INVC News
Haridwar, Kashi: Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Padma Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, or Harishayani Ekadashi, is an auspicious Hindu fasting day that falls during the Ashada Shukla Paksha, or the bright fortnight of the month of Ashada. It is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu begins his divine slumber, hence the name “Devshayani,” which means “sleeping of the gods.”
In 2023, Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, June 29th. The Ekadashi Tithi begins at 03:18 AM on June 29th and ends at 02:42 AM on June 30th. The fast is traditionally observed for the entire day of Ekadashi, which is the eleventh lunar day in the Hindu calendar.
Devshayani Ekadashi is preceded by the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra and marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period of spiritual discipline and self-restraint. During this time, devotees engage in various religious activities such as fasting, reading sacred scriptures, and performing devotional rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
It is essential to break the fast of Ekadashi within the Dwadashi Tithi, which is the twelfth lunar day. If the Dwadashi Tithi ends before sunrise, the Ekadashi fast is observed until sunrise. Breaking the fast after the prescribed time is considered inauspicious and is believed to be equivalent to committing a sin.
The fast is usually broken on the next day, after sunrise, during the period known as Hari Vasar, which is the first one-fourth duration of the Dwadashi Tithi. It is recommended to break the fast in the early morning and to avoid doing so during midday. If, for some reason, the fast cannot be broken in the morning, it can be done after midday.
In some cases, Ekadashi fasting is observed for two consecutive days. In such instances, it is customary for the members of a smart (traditional Hindu) family to observe the fast on the first day. The second day of the fortnight is known as the “Second Fortnight.” Sannyasis (ascetics), widows, and individuals seeking spiritual liberation should observe the fast on the day known as Duji Ekadashi, which coincides with Vaishnav Ekadashi.
Devotees who are deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu and wish to gain his love and affection are encouraged to observe the Ekadashi fast on both days of the two-day fasting period.
Observing Devshayani Ekadashi is believed to bestow numerous benefits, including spiritual growth, purification of the mind and body, removal of sins, and seeking the blessings and grace of Lord Vishnu. It is considered a sacred opportunity to deepen one’s devotion and strengthen the bond with the divine.
