Devshayani Ekadashi

Story of Devshayani Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

On Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on the serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk, and wakes on Devutthana Ekadashi four months later. This period is Chaturmas. A well-known story says that in the reign of King Mandhata there was no rain for three years. Sage Angira told the king to keep Padma (Devshayani) Ekadashi with his people. They did, and the rains returned and the famine ended. Another tradition says that Vishnu spends these months in Patala with King Bali, keeping his promise from the Vamana avatar.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi

Also called Harishayani, Padma or Ashadhi Ekadashi. In Maharashtra lakhs of warkaris walk to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi. Weddings and other big ceremonies pause until Devutthana Ekadashi.

The tradition says that keeping Devshayani Ekadashi gives the blessing of Vishnu through the four holy months of Chaturmas. It falls in Ashadha Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu resting on Shesha.

How to keep Devshayani Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu resting on Shesha.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.