Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Maha-ekadashi and Ashadhi Ekadashi is observed by Hindus and on this day Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi are worshipped and a fast is observed to please them. The day falls on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of Shukla paksha of the Hindu month of Ashadha in June or July. This year Ashadhi Ekadashi is being celebrated on June 29 2023

On this day Lord Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar or cosmic ocean of milk for a period of four months, on his serpent Sheshnaag's body. The lord is said to wake up after four months on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi. In the interim Lord Shiva takes care of the universe.

The Ekadashi that falls during the Shukla Paksha (Brighter fortnight), during the month of Ashadha is known as Ashadhi Ekadashi. It is known by different names such as Devshayani Ekadashi, Toli Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Hari Sayana Ekadashi, etc.

"This day, a huge yatra or religious procession of pilgrims known as Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra culminates at Pandharpur, in Solapur district in south Maharashtra, situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. Pandharpur is main center of worship of the deity Vitthal, a local form of Vishnu. Lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of pilgrims come to Pandharpur on this day from different parts of Maharashtra,"says nutritionist and gut health expert Avantii Deshpande.

Ashadi Ekadashi is also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of the fortnight which occurs twice every month. One falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) and the other on the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). There are 24 Ekadashi in a year. The number goes up to 26 during the ‘Adhikamaas’, an extra month as per the Hindu calendar. Ekadashi which falls on the Ashadha month, the eleventh month according to the Hindu calendar is called Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi.

In 2023 Ashadi Ekadashi falls on June 29

Ashadi Ekadashi is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Chaturmas, considered to be a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar, start from this day. Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi is considered to be auspicious and helps to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and attain peace and serenity. Parana, meaning breaking the fast, is done the next day after sunrise.

Commonly denoted by the name Devshayani Ekadashi, it marks the commencement of Lord Vishnu’s slumber period which continues for four months. During this period, Lord Vishnu sleeps on Shesha Naga moves to the Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk) to rest on Shesha Naag. The 4 month long slumber is known as Chaturmas. Any kind of auspicious activity is avoided during Lord Vishnu’s period of sleep. The period ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev Uthani Ekadashi, after completing 4 months of Lord Vishnu’s nap, and he wakes up.

Legend

It is said that once there was a king named Mandata who ruled a prosperous kingdom. The people in his kingdom were happy and satisfied. Unfortunately, there was a time when a severe famine and drought struck the kingdom, which led to the death of a lot of people due to starving and diseases. The king was blamed for his past deeds. The king was however clueless about his misdeeds and hence set out on a journey to seek remedy for the plight.

On his way, he met Sage Angira who advised him to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat. He returned to his kingdom and did everything he was advised by the sage. The Vrat was a success with the kingdom getting its lost glory back and bestowing prosperity into people’s lives. Since then people observe fast on Devshayani Ekadashi to be blessed with peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Devshayani Ekadashi on June 29 2023

Traditionally certain foods are not consumed during vrat /fast for Ekadashi like rice , wheat , and some vegetables . most families will consume sabudana, /sago/millets and vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, arbi , makhana, groundnuts can be taken . only one meal is consumed without onion and gralic with limited food choices.

check out fast /vrat recipes from this blog

Vrat recipes for Ekadashi /fast

Dahi vada
Potato bonda
Potato Tikkis
Millet rava ladoos
Millet pumpkin dosas
Millet flour dosas
Millet neer dosa for vrat
Instant neer dosa
vrat sambar and sambar powder
vrat sabudana dosa
Millet neer dosa with Thinai millets
Dry fruits millets protein ladoo

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