Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Chaturmas

Devshayani Ekadashi (also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi) falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. The name “Devshayani” literally means “God’s Sleep.” It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu goes into a deep state of meditation (Yoga Nidra) in the Ksheersagar (Cosmic Ocean) for four months.

In 2026, Devshayani Ekadashi falls on a Saturday. This day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a holy period reserved for penance, austerity, and worship, during which weddings and other auspicious ceremonies are prohibited.

Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi & Chaturmas

From this day onwards, Lord Vishnu sleeps on the bed of Sheshnag for four months. He wakes up on Devutthana Ekadashi (in Kartik month), which marks the end of Chaturmas and the resumption of Hindu weddings (Tulsi Vivah).
In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as a massive festival where lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) complete their pilgrimage to the Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The legend was narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada.

Once, in the kingdom of the noble King Mandhata, there was a severe drought that lasted for three years. The people suffered immensely as rivers dried up and crops failed. The King, worried for his subjects, went into the forest to seek a solution.

He met the great Sage Angiras. The sage advised the King to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat. He explained that in the Satya Yuga, even minor sins could cause calamities, and this Vrat had the power to wash away sins and please Lord Vishnu (Varuna).

King Mandhata returned to his capital and observed the fast along with his subjects. Pleased by their collective devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed the kingdom with torrential rains. The drought ended, prosperity returned, and the kingdom flourished.

Puja Vidhi for Devshayani Ekadashi

1. Altar Preparation: Clean the puja room and place an idol of Lord Vishnu on a yellow cloth.
2. Panchamrit Abhishek: Bathe the idol with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
3. Mantra Chanting: Offer Tulsi and chant “Suptte Tvayi Jagannathe Jagat Suptam Bhavedidam” (O Lord, when you sleep, the whole world sleeps).
4. Sayana Ritual: Symbolically put the Lord to sleep by covering the idol with a white cotton cloth or placing it on a small bed.
5. Parana: Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) after feeding a Brahmin.

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