What is Devashayani Ekadashi? Why is it famous? When is it in 2025?
, 7 min reading time
Devashanayani Ekadashi is the time when there are four months time in a year and Lord Vishnu delegates his duties to other Gods and Goddesses while he goes for a rest. Know more here.
What is Devashayani Ekadashi? Why is it famous? When is it in 2025?
Have you ever wondered if the universe also takes a pause, like a divine snooze that resets everything for a while? In the grand cycle of time and tradition, Devashayani Ekadashi is that cosmic pause.
It’s a sacred day when, according to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu, the protector and sustainer of the universe, goes into a deep spiritual slumber for four months. But this isn’t just mythology or ritual.
For millions of devotees, it’s a day of reflection, renewal, and reconnecting with one’s spiritual core.
Celebrated during the monsoon month of Ashadha, Devashayani Ekadashi quietly reminds us that just like nature rests and rejuvenates during the rains, we too must take time to slow down and turn inward.
Simple in its observance yet profound in its meaning, this day holds a special place in the hearts of those who seek peace, discipline, and divine blessings.
What is Devashayani Ekadashi?
Devashayani Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, marking the beginning of a sacred period known as Chaturmas, a four-month phase dedicated to devotion, self-restraint, and inner reflection.
Falling on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadha (June–July), this day is believed to be the moment when Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, enters into his divine slumber (Yoga Nidra) on the cosmic ocean, resting on the serpent-bed of Sheshnaag.
The name "Devashayani" literally means “the sleep of the gods.” From this point onward, Lord Vishnu is said to remain asleep until Prabodhini Ekadashi, four months later, in the month of Kartik.
During this period, all major religious functions like marriages, housewarmings, or inaugurations are generally avoided, as the divine protector is considered to be in rest.
But more than just mythology, Devashayani Ekadashi carries a gentle message for the human spirit as it’s a time to slow down, just as Lord Vishnu does.
Devotees observe this day by fasting, praying, and often choosing to give up certain habits or indulgences for the next four months, using it as a spiritual reset.
Many people take vows to avoid meat, alcohol, garlic, and onions during Chaturmas, while some even adopt a more meditative lifestyle.
Why is Devashayani Ekadashi famous?
As already mentioned above, Devashayani Ekadashi is the day when it is believed that Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, enters into his divine slumber, handing over the reins of the cosmic cycle to other deities.
Symbolically, it’s like the universe itself pauses, and devotees are invited to slow down too, to take a break from worldly distractions and turn their attention inwards.
People observe fasts, avoid indulgences, and increase their time in prayer and scripture reading, making it a deeply purifying and transformative period for the soul.
Another reason this Ekadashi is so famous is because of the grand and emotionally charged Pandharpur Yatra in Maharashtra.
Devotees known as Warkaris walk barefoot for days, chanting and dancing as they head to the temple town of Pandharpur to offer their devotion to Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Vishnu.
The entire atmosphere comes alive with spiritual energy, music, and a beautiful sense of community. This mass pilgrimage not only represents religious fervor but also the deep emotional connection people feel toward this day.
Devashayani Ekadashi, therefore, becomes much more than just a religious observance as it becomes a collective expression of faith, surrender, and the human desire to reconnect with the divine.
When is Devashayani Ekadashi in 2025?
In the year 2025, Devashayani Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, 6th July. This date falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi tithi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which typically corresponds to June or July in the Gregorian calendar.
On this sacred day, millions of devotees across India and beyond will mark the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month spiritual retreat during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter his cosmic slumber.
Since the observance follows the lunar calendar, the exact tithi and timing for beginning and breaking the fast may slightly vary depending on local traditions and sunrise timings, but the devotional spirit of the day remains universal.
For those planning to observe the fast or take part in rituals, it’s advisable to check a reliable local Panchang closer to the date for the exact Parana time (the auspicious time to break the fast the next day).
More than just a mark on the calendar, Devashayani Ekadashi is seen as a spiritual checkpoint as a moment to pause, realign one’s inner self, and set the tone for the months ahead.
Whether you fast strictly, visit a temple, chant Vishnu mantras, or simply sit in silence and offer heartfelt prayers, July 6, 2025, gives each of us a chance to step back from the noise and reflect on what truly nourishes the soul.
How is Devashayani Ekasashi celebrated?
Devashayani Ekadashi is celebrated with deep devotion, simple rituals, and heartfelt prayers by millions of devotees across India, especially those who follow Lord Vishnu.
On this day, people wake up early, take a purifying bath, and dedicate the entire day to spiritual practices.
They clean their homes, set up small altars or place Lord Vishnu's idol with flowers and lamps, and recite sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita.
Fasting is a central part of this observance as some people do a strict fast without water (nirjala), while others opt for fruit or milk-only fasts, depending on their health.
Many stay awake during the night, singing bhajans, chanting mantras, and meditating to remain in spiritual connection as the Lord enters his divine slumber.
In places like Maharashtra, the celebration reaches a grand scale with the famous Pandharpur Yatra, where lakhs of devotees, called Warkaris, walk barefoot for days to reach the holy town of Pandharpur.
They sing abhangs (devotional songs), dance in groups, and carry the palkhis (palanquins) of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar. The atmosphere becomes electric with devotion, music, and a strong sense of community.
In temples across India, Lord Vishnu is symbolically laid to rest on a flower-decorated bed, signifying the start of his cosmic sleep. People also worship the sacred Tulsi plant, considered dear to Lord Vishnu, by offering water and lighting lamps around it.
The day isn’t just about external rituals as it’s a pause, a reset button for the soul, inviting people to step back from chaos and reconnect with inner peace through faith and simplicity.
What is its scientific and ecological significance?
Chaturmas align with India's monsoon season, a time when ancient sages wisely encouraged introspection and reduced physical activity.
Heavy rains and muddy paths made travel difficult, while increased microbial growth during this humid period made light, sattvic food and fasting beneficial for digestion.
Additionally, practices like meditation and yoga helped maintain physical and mental balance during the gloomy weather.
This shows that Devashayani Ekadashi is not just a religious observance but also a scientifically mindful tradition, blending spirituality with health and discipline in harmony with nature's cycles.
Lastly, Devashayani Ekadashi is much more than just a fasting day as it is the gateway to Chaturmas, a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and divine connection.
Whether you observe it for religious reasons or simply appreciate its cultural richness, this festival reminds us of the importance of rest, reflection, and devotion.
In 2025, mark your calendars for 6th July, and if possible, participate in the sacred rituals or visit a Vishnu temple to experience the divine energy of this auspicious day.
Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub
If there is anything else you want to add to this, connect with us at wa.me/918542929702 or info@rudrakshahub.com and we shall be happy to help you..!!
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