Shayani Ekadashi Importance, Ashadhi Ekadashi July, 2021

Devshayani Ekadashi is eleventh day of bright fortnight in the lunar month of Ashadha. Because of this, the shayani ekadashi is also known as Ashadi Ekadashi (आषाढ़ी एकादशी), which’s one of the most broadly accepted names of Devshayani ekadashi. Ashadi Ekadashi comes after the Yogini ekadashi and then it is followed by Kamika ekadashi. It comes between June and July and holds great importance for Vaishnav community, followers of the Lord Vishnu. Devshayani is also known by several other names such as Toli Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Harishayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, etc. This particular date in the Hindu calendar is marked by the entrance of Sun into zodiac sign of Gemini. Therefore beginning of the Chaturmasa, a holy time period of 4 months between Kartik and Ashadha.

Devshayani ekadashi or shayani ekadashi is often regarded as the most divine of all ekadashi days by Hindus, specially Vaishnava Hindus who believes Lord Vishnu as the greatest God. Shayani ekadashi is also known as Maha ekadashi, Shayana ekadashi and Padma ekadashi. Amid Telugu speaking population, devshayani ekadashi is known as Toli Ekadashi (తొలి ఏకాదశి).

Holy Ritual of Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat

Devshayani Ekadashi is well known for the fasting ritual. It starts with waking up in Brahmamuhurta, 1.5 hours before the sunrise which is then followed by bath and meditation. Subsequent to that, all the essentials for the religious custom are arranged and the idols of gods are placed over a red cotton cloth in Ishaan Kon, holy corner according to the Vastu. Next, water is sprinkled over idols of Lord Vishnu and Ganesha and they are offered tilak along with kheer and flowers. Lamps are lighted concurrently to symbolize the existence of heavenly energy of knowledge, wisdom and truth. Artis are sung this whole time to invoke the blessings of supreme lord Vishnu. Finally, one is supposed to eat the customary satvik food cooked at home, and then leftover is disposed in Southern corner of house.

This fulfills the vow of Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat. The scriptures of Narada Purana states that following the exact ritual on this day leads to salvation and cleanses Karma.

When is Devshayani or Ashadi Ekadashi?

According to the Hindu calendar, the sacred occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi will be experienced on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the Ashada month.

When is ashadi ekadashi in 2021?

In 2021, Shayani Ekadashi will be on July 20 which is a Tuesday.

After the July 20 of 2021, the next ashadi ekadashi will occur on Sunday, July 10 of 2022.

Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat and Puja rituals

Taking a sacred bath is considered to be very fortunate on the ashadi ekadashi. In a huge number devotees gather at Nasik on ekadashi day, to take dip in the Godavari River, in the honor of Sri Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

On day of the ashadi ekadashi, devotees of lord Vishnu keep a fast by abstaining from specific foods like beans, rice, grains, cereals, spices and specific vegetables. By keeping a fast on this ekadashi day, the devotee will be able to solve all the tensions or problems in life.

Devotees adorn the idol of Lord Vishnu with a Gada, a Chakra, a Shankh and some beautiful bright yellow clothes. Incense sticks, betel, flowers, betel nut and Bhog are arranged as offerings. After the puja custom, prayer is sung and prasad is eaten together with the other devotees.

On the day of ashadi ekadashi, the observer of this fast must stay awake all night and chant religious songs or bhajans in praise of Lord Vishnu. Recitation of religious books like ‘Vishnu Sahartanaam’ is also believed to be very auspicious.

Puja Muhurat and Tithi Timing for Ashadhi Ekadashi 2021

The table displays Hari vasara end timing and the parana timing to the breakfast after the ashadi ekadashi vrat.

Significance of Ashadi Ekadashi

Greatness of the Ashadi Ekadashi was first narrated by Lord Brahma to lord Narad who’s his son and afterward by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira, the eldest among Pandavas. Shayani Ekadashi is one of the most important ekadashi vrat that is also seen as first ekadashi. It is a common belief that anyone keeping this Ekadashi vrat with total commitment will be blessed with prosperous, happy and peaceful life. After enjoying the mortal pleasures, they will eventually attain salvation.

Ashadhi Ekadashi also symbolizes the end of ‘Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadashi Waari Yatra’. Pandharpur’s a small district in Maharashtra and here lord ‘Vithoba’, an epitome of Lord Vishnu is worshipped with devotion. The yatra is a 17-day long mega event that fascinates tourists to this place. Furthermore on this day, Vaishnava Mutts dress in heated seals, this tradition is called as ‘Tapta Mudra Dharana’.

Ashadi Ekadashi falls while the time when God Vishnu sleeps on ‘Shesha Naag’ (cosmic servant) in ‘Ksheersagar’ (the cosmic ocean of milk) and hence the name is ‘Hari Shayani Ekadashi’.

According to the Hindu legends, Lord Vishnu finally wakes up, after 4 months, on day of Prabodhini Ekadashi. This sleeping period of the lord is called as the ‘Chaturmas’ and it coincide with rainy season. Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period and on this particular day, devotees observe a holy fast to summon Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

Shayani Ekadashi festival dates between 2018 and 2028