Devshayani Ekadashi 2023: Date, time History, Significance, Rituals

A month contains two Ekadashi, one observed during the Shukla Paksha and the other during the Krishna Paksha.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2023: Devshayani Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most fortunate Ekadashi. Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Shayani Ekadashi. A month contains two Ekadashi, one observed during the Shukla Paksha and the other during the Krishna Paksha. On the eleventh day of Shukla Paksha during the month of Ashadha, Devshayani Ekadashi is observed.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2023: Date And Time

Devshayani Ekadashi on Thursday, June 29, 2023
On 30 June, Parana Time was in effect from 13:48 to 14:36.
On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment – 08:20 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Commences at 03:18 on June 29, 2023
Ekadashi Tithi Concludes at 02:42 on June 30, 2023

Significance

Devshayani Ekadashi explains that God is asleep (Yog Nidra), a state of complete mental relaxation, as Dev means God and Shayani means slumber. This Ekadashi is known as Devshayani Ekadashi because it is believed that Lord Vishnu sleeps on Sheshnaag in ksheersagar (the cosmic milk ocean) on this day. It is also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi.

Lord Vishnu eventually awakens after four months on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi, according to the Hindu Scriptures. This four-month period is known as ‘Chaturmas’ and it coincides with the monsoon season. On Devshayani Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi, which marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, devotees observe a sacred fast to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

As Devshayani Ekadashi occurs in the month of Ashadha, it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi. Ashadhi Ekadashi is most prominent in Maharashtra. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma conveyed the significance and importance of Devshayani Ekadashi to his son Narada, and Lord Krishna did the same for the eldest son of the Pandavas, King Yudhishthir. It is believed that devotees who observe fast on this sacred day of Devshayani Ekadashi will be blessed by Lord Vishnu with a happy, prosperous, and fruitful life, and can even attain salvation by fasting on this day.

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Devshayani Ekadashi 2023: History

Once upon a time, a Suryavanshi monarch named Mandhata reigned. He was a man of integrity and harmony. He attended to every requirement of his people and his kingdom. One day, famine struck his dominion, leaving everyone hungry. After enduring this famine for a long time, he finally decided to find a means to end it, so he went into the forest, where he discovered the ashram of Lord Brahma’s son, the sage Angira. He prayed and pleaded with the sage Angira to find a way to end this torment.

Sage Angira instructed him to observe a fast on Devshayani Ekadashi in order to please Lord Vishnu. The king returned to his kingdom and diligently observed the fast on Devshayani Ekadashi, adhering to his every instruction. Lord Vishnu was delighted by his devotion to him and bestowed upon him the fulfilment of his desires. After some time, he discovered that his dominion is no longer plagued by drought and famine. Happiness, tranquilly, and prosperity returned to his kingdom, and he began fasting and performing pooja on every Ekadashi.

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Devshayani Ekadashi 2023: Ritual

The devotees must rise early in the morning, take a ritual bath, and don spotless clothing.
Place a statue of Lord Vishnu and the Shree Yantra, ignite a diya with pure ghee, and present vermillion or flowers.
The devotees must offer desserts and panchamrit, a mixture of milk, sour cream, sugar, honey, and clarified butter.
Lord Vishnu’s favourite herb is Tulsi patra, so do not neglect to offer Tulsi patra to Lord Shree Hari.
On this day, those who observe the Ekadashi fast (Vrat) must recite the Vishnu Sahastranaam.
It is highly auspicious to perform acts of charity and donate sustenance to the needy.
7. Once a day, after offering Bhog Prasad to Lord Vishnu, devotees may consume satvik cuisine (fried potatoes, fruits, and milk products).
On Dwadashi Tithi, the fast may be broken after performing Parana.
On Dwadashi Tithi, it is believed that one must include rice in their supper.