Devshayani Ekadashi usually begins days after the Puri Rath Yatra. Padarpur Yatra in Maharashtra too concludes on this day. Pilgrims in Maharashtra observe Devshayani Ekadashi with religious fervor. The main celebration occurs in Lord Vithal temple. Lord Vital is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, is an important Hindu religious observance that falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, which is considered highly auspicious for observing religious vows, austerity measures, and penance.
The word "Devshayani" literally means "sleeping of the gods". According to Hindu mythology, on this day Lord Vishnu goes into a state of cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the serpent Shesha (Sheshanaga) in the Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk). This period of divine slumber lasts for four months, after which Lord Vishnu wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Devotees observe a fast (Ekadashi Vrat) on this day to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and to cleanse themselves of sins. The fast typically extends from the previous day (Dashami) to the Ekadashi day, with prayers, hymns, and readings from scriptures performed throughout the day and night.
Devshayani Ekadashi holds special significance in the pilgrimage town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion as the beginning of the Pandharpur Yatra, a pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple.
Overall, Devshayani Ekadashi is a day of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion among Hindus, particularly those devoted to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.
Initiation of Chaturmas Period
Devshayani Ekadashi occurs on a day before the beginning of the Chaturmas period. Chaturmas as the name signifies four months with chatur referring to four and mas to months. The four months that make up the chaturmas period include the months of Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadarva ad Aaso. During the chaturmas period, the devotees are expected to observe penance, carry on devotional activities, and have restrictions over their senses. Festivities and celebrations make these chaturmas months lively and active.The initiation of the Chaturmas period holds significant spiritual and religious importance in Hinduism. Chaturmas refers to a four-month period that begins in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadha (usually July) and ends in Kartik (usually November), corresponding roughly to the monsoon season in India. The Chaturmas period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices, penance, and religious observances.
The Chaturmas period begins with Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, which falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Ashadha month. On this day, it is believed that Lord Vishnu goes into a state of cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the serpent Shesha in the Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk). This period of divine sleep lasts for four months until Lord Vishnu wakes up on Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik month.
During Chaturmas, many Hindu traditions and monastic orders observe specific vows and practices. For example:
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Fasting: Many Hindus observe fasting on Ekadashi days and other auspicious days during Chaturmas. Ekadashi fasting involves abstaining from grains and consuming only fruits, nuts, and milk products.
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Study and Reflection: It is a time for increased study of scriptures, reflection, and spiritual practices. Discourses and religious gatherings are common during this period.
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Charity and Seva: Giving alms, feeding the poor, and performing acts of charity are considered meritorious during Chaturmas.
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Pilgrimages: Some devotees undertake pilgrimages to holy places or temples associated with Lord Vishnu or other deities during this period.
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Avoidance of Certain Activities: Traditionally, some activities such as weddings, moving to a new house, or initiating new ventures are avoided during Chaturmas due to its spiritual significance.
Historic Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, holds significant historic and mythological importance in Hindu tradition. Here are some key aspects of its historic significance:
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Origin from Puranas: The significance of Devshayani Ekadashi is primarily derived from Hindu Puranas, particularly the Padma Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana. These scriptures narrate the story of King Mandata, who regained his lost kingdom and attained heaven by observing Ekadashi fasts, including Devshayani Ekadashi.
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Legend of Lord Vishnu's Sleep: According to Hindu mythology, Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra) on the serpent Shesha (Sheshanaga) in the Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk). It is believed that during this period, Lord Vishnu withdraws into his yoga nidra to rest and restore cosmic balance.
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Observances in Pandharpur: Devshayani Ekadashi is particularly significant in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, where it is celebrated as the beginning of the Pandharpur Yatra. This pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur attracts thousands of devotees who walk long distances to seek the blessings of Lord Vithoba.
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Spiritual Significance: The period of Chaturmas, which starts with Devshayani Ekadashi, is considered auspicious for spiritual practices, austerity, and religious observances. Many Hindus undertake vows (vratas), perform charity, and engage in intense devotion during this time to purify the mind and attain spiritual growth.
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Fasting and Rituals: Devotees observe a fast (Ekadashi vrat) on this day, abstaining from grains and certain foods. The fast typically begins on the preceding day (Dashami) and extends until the next day (Dwadashi). Prayers, chanting of hymns, reading of scriptures, and performing rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu are common practices.
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Mythological Teachings: Beyond the specific legends associated with King Mandata and Lord Vishnu, Devshayani Ekadashi teaches the importance of observing religious vows, leading a disciplined life, and seeking spiritual upliftment through devotion and austerity.
In essence, Devshayani Ekadashi is not only a day of religious observance but also a time when Hindus reflect on the deeper spiritual meanings embedded in the stories and teachings associated with this auspicious day. It serves as a reminder of the importance of devotion, righteousness, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation in Hindu philosophy and tradition.
Devshayani Ekadashi Celebrations
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across various regions of India. Here’s a glimpse into how this auspicious day is traditionally celebrated:
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Fasting (Ekadashi Vrat): One of the primary observances of Devshayani Ekadashi is fasting. Devotees abstain from consuming grains and certain foods for the entire day, starting from the previous day (Dashami) sunset to the next day (Dwadashi) sunrise. The fast is believed to cleanse the body and mind and bring spiritual merit.
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Early Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath (snan) in sacred rivers, lakes, or at home, purifying themselves before starting the day's religious activities.
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Temple Visits and Worship: Many Hindus visit Vishnu temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Vithoba in Pandharpur (Maharashtra), to offer prayers and seek blessings. Special pujas and abhishekas (ritual bathing of the deity) are conducted in temples, accompanied by devotional singing (bhajans) and chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama (thousand names of Lord Vishnu).
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Reading Scriptures: Devotees often engage in reading or listening to religious texts and scriptures, particularly those related to Lord Vishnu and the significance of Ekadashi.
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Pandharpur Yatra: In Maharashtra, Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the famous Pandharpur Yatra. Pilgrims undertake a journey on foot to the Vitthal Rukmini temple in Pandharpur, singing devotional songs (abhangas) and carrying palanquins (palkhis) with the images of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar.
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Charity and Seva: Giving alms to the poor, feeding the needy, and performing acts of charity are considered highly meritorious on this day.
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Cultural Celebrations: In some regions, cultural programs, processions (yatra), and religious discourses are organized to educate people about the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi.
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Community Meals: After the fast is broken at sunrise on Dwadashi, devotees often partake in a special meal (prasad) of fruits, milk products, and other permissible foods. Sharing meals with family and friends is also a common practice.
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Reflection and Spiritual Growth: Devshayani Ekadashi is a time for introspection, spiritual contemplation, and renewal of devotion to Lord Vishnu. It encourages devotees to strengthen their faith and commitment to leading a righteous and virtuous life.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें