Shayani Ekadashi: Timings, Vrat Katha, Rituals, Significance, and Dates

Shayani Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi is often regarded as the holiest of all Ekadashi days by Hindus, especially Vaishnava Hindus who consider Lord Vishnu as the supreme God. This ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi Tithi (11th day) in the Shukla Paksha (waxing) phase of the moon in the Ashadha month of Indian lunar calendar. For this reason, Shayani Ekadashi is also called Ashadi Ekadashi, which is one of the most widely accepted names of this Ekadashi.

Shayani Ekadashi 2024 is on July 17 Wednesday

2 months and 17 days to go for the event

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 16, 8:34 pm
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 17, 9:03 pm
Parana Time: June 30, 08:21 AM - 08:29 AM
Shayani Ekadashi 2024 timings.

(* The mentioned timings are in IST, for Ujjain. To change the location, visit the Panchang page.)

Shayani Ekadashi is also called Ashadi Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Shayana Ekadashi, and Sarvapaaphaari Ekadashi. Among Telugu speaking population, this day is known as Tholi Ekadashi. Ashadi Ekadashi comes after Yogini ekadashi and is followed by Kamika ekadashi.

Tithi Timing and Puja Muhurat for Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024

The above table shows Hari vasara end timing and parana timing to break fast after ashadi ekadashi vrat.

In the English calendar, this Ekadashi's date falls in June or July. On Ashadi Ekadashi, Hindus worship God Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and observe fast to please the supreme God.

After July 17, 2024, next ashadi ekadashi falls on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Vrat Katha

Listen to Shayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha in Hindi

Listen to Shayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English

The following conversation, in reference to Ashadi Ekadashi, of King Yudhishtir and Lord Krishna is recorded in the Padma Puran.

When King Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi fast to be observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashada month, Lord Krishna responded as follows:

"Rajan! The name of the Ekadashi falling on the Shukla Paksha of Ashada month is called 'Shayani Ekadashi.' Allow me to explain its significance. This particular Ekadashi is highly virtuous and grants its followers access to heaven and salvation.

It eradicates all sins and is considered the most auspicious fast. On the day of Shayani Ekadashi in Ashadh Shuklapaksha, those who worship Lord Vishnu with lotus flowers and perform the best fast on Ekadashi, honor all the three worlds and all the three eternal deities. During Harishayani Ekadashi, one form of mine resides at the abode of King Bali. In contrast, the other form rests on the bed of Sheshnag in Kshirsagar until the forthcoming Ekadashi in the Kartik month. Therefore, one should diligently practice Dharma from Ashada Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi.

Performing the rituals of this fast leads to the attainment of salvation at an accelerated pace. Hence, it is essential to observe this Ekadashi fast. By remaining awake on the night of Ekadashi, one should devoutly worship Lord Vishnu, who holds the conch, discus, and mace in his hands. The virtue accrued from this act is immeasurable, beyond even the comprehension of the four-faced Brahma.

Rajan! My beloved ones in this world are those who faithfully observe the Sarvapaaphaari Ekadashi, the destroyer of all sins, which brings joy and salvation. Those who spend the four months of the rainy season lighting lamps (Deepdaan), eating food on palash leaves, and fasting hold a special place in my heart. As Lord Vishnu slumbers during the Chaumas (four months of the rainy season), it is fitting for humans to sleep on the ground. In the month of Shravan, one should abstain from eating saag; in Bhadrapad, curd; in Ashvin, milk; and in Kartik, lentils. Alternatively, observing celibacy during these four months leads to the attainment of the highest state.

Rajan! Observing the Ekadashi fast absolves one of all sins. Hence, it is imperative to adhere to this practice consistently and always remember it. Only the Ekadashis of Krishna Paksha that fall between 'Shayani' (Ashada Shukla) and 'Bodhini' (Kartik Shukla) are suitable for householders to observe fasting. Ekadashis of Krishna Paksha in other months are not recommended for householders. Shukla Paksha Ekadashi should be observed by all."

Story of King Mandhata

Listen to Shayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha of King Mandhata in Hindi

Listen to Shayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha of King Mandhata in English

Once, Brahma explained the significance of Ekadashi Vrat (a specific observance on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle) to Devarshi Narad.

In the era of Satyug, a powerful emperor named Mandhata ruled as a Chakravarti. During that time, a severe famine struck the land due to three years of drought. This led to chaos and a decline in religious practices such as Yagya (sacrificial fire), Havan (fire ritual), Pind Daan (offering to ancestors), Katha (narrative discourses), and Vrat (fasting).

Moved by the suffering of his people, Mandhata decided to seek solace in the forest. While contemplating there, he arrived at the hermitage of sage Angira, the son of Brahma. Mandhata respectfully bowed before the sage and inquired about his well-being. The sage, curious about the king's presence in the forest, asked him about the reason behind his wandering.

In response, the king said, "O venerable sage! A severe famine has plagued my kingdom despite diligently following all religious practices. I beseech you to reveal the cause behind this misfortune." To this, the sage replied, "Rajan (O King)! Satyug is the most virtuous of all ages, and righteousness stands on all four of its feet in this era. However, an unrighteous person is performing an intense penance in your kingdom, which has led to the suffering endured by the people. Until this person's actions aren't intercepted, the situation will persist. The only way to eradicate these sins is by eliminating that unrighteous individual."

