- Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 falls on Sunday, July 6, marking the start of Chaturmas, the four holy months of spiritual observance.
- Devotees observe a strict fast, perform Vishnu puja, and chant sacred mantras for divine blessings and liberation.
- The day is rooted in a powerful legend of King Mandata, where fasting ended a three-year drought in his kingdom.
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, holds deep religious importance as it marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a sacred four-month period of heightened devotion and self-restraint in the Hindu calendar.
Rituals begin at dawn with a purifying bath, followed by the decoration of the home altar. Offerings of Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, and sattvic food are made to Lord Vishnu while chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
July 6: Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 Marks Vishnu’s Slumber and the Onset of Chaturmas
Devshayani Ekadashi’s name comes from “Shayani” meaning sleep, symbolizing the day Lord Vishnu begins his yogic rest. This period is also the beginning of Chaturmas, which includes the holy months of Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, and Kartik. During these months, spiritual discipline is emphasized, with many devotees taking vows like avoiding non-vegetarian food, onions, garlic, and entertainment.
According to scriptures like the Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira about the power of Devshayani Ekadashi. When King Mandata faced a devastating drought, sage Angiras advised him to observe this fast. Upon doing so, divine rains blessed the kingdom, symbolizing how faith and devotion can change the course of destiny.
Puja on this day is done with complete devotion. The altar is adorned with yellow flowers, incense, and lamp offerings (deepam). Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama and reading the Bhagavad Gita is encouraged. Devotees believe that those who observe the fast with sincerity gain peace of mind, purity of heart, and freedom from karmic cycles.
Astrologically, the tithi begins at 1:32 AM on July 6, 2025, and ends at 2:25 AM on July 7, providing a full day of divine energy and reflection. It is advised to avoid any material indulgence and instead focus on bhakti (devotion), dhyana (meditation), and dana (charity).
Devshayani Ekadashi is not just a fast but a gateway into a sacred phase of introspection, simplicity, and connection with the divine. Its observance invokes Lord Vishnu‘s grace and ushers in inner transformation.
“Sleep is not just rest—it is the silent preparation for awakening. So it is when Lord Vishnu sleeps, the soul begins to rise.”
