Devashayani Ekadashi is also known
by the name Ashada Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi, Hari Shayani
Ekadashi, Maha-Ekadashi and Prathama Ekadashi. Chaturmasa, the holy period of
four months when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep usually begins after Devashayani
Ekadashi.
Devashayani Ekadashi usually
begins days after the Puri Rath Yatra. Padarpur Yatra in Maharashtra too
concludes on this day. Pilgrims in Maharashtra observe Devashayani Ekadashi
with religious fervor. Main celebration occurs in Lord Vittal temple. Lord Vittal
is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Historical Significance
Religious scriptures have it that
the significance of Devashayani 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 Angirasa to seek a solution. The King was supposed to
keep a fast on Devashayani Ekadashi along with 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.
Devashayani Ekadashi Celebrations
Devotees get divine blessings of
Lord Vishnu on Devashayani 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 Devashayani Ekadashi helps devotees fulfill their
wishes and help them attain freedom from any of the sins they have committed in
the past.
Fasting on Devashayani Ekadashi also helps one strengthen the self control and become emotionally stable. Many devotees of Vishnu fast for two 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 attain Moksha too can go for the second day fast in Devashayani Ekadashi.