Hearing this, the king expressed his reluctance, saying, "O Muni (sage)! I cannot bring myself to kill someone engaged in penance. Please suggest an alternative solution to rectify this problem." The sage responded, "O King! If that is your wish, then observe a fast on the Ekadashi known as Padma, which falls on the bright fortnight of the month of Ashada. This fast will bring rain to your kingdom and bring happiness to your subjects. Observing this Ekadashi fast bestows all desired accomplishments, pacifies troubles, and offers salvation. You should observe this fast yourself, along with your ministers."

After listening to the sage's advice, the king returned to his city and duly observed the Padma Ekadashi fast. As a result of the fast's effect, rain showered upon the kingdom, bringing joy to the people. This Ekadashi is also known as Devshayani Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu is pleased by fasting on this day, so those seeking salvation should observe this Ekadashi. Additionally, the Chaturmasya fast, a four-month period of observances, commences with this Ekadashi fast.

Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat and Puja rituals:

Taking a holy bath is considered to be very auspicious on ashadi ekadashi. Devotees in large number gather at Nasik, to take a dip in the Godavari River, in the honour of Sri Rama, the Seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.

On the day of Ashadi Ekadashi, devotees keep a fast by refraining from specific foods like rice, beans, grains, cereals, specific vegetables and spices. By keeping a fast on this day, the observer will be able to resolve all the problems or tensions in life.

Devotees decorate the idol of Lord Vishnu with Gadha, Chakra, Shank and bright yellow clothes. Incense sticks, flowers, betel leaf, betel nut and Bhog are presented as offerings. After the puja ritual, aarti is sung and the prasad is eaten together with other devotees.

On ashadi ekadashi, the observer of this vrat must remain awake all night and chant religious bhajans or songs in praise of Lord Vishnu. Reciting religious books like ‘Vishnu Sahasranaam’ is also considered very auspicious.

Significance of Ashadi Ekadashi:

The greatness of Ashadi Ekadashi was narrated first by Lord Brahma to his son Narad and later by Lord Krishna to King Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas that can be read in the ‘Bhavishyottara Purana’.

Shayani Ekadashi is one of the most significant ekadashi vrat that is also observed as the first ekadashi. It is a popular belief that anyone observing this Ekadashi vrat with complete commitment will be blessed with happy, prosperous and peaceful life. After enjoying the worldly pleasures, they will finally attain salvation.

Ashadhi Ekadashi also marks the end of the famous ‘Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadashi Waari Yatra’. Pandharpur is a small district in the state of Maharashtra and here God ‘Vithoba’, a personification Of Lord Vishnu is worshipped with dedication. The yatra or the religious procession is a 17-day long grand event that attracts tourists to this place. Moreover on the day of Ashadi ekadashi, Vaishnava Mutts dress in heated seals and this tradition is known as ‘Tapta Mudra Dharana’.

Ashadi Ekadashi falls during the time when Lord Vishnu sleeps on the ‘Shesha Naag’ (the cosmic servant) in the ‘Ksheersagar’ (cosmic ocean of milk) and therefore the name ‘Hari Shayani Ekadashi’.

As per the Hindu legends, Lord Vishnu finally awakes, four months later, on the day of Prabodhini Ekadashi. This slumber period of the lord is known as ‘Chaturmas’ and it concurs with the rainy season. Devshayani Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi marks the onset of the Chaturmas period and on this day, devotees keep a holy fast to invoke Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

FAQs

What are the different names of Shayani Ekadashi?

Shayani Ekadashi is also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi (Shayan denotes to sleep, in Sanskrit), Ashadi Ekadashi (As it falls in the Hindu Calendar month of Ashadha), Maha Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi (On this Ekadashi, it is customary to worship Lord Vishnu with Lotus, as per the scriptures.), Shayana Ekadashi, Sarvapaaphaari Ekadashi (As Lord Krishna describes it in the Padma Puran), Tholi Ekadashi (In Telugu communities).

What is the importance of Shayani Ekadashi?

According to ancient Hindu scriptures like Padma Puran, Narad Puran, Brahma Puran, etc., Lord Vishnu falls asleep from the Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (Ashadhi Ekadashi) till the Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi). Since the Lord goes to sleep on the Ashadhi Ekadashi, it is also called Shayani or Devshayani Ekadashi. Since he wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi, it is also known as Uthani or Devuthani Ekadashi. The Shayani Ekadashi is important as it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas, during which the devotees observe penance, austerities, fasting, etc. Chaturmas, or Four Months, are Savan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, and Kartik.

When can I break the Shayani Ekadashi Fast?

The timing for the breaking of the fast, in Hinduism, is called Parana Time. The Parana time for Shayani Ekadashi 2024 is on July 18, 5:55 am to 8:34 am.
The timings for Shayani Ekadashi
(*The timings provided are in IST, for Ujjain. To change the location, visit Panchang)

Shayani Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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