Devshayani Ekadashi 2017 - Hari Shayani Ekadasi Vrat

Devshayani Ekadashi is meant to be the most pious one among all the Ekadashis. From this day all kind of auspicious work are not carried out. Because as per Scriptures, Gods slept from this day. Devotees observe fast on this day to please Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. In 2017, it will be marked on 4th of July. keep reading to more details about this event...

Hari Shayani Ekadashi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Ashadha month of Hindu calendar. It is also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi. It is called Ashadhi Ekadashi because it is the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Ashadha month. This day is very auspicious for Vaishnavas, the disciples of Lord Vishnu.

On this Ekadashi, Lord Hari (Vishnu) goes to Ksheer Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, rests there for 4 months on Shesha Naga and then return back to Vaikunth Vas on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (Prabodhani Ekadashi). The period between Shayani Ekadashi and Prabodhani Ekadashi is not considered for events like marriage etc. and is known as Chaturmas. This Chaturmas period is a 4 months period of rainy season.

Usually the sages and saints worship Lord Vishnu as well as Goddess Lakshmi while staying at a single place, during these four months. Due to torrential rains in most parts of India, it is considered better to travel less in the Chaturmas period.

Dev Shayani Ekadashi Vrat

Keeping a fast on Hari Shayani Ekadashi is considered very pious as this Vrat brings happiness and prosperity. This Vrat also solves the problems which the devotees are suffering from. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and refrain themselves from consuming cereals, grains, onion, certain spices and non-vegetarian food.

Story Behind Hari Shayani Ekadashi

According to Hindu Scriptures, Hari Shayani Ekadashi Vrata is considered very significant. There is also a popular story behind it. Sage Narada once questioned Lord Brahma about the importance of Hari Shayani Ekadashi. Lord Brahma told him the story, there was a great king in Satyuga. His kingdom was suffering from drought for past 3 years. Anxiety spread among citizens. Seeing the severity of the problems, he went to consult a Great Sage Angira.

Sage Angira said that in Satyuga, even a small sin can also affect a lot. He further indicated that there is some person in his kingdom doing wrong prayers. The sage advised the king that if he would kill that man, his kingdom may get relief. But the king didn’t agree to that, as he did not want to kill an innocent person just because of performing wrong rituals.

The king asked the sage another way out. Sage Angira told him that the one and only alternative is that he and his people should fast on Hari Shayani Ekadashi. Hearing this, the king returned to his kingdom and followed the sage’s advice. He along with the citizens of his kingdom fasted on this day. Due to this, the kingdom received plenty of rains and people became prosperous and happy.

This was all about Devshayani Ekadashi. We hope you must have gained lot knowledge about this day through this informative article on Devshayani Ekadashi. Observe this day and usher in goodness.