Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Meaning, Importance, Puja Method and Fasting Rules (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Devshayani Ekadashi is being observed across today, with devotion and religious fervour. The day holds special spiritual significance in Hindu tradition.
Devshayani Ekadashi is a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls on the Ekadashi, or eleventh lunar day, of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, which is July in gregorian calendar.
According to belief, Lord Vishnu, one of the god in Trinity, who said to be the preserver of the universe, enters a state of divine yogic sleep, known as Yog Nidra, in the Kshirsagar, or cosmic ocean, on this day. He is believed to remain in this state for four months.
Devshayani Ekadashi also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period considered highly significant for spiritual discipline, prayer, meditation and self-control.
Devshayani Ekadashi is important because it marks the beginning of a period devoted to inner purification and spiritual growth.
During this month, many major auspicious ceremonies, including weddings and housewarming rituals, are traditionally avoided. Devotees instead focus on prayer, fasting, charity, self-discipline and religious study.
The day encourages people to reduce material distractions and strengthen their inner consciousness through devotion, restraint and good deeds.
Devotees should wake up early, take a bath and wear clean, preferably yellow, clothes.
A lamp filled with ghee should be lit before an idol or image of Lord Vishnu. Yellow flowers, Panchamrit and Tulsi leaves should be offered to the deity.
Tulsi is considered especially important in the worship of Lord Vishnu, and devotees should ensure that it is included in the food offering.
After the puja, devotees may take a vow to observe the fast and maintain peaceful and positive thoughts throughout the day.
According to astrologer Nitika Sharma, the night of Devshayani Ekadashi is considered especially favourable for seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
Before going to sleep, devotees should wash their hands and feet, sit in a peaceful place and chant:
The mantra should be chanted at least 108 times.
This twelve-syllable mantra is believed to calm the mind, reduce stress and bring positive energy into one’s life.
Adequate water should also be consumed to maintain energy and prevent dehydration.
Rice is traditionally considered strictly prohibited on Ekadashi.
Devotees should also avoid:
Religious experts say that rituals alone are not enough. Purity of thought, kindness and good conduct are equally important.
On Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees are encouraged to donate food, clothes or other essential items to people in need.
They should avoid anger, lies, criticism and negative speech. It is believed that prayers and mantra chanting become truly meaningful when accompanied by sincere intentions and righteous actions.
