the day of Ekadashi, one can donate food, fruits, clothes or useful items as per one's capacity to the needy.
From a religious point of view, the purpose of donation is not only to attain virtue but also to serve and help the needy person.
Devshayani Ekadashi and Chaturmas
Chaturmas is considered to start from Devshayani Ekadashi. During the Chaturmas period, devotees try to make their religious practices more regular.
During this period, activities like chanting, meditation, fasting, study of religious texts, satsang and charity are given importance.
The end of Chaturmas is associated with the religious tradition of awakening of Lord Vishnu around Devuthani Ekadashi.
Paran of Devshayani Ekadashi
The breaking of Ekadashi fast is generally done on Dwadashi Tithi. The correct time for breaking the fast may vary according to the calendar of each place.
Therefore, the person observing the fast must check the Dwadashi Tithi and Parana Kaal according to his city.
What to do on Devshayani Ekadashi?
Worship Lord Vishnu.
Offer Tulsi leaves.
Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya”.
Read or listen to the Ekadashi fast story.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranaam.
Donate to the needy.
Take a religious resolution for Chaturmas.
What not to do on Devshayani Ekadashi?
According to religious belief, this Day:
Grains and rice should not be consumed.
Anger, disputes and negative behavior should be avoided.
Food should not be wasted.
Intoxication and Tamasic diet should be avoided.
Focus on devotion to Lord Vishnu and sattvik conduct. Should be required.
Simple mantra of Devshayani Ekadashi
You can chant this mantra to worship Lord Vishnu:
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya.
Apart from this, Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Stuti or other Vishnu mantras can also be recited as per your tradition.
Devshayani Ekadashi. FAQ
When does Devshayani Ekadashi come?
Devshayani Ekadashi It falls on the Ekadashi date of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha.
By what other names is Devshayani Ekadashi known?
It is also known as Harishayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi and Padma Ekadashi.
Who is worshipped on Devshayani Ekadashi?
Lord Vishnu is mainly worshipped on this day. Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped.
What starts from Devshayani Ekadashi?
According to religious belief, Chaturmas begins from this day and there is a tradition of Lord Vishnu going into Yognidra.
What can be eaten on Devshayani Ekadashi?
According to one's tradition, fruits, milk, makhana, sago, buckwheat and vegetarian dishes made from water chestnut flour etc. can be taken during the fast.
When is the Parana of Devshayani Ekadashi done?
The Parana is done on Dwadashi Tithi. The correct Parana time should be checked according to the Panchang of the place.
Which Ekadashi comes after Devshayani Ekadashi?
After Devshayani Ekadashi, Kamika Ekadashi comes in the Krishna Paksha of Shravan. At the end of Chaturmas, Devuthani Ekadashi of Kartik Shukla Paksha has special significance.
Devshayani Ekadashi is an important religious date associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu, fasting and the beginning of Chaturmas. On this day, there is a tradition of fasting, chanting Vishnu mantra, listening to stories, worshipping and donating.
The basic spirit of this fast is related to devotion, restraint, service and virtuous life. Devotees can remember Lord Vishnu by fasting as per their capacity and health.
Upcoming Ekadashi dates
- 05 November 2026, Thursday Rama Ekadashi
- 20 November 2026, Friday Devutthana Ekadashi
- 21 November 2026, Saturday Guruvayur Ekadashi
- 20 December 2026, Sunday Mokshada Ekadashi
- 03 January 2027, Sunday Saphala Ekadashi