Devshayani Ekadasi 2023
Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi is the day when Bhagwan Vishnu goes to sleep in Kshirsagar (the abode of Shri Hari Vishnu) and wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi that is after a gap of four months. Devshayani Ekadashi usually falls in the English calendar month of June or July, just after the most celebrated Shri Jagannath Rathyatra. From this day onward, Chaturmas (meaning four months), a holy period of four months according to the Hindu calendar starts and continues till Shri Vishnu decides to wake up after four months.
This year Devashayani Ekadashi falls on 29 June 2023, so Chaturmas will start from this date onward. In some places, this day is also called Padmanabha, Padma Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. According to Puranas, there is another belief that during this time Shri Vishnu stays at the gate of King Bali and on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi after completion of four months (Chaturmas), he is back to his abode.
Ekadashi and Fasting
Ekadashi fasting is considered very sacred in Hindu Dharma. Here are some important times and dates.
- Devshayani Ekadashi on Thursday, June 29, 2023,
- On 30th Jun, Parana Time – 01:48 PM to 04:36 PM
- On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment – 08:20 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 03:18 AM on Jun 29, 2023,
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 02:42 AM on Jun 30, 2023,
Breaking fast is called Parana. On the next day after sunrise, after the Ekadashi fast, Ekadashi Parana is observed. Parana should be done within Dwadashi Tithi but only if Dwadashi is not over before sunrise. If you fail to do Parana within Dwadashi, it is considered an offence.
If you are observing Devshayani Ekadashi, you should not do Parana during Hari Vasara. Before you break your fast, it is necessary to wait for Hari Vasara to get over. Hari Vasara is the first quarter of the 12th lunar day which is Dwadashi Tithi. Pratahkal (early morning) is the best time to break the fast. Breaking the Deshayani Ekadashi fast during Madhyahna (midday) should be avoided. If you fail to break your fast during Pratahkal, you should do it after Madhyahna.
At times, Ekadashi fasting is advised for two consecutive days according to the Hindu calendar. However, it is to be noted that, people who are Smartha (capable) and leading a family life should observe fasting only on the first day. The second day of Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and seekers of Moksha. When Ekadashi fasting on the second day is advised for Smartha it coincides with the day of Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting.
Ekadashi fasting can get you the love and affection of Shri Hari Vishnu.
The Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi and Chaturmas
From the day Devshayani Ekadashi starts, that is Chaturmas starts, all auspicious work comes to a halt. It is believed that Shri Hari Vishnu goes to sleep for 4 months, and according to some beliefs, he stays at the gate of King Bali in Patala for four months, starting from Devshayani Ekadashi. However, he returns on the day of Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. Dev Shayani means, Dev (the one who is Shri Hari Vishnu, the protector of this Universe) Shayani (Shayani comes from the Sanskrit word Shayan/Shayanam for sleep), so it is called Devshayani Ekadashi.
During these four months that is Chaturmas, all auspicious work like marriage, initiation, yajna, griha pravesh, sacrificial rituals, etc. is not performed. According to Bhavishya Purana, Padma Purana and Shrimad Bhagavata Purana, Harishayana is called Yoga Nidra.
According to religious literature in Sanskrit, the word Hari is also used for the Sun, Moon, Vayu, Vishnu and many others too. Hari is the one who takes away all the obstacles and darkness from your life, if you submit to him, you find yourself in complete bliss and attain spiritual progress. During this time, the atmosphere is cloudy, dark and rainy for four months due to the monsoon season. There is a lack of enough sun and moon, so, it also signifies that since all the celestial bodies are sleeping, the time is not favourable for auspicious work.
Benefits of Devshayani Ekadashi Fast
You can find the glory of Devshayani Ekadashi in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. For devotees who fast on Devshayani Ekadashi, all their wishes are fulfilled and all sins are absolved.
To learn more about the benefits of observing Devshayani Ekadashi, talk to our astrologers and pandits here.
