Deva Shayanai Ekadashi is when Lord Vishnu goes for a four month long rest and Deva Uthaan Ekadashi is when he wakes up and handles hi work. The time in between is called Chaturmaas and no Subh work is done then.

Why are all auspicious and happy works stopped from Devashayani Ekadashi to Devauthaan Ekadashi?

Have you ever wondered why, in Hindu tradition, weddings, housewarmings, and other happy ceremonies suddenly come to a pause for a few months every year, right in the middle of the calendar?

Elders often say, “Don’t do it now, it’s Devshayani Ekadashi,” but rarely do we pause to understand what that really means. The period from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi, known as Chaturmas, holds a deeply rooted spiritual significance in Sanatan Dharma. 

It's not just a matter of religious formality or superstition as it’s a time when the universe itself is believed to enter a sacred stillness. During these months, Lord Vishnu, the protector of the cosmos, is said to be in a state of divine slumber.

And just like how a house slows down when its caretaker is resting, this period invites all of us to slow down, reflect, and refrain from starting new ventures.

In this article, let’s unravel the meaning behind this sacred pause and understand why all auspicious activities are intentionally held back, not out of fear, but out of respect for something greater and beautifully cosmic.

What are Devshayani and Devuthani Ekadashi?

Devshayani Ekadashi and Devuthani Ekadashi are not just two dates marked on the Hindu calendar as they represent a deeply spiritual cycle that reflects the rhythm of rest and renewal in the divine realm.

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, falls in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashadha (June–July). It marks the day when Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is believed to enter into Yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra) for four months. 

This period of divine rest is known as Chaturmas, during which many auspicious ceremonies and festivities are paused, allowing devotees to turn inward, observe discipline, and focus on spiritual growth. The term “Devshayani” literally means “the sleeping of the deity,” symbolizing a sacred pause in cosmic activity.

Fast forward four months, and we reach Devuthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls in the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik (October–November). “Devuthani” translates to “the awakening of the god.”

This is the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to wake from his divine slumber, symbolizing the end of the introspective Chaturmas period and the beginning of new, outwardly joyful beginnings.

On this day, devotees perform special rituals to wake the deity, sometimes even placing symbolic feet at the doorstep or creating artistic rangolis to welcome him back. With Lord Vishnu’s awakening, the period of restraint ends, and the season of marriages, housewarmings, and major festivals begins in full swing.

Together, Devshayani and Devuthani Ekadashi form a sacred cycle of pause and renewal, deeply rooted in both spiritual wisdom and practical living.

Just like nature needs monsoons to cleanse and soil to rest before blooming again, these two Ekadashis remind us that even the divine rests, giving us space to reflect, rejuvenate, and reconnect with our inner selves.

This tradition isn’t about restrictions; it's about respecting the natural rhythm of life and aligning our actions with cosmic energy. When Lord Vishnu wakes, life itself seems to stretch, smile, and move forward with fresh grace.

 

Why are auspicious works avoided during this period?

According to Hindu tradition, this period, called Chaturmas, marks the time when Lord Vishnu enters his divine rest or Yoga Nidra.

Since Lord Vishnu is considered the preserver and protector of the universe, his symbolic slumber is seen as a time when divine blessings are not actively available.

Just as you wouldn’t host a big celebration while the head of the family is asleep, this phase is treated as a respectful pause from grand worldly affairs.

On a more practical and human level, the timing of Chaturmas coincides with India’s monsoon season, which historically brought heavy rains, floods, and health issues. In earlier times, organizing large gatherings or performing rituals during such unpredictable weather was risky and uncomfortable.

Travel was difficult, priests couldn’t move freely, and diseases spread more easily due to the damp and humid conditions. So, over generations, society began to naturally slow down during this phase.

Rather than viewing this pause as a restriction, it became a wise and compassionate choice that kept people safe, healthy, and inwardly focused. What began as a spiritual observance evolved into a deeply practical cultural rhythm.

Emotionally and psychologically, this time is seen as a sacred window for inner transformation and reflection. Hindu scriptures emphasize that human life needs balance between doing and being, between outer celebrations and inner contemplation.

Chaturmas is a time to turn inward, improve habits, deepen prayers, fast, and reconnect with one’s spiritual side. 

Performing joyous and outwardly-focused rituals during this inward-focused time is considered out of sync with the energy of the cosmos.

It’s not that happiness is prohibited, it’s simply that we’re encouraged to experience happiness in silence, in devotion, and in waiting. And when Devuthani Ekadashi comes, and Lord Vishnu awakens, all auspicious works are resumed, with even greater joy, grace, and blessings.

 

What are the exceptions and permissible activities?

While the four-month period from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi is traditionally known for halting major auspicious activities, it’s important to understand that not everything is completely forbidden.

Hinduism, being a deeply thoughtful and accommodating faith, makes space for essential, unavoidable, and spiritually inclined activities even during this spiritually sensitive time.

The idea isn’t to enforce blind restrictions, but to encourage alignment with inner calm, seasonal shifts, and divine rhythms. So, while weddings and housewarmings are generally avoided, certain exceptions are made with care, context, and spiritual consciousness in mind.

For instance, daily worship, vrat (fasting), and celebration of specific festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri are not only permitted but are deeply encouraged during Chaturmas.

These festivals, though joyful, carry strong spiritual significance and often involve prayer, charity, and self-discipline, aligning beautifully with the intent of these months. 

In fact, spiritual activities like reading sacred texts (Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana), chanting mantras, donating food or clothes, and performing personal pujas or homas are considered highly meritorious during this time.

Many people also undertake special vows like refraining from certain foods or habits, not as punishment, but as a way of deepening their spiritual journey.

Another important exception is made for situations driven by urgency, health, or unavoidable life circumstances.

For example, if a person is critically ill or nearing the end of life, rituals like kanyadaan (marrying off a daughter) or even griha pravesh might be performed with simplicity and minimal pomp. 

Likewise, upanayan sanskars (thread ceremonies) or naming rituals for infants may be conducted in cases where astrological timelines or practical needs demand it, but usually without the grandeur of celebration.

The key here is intent and simplicity as if the ceremony is done out of necessity and without indulgence, it is not seen as a breach of dharma. Ultimately, the heart behind the action carries more weight than the ritual alone.

Therefore, the period from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi is not about restrictions but about shifting focus inward.

Just as nature slows down during the monsoon, humans too are encouraged to pause, reflect, and strengthen their spiritual connection.

Once Lord Vishnu awakens on Devuthani Ekadashi, the universe regains its full energy, and the doors for auspicious works reopen with renewed blessings.

 

Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub

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