Devshayani Ekadashi in 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, July 6.
- Devshayani Ekadashi Tithi Begins – July 5 at 6:57 PM IST
- Devshayani Ekadashi Tithi Ends – July 6 at 9:16 PM IST
- Parana Time – July 7, 2025 – 05:25 AM to 08:17 AM (avoid Hari Vasara period)
- On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – July 7, 2025 – 11:15 PM
Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four holy months when Lord Vishnu enters yogic sleep (Yog Nidra) in the Kshir Sagar (cosmic ocean). Devotees observe fasting and puja to seek his blessings during this spiritually charged period.
Why is Devshayani Ekadashi Important in Hinduism?
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi, marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month sacred period when Lord Vishnu enters divine sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the cosmic serpent Shesha Naga in the ocean of milk (Kshir Sagar).
Vaishnavas and spiritual devotees regard this day as deeply sacred. It is observed on the Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the Hindu month of Ashadha.
This day marks a powerful spiritual transition:
- The start of Chaturmas, a four-month period of purification and penance.
- A time when auspicious events like marriages are paused.
- It ushers in the sacred season of celebration—Guru Purnima, Shravan Maas, Janmashtami, Navratri, and Diwali.
Why Is Devshayani Ekadashi Spiritually Significant?
- Devotees believe that Vishnu rests in Kshir Sagar (cosmic ocean), lying on Sheshnaag during this time.
- Observing vrat (fast) and puja today is said to be as rewarding as performing 1,000 fire rituals.
- This Ekadashi also ensures moksha (liberation) when observed with true devotion.
How To Observe Devshayani Ekadashi Rituals Step by Step
Below, we have the traditional steps that are observed by devotees on Devshayani Ekadashi:
1. Morning Bath (Snan)
- Take a holy bath before sunrise.
- Sanctify your being with a touch of Tulsi or sacred Ganga jal.
2. Vrat (Fasting)
- Choose between—Nirjala for total fasting, Phalahar if you’re okay with fruits and milk, or go Satvik with simple, no-onion-no-garlic food.
- Avoid tamasic food, negativity, and anything that disturbs your calm.
3. Puja and Mantra Jaap
- Light incense, offer Tulsi and yellow flowers with chandan to Lord Vishnu.
- Recite Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (“ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय”) and Vishnu Sahasranama (विष्णु सहस्रनाम).
- Strengthen your faith by reading or listening to the vrat katha of Devshayani Ekadashi.
4. Tulsi Puja
- Tulsi is dearly beloved to Lord Vishnu and always offered in His puja
- Pour some water in the Tulsi Plant, light a ghee diya, and listen to Tulsi aarti with devotion.
5. Jagran (Night Vigil)
- Some devotees stay up all night, lost in bhakti through songs and satsang.
- Kirtans and satsangs light up ISKCON temples and Ramanuja mathas worldwide.
6. Parana (Breaking the Fast)
- Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) during the correct parana muhurat.
- Uplift others through anna daan or by sharing clothes with those in need.
The Vrat Katha of Devshayani Ekadashi
- According to the Padma Purana, there once lived a righteous and wise king named Mandhata, known for his equitable governance.
- His kingdom suffered a severe drought, causing great distress among the people.
- Seeking a solution, the king turned to spiritual guidance.
- A sage advised him to observe Devshayani Ekadashi with full faith and devotion.
- King Mandhata sincerely observed the vrat, taking the sage’s advice with seriousness.
- Soon, the rains returned, and peace was restored in his land.
- This story highlights that genuine devotion and self-discipline have the power to transform even nature’s toughest challenges.
Why Does Chaturmas Begin on Devshayani Ekadashi?
- Chaturmas begins on Devshayani Ekadashi, marking the start of Lord Vishnu’s cosmic rest.
- It concludes on Prabodhini Ekadashi (also known as Dev Uthani Ekadashi) in November.
- This four-month period is considered highly sacred for penance, devotion, and spiritual practice.
- It is a time of:
- Self-restraint
- Pilgrimage
- Avoiding indulgences
- Focusing on prayers and scriptural studies
Monks and sages traditionally stay in one place during Chaturmas, teaching and meditating.
How Is Devshayani Ekadashi Celebrated in India and Abroad?
In India:
- Maharashtra: Devotees participate in the grand Pandharpur Yatra, offering prayers to Lord Vitthal.
- Uttar Pradesh: Celebrations at Mathura, Vrindavan, and Ayodhya include special Vishnu pujas.
- Odisha: Devotees also celebrate the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath during this time.
- Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh: Vishnu temples perform Thirumanjanam (abhisheka).
For NRIs:
- Temples in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia livestream pujas and offer online Ekadashi rituals.
- Platforms like OnlineTemple.com help devotees perform personalized Devshayani pujas from anywhere in the world.
What Are the Recommended Mantras for Devshayani Ekadashi?
- Vishnu Mool Mantra:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
(ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय) - Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra
Uttering the 1,000 names of Vishnu is deeply auspicious. - Tulsi Aarti and Shloka
To please both Lord Vishnu and Tulsi Devi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi and why do devotees observe it?
As Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra, Devshayani Ekadashi begins Chaturmas and is observed with devotion and fasting for inner purification.
When is Devshayani Ekadashi 2025?
It falls on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Ekadashi tithi starts on July 7 at 4:01 PM and ends on July 8 at 6:21 PM IST.
What are the rituals of Devshayani Ekadashi?
Rituals include holy bathing, fasting, Vishnu puja, Tulsi worship, chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, and staying awake through the night.
What is the connection between Devshayani Ekadashi and Chaturmas?
Devshayani Ekadashi ushers in Chaturmas, a time to deepen spiritual practices and step back from worldly pleasures.
Can NRIs observe this vrat online?
Yes. ISKCON temples and OnlineTemple provide global access to virtual Devshayani Ekadashi rituals and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Devshayani Ekadashi signals Vishnu’s cosmic rest—and the beginning of inner transformation for those who follow Him. By fasting, praying, and practicing self-discipline, one aligns with divine energies during Chaturmas. Whether in India or abroad, celebrating this Ekadashi with devotion brings inner peace, purification, and blessings that last far beyond the tithi.
This July 6, observe Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 with a pure heart—and let Lord Vishnu guide your soul toward light and dharma.