Significance
Devshayani Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu begins his four-month cosmic sleep (Chaturmas). It falls in Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi. Fasting and puja are observed for prosperity.
Mythology & Legend
According to the Padma Purana, on this day Vishnu goes to sleep on the serpent Shesha in the Kshira Sagara. He wakes on Devutthana Ekadashi. The Chaturmas period is considered inauspicious for weddings and other major undertakings in traditional belief.
Rituals & Observances
- Observe Ekadashi fast (no grains); take a bath at sunrise.
- Offer tulsi, flowers, and fruits to Lord Vishnu; chant mantras.
- Pray for Vishnu's grace during his sleep; avoid starting major new ventures.
- Stay sattvic and avoid tamasic food; break fast on Dwadashi morning.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to Vasudeva
Traditional Foods
- ●Fruits
- ●Milk
- ●No grains
- ●Break on Dwadashi
Regional Variations
Pan-India(देवशयनी एकादशी)
Chaturmas begins
North India(हरिशयनी एकादशी)
Vishnu sleep, no new ventures
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Fast and worship Vishnu
- ✓Offer tulsi
- ✓Stay sattvic
- ✓Break at Dwadashi
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat grains
- ✗Avoid major new ventures
- ✗Do not disrespect the day