Lucknow. Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month i.e. Devshayani Ekadashi will be celebrated on 25th July this year. According to religious beliefs, on this day Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra in Kshirsagar and with this Chaturmas begins. This period lasts for about four months, in which auspicious functions like marriage, house warming come to a halt.
When is Devshayani Ekadashi?
Ekadashi Tithi Start: Friday at 9:12 am
Ekadashi date ends: 25th July at 11:34 am
Fast date: 25th July (Saturday)
Timing of fasting: 26th July from 5:28 am to 9:58 am
President of ISKCON temple, Aparimaya Shyam Das said that fasting on Dwadashi Pradhan Ekadashi is considered especially fruitful. He said that food should not be consumed during Ekadashi fast and it is equally important to break the fast at the scheduled time on the next day.
Why is Devshayani Ekadashi special?
There is a religious belief that on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra for four months. This period is called Chaturmas. According to belief, after Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra, Lord Shiva takes over the management of the universe. During Chaturmas, sages and saints stay at one place and meditate. Auspicious functions like marriage, mundan, house warming are avoided during this period. Lord Vishnu wakes up on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devuthani Ekadashi).
Special yoga being made on Devshayani Ekadashi
According to Astrologer SS Nagpal, this time many auspicious coincidences are taking place on Devshayani Ekadashi. On this day, there will be Indra Yoga after Brahma Yoga. There will be a conjunction of Sun and exalted Jupiter in Pushya Nakshatra. In these yogas, it is believed that worship and religious activities give special results.
How to worship Lord Vishnu?
These are the methods suggested for worshiping Lord Vishnu on Devshayani Ekadashi: Bathe the idol of Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit. Worship with incense, lamp and flowers. Offer yellow clothes. Anoint the Dakshinavarti conch with saffron mixed milk or Ganga water. Light a ghee lamp near Tulsi in the evening. Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”. Do 11 rounds of Tulsi. Donate yellow things and offer water on Peepal tree.
Special event in ISKCON temple
Srimad Bhagwat Katha class is organized for the devotees on the occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi in ISKCON temple. It starts at 6 am, which is also telecast online.