Devshayani Ekadashi Date of 2018 to 2025
Devshayani Ekadashi is also known by the name Ashadh Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Maha-Ekadashi and Prathama Ekadashi. Chaturmas, the holy period of four months when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep usually begins after Devshayani Ekadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi usually begins days after the Puri Rath Yatra. Padarpur Yatra in Maharashtra too concludes on this day. Pilgrims in Maharashtra observe Devshayani Ekadashi with religious fervor. Main celebration occurs in Lord Vithal temple. Lord Vital is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Devshayani Ekadashi usually begins days after the Puri Rath Yatra. Padarpur Yatra in Maharashtra too concludes on this day. Pilgrims in Maharashtra observe Devshayani Ekadashi with religious fervor. Main celebration occurs in Lord Vithal temple. Lord Vital is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2018 : 23rd July 2018 (Monday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2019 : 12ve July 2018 (Friday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2020 : 1st July 2020 (Wednesday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2021 : 20th July 2021 (Tuesday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2022 : 10th July 2022 (Sunday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2023 : 29th June 2023 (Thursday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2024 : 17th July 2024 (Wednesday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Date of Year 2025 : 6th July 2025 (Sunday)
Devshayani Ekadashi Historic Significance
Religious scriptures have it that the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi was first explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira. A King by the name of Mandata had to face drought for three years in a row in his kingdom. This created a precarious condition and the residents of the kingdom had to face hard times. Rivers dried out and man and animal suffered immensely. The King saddened by the happenings in his kingdom embarked on a journey to seek some solution for his people.
The King wished to appease the Rain Gods and met Rishi Angiras to seek a solution. The King was supposed to keep a fast on Devshayani Ekadashi alongwith the entire population of the kingdom as advised by the rishi. Lord Vishnu blessed the kingdom and heavy rains occurred following the religious devotion shown by the King and his peasants. With rains came prosperity and the people lived happily thereafter.
It became a ritual since then to fast on this auspicious day as this brought prosperity and luck to those who showed religious devotion.
Devotees get divine blessings of Lord Vishnu on Devshayani Ekadashi if they observe the day with utmost devotion. An ardent devotee is able to attain salvation if fasting is done in true earnest. Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi helps devotees fulfil their wishes and help them attain freedom from any of the sins they have committed in the past.
Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi also helps one strengthen the self control and become emotionally stable. Many devotees of Vishnu fast for 2 consecutive days. However, the fasting on the second day is suggested only for those who wish to attain Sanyas (salvation) in the long run. Widows and those looking forward to attaining Moksha too can go for the second day fast in Devshayani Ekadashi.
The King wished to appease the Rain Gods and met Rishi Angiras to seek a solution. The King was supposed to keep a fast on Devshayani Ekadashi alongwith the entire population of the kingdom as advised by the rishi. Lord Vishnu blessed the kingdom and heavy rains occurred following the religious devotion shown by the King and his peasants. With rains came prosperity and the people lived happily thereafter.
It became a ritual since then to fast on this auspicious day as this brought prosperity and luck to those who showed religious devotion.
Devshayani Ekadashi Celebration
Devotees get divine blessings of Lord Vishnu on Devshayani Ekadashi if they observe the day with utmost devotion. An ardent devotee is able to attain salvation if fasting is done in true earnest. Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi helps devotees fulfil their wishes and help them attain freedom from any of the sins they have committed in the past.
Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi also helps one strengthen the self control and become emotionally stable. Many devotees of Vishnu fast for 2 consecutive days. However, the fasting on the second day is suggested only for those who wish to attain Sanyas (salvation) in the long run. Widows and those looking forward to attaining Moksha too can go for the second day fast in Devshayani Ekadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi Rituals
Taking a holy bath is considered to be very auspicious on Dev Shayani Ekadashi. Devotees in large number gather at Nasik, to take a dip in the Godavari River, in the honour of Sri Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
On the day of Shayani Ekadashi, devotees keep a fast by refraining from specific foods like rice, beans, grains, cereals, specific vegetables and spices. By keeping a fast on this day, the observer will be able to resolve all the problems or tensions in life.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Shayani Ekadashi. Devotees decorate the idol of Lord Vishnu with Gadha, Chakra, Shank and bright yellow clothes. Incense sticks, flowers, betel, betel nut and Bhog are presented as offerings. After the puja ritual, aarti is sung and the prasad is eaten together with other devotees.
On Dev Shayani Ekadashi, the observer of this vrat must remain awake all night and chant religious bhajans or songs in praise of Lord Vishnu. Reciting religious books like ‘Vishnu Sahartanaam’ is also considered very auspicious.
