When is Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Date, Significance, Chaturmas, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi and Benefits

Devshayani Ekadashi, popularly known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi, is one of the most significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. Observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadha month, this sacred day marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period dedicated to devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual practices.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra (divine cosmic sleep) on Devshayani Ekadashi and awakens four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi. During Chaturmas, many devotees increase their prayers, perform charity, observe fasts, and focus on spiritual growth. Auspicious ceremonies such as marriages and housewarming rituals are generally avoided during this period.

Also Read: Ekadashi in July 2026: Complete Guide to Yogini, Gauna & Devshayani Ekadashi Dates, Timings, Vrat Rules and Significance

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Date and Timings

Event	Date & Time
Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat	25 July 2026 (Saturday)
Ekadashi Tithi Begins	24 July 2026, 09:12 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends	25 July 2026, 11:34 AM
Parana (Fast Breaking)	26 July 2026, 05:39 AM – 08:22 AM
Dwadashi Ends	26 July 2026, 01:57 PM

Timings may vary slightly according to location and Panchang calculations.

Why is Devshayani Ekadashi So Important?

Devshayani Ekadashi marks one of the biggest spiritual milestones in the Hindu calendar. It symbolizes the beginning of Lord Vishnu's divine rest and the commencement of Chaturmas, a period devoted to prayer, penance, and religious observances.

According to Hindu beliefs:

• Lord Vishnu enters divine Yoga Nidra.
• Chaturmas officially begins.
• Auspicious ceremonies such as marriages and housewarming rituals are traditionally postponed.
• Saints, devotees, and spiritual seekers intensify prayers, charity, and religious practices.
• It is considered an ideal time for self-discipline, meditation, and spiritual transformation.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to the Padma Purana and other Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra on Devshayani Ekadashi and remains in divine sleep for four months. During this sacred period, the responsibility of maintaining cosmic order is entrusted to Lord Shiva and other divine powers.

The four months of Chaturmas are considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices. Devotees dedicate themselves to worship, fasting, chanting, scriptural study, and charitable activities, believing these acts bring immense spiritual merit and divine blessings.

Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken on Prabodhini Ekadashi, marking the end of Chaturmas and the resumption of auspicious ceremonies.

Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

Devotees generally observe the following rituals:

Morning Rituals

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta.
• Take a holy bath and wear clean clothes.
• Clean the home temple.
• Take a Sankalp to observe the Ekadashi fast.
• Meditate on Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu Puja

• Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, sandalwood, incense, and a ghee lamp.
• Offer fruits and sattvic food.
• Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Read the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

Evening Worship

• Perform Vishnu Aarti.
• Chant devotional bhajans.
• Offer prayers for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
  
  

Fasting Rules for Devshayani Ekadashi

Devotees may observe the fast according to their capacity.

• Nirjala Vrat: Complete fast without food or water.
• Phalahar Vrat: Consumption of fruits, milk, dry fruits, and permitted fasting foods.
• Foods Allowed: Fruits, Milk and dairy products, Dry fruits, Sabudana, Singhara flour, Rock salt (Sendha Namak)
• Foods to Avoid: Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Onion and garlic, Non-vegetarian food, Alcohol and intoxicants

Spiritual Benefits of Devshayani Ekadashi

According to Hindu beliefs, observing Devshayani Ekadashi with devotