Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 — When Bhagavan Vishnu Enters Yoga Nidra
Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi — The Beginning of Chaturmas
On Devshayani Ekadashi, Bhagavan Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra — the cosmic sleep of divine consciousness — on the bed of Shesha Naga in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk). For the next four months, known as Chaturmas, the Lord remains in this transcendent state, and the world enters a period of heightened austerity, spiritual discipline, and inward focus.
Devshayani Ekadashi — also known as Padma Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, or Ashadhi Ekadashi — marks the beginning of this sacred four-month period that ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi (Devutthani Ekadashi) in Kartik month.
The Significance of Chaturmas
During Chaturmas (roughly July to November), the Shastras prescribe specific disciplines:
- No auspicious ceremonies (weddings, grihapravesh, thread ceremonies) are performed
- Sannyasis halt their wandering and remain in one place for intense sadhana
- Householders are encouraged to increase their japa, fasting, scripture study, and seva
- Each month within Chaturmas has specific food restrictions rooted in Ayurvedic and Dharmic wisdom
The underlying teaching is beautiful: when the Divine Himself withdraws into stillness, the world is invited to follow — to slow down, to turn inward, and to deepen the inner life.
Vrat Vidhi
- Observe a complete Ekadashi fast — nirjala if possible, or phalahari (fruits and milk)
- Chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 108 times
- Read the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha from the Bhavishya Uttara Purana
- Perform Vishnu puja with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and a ghee lamp
- Resolve to observe at least one Chaturmas discipline for the next four months
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 🙏
Sanskriti Magazine — Sharing Indian Heritage, Achievements, Practices and Values with the world.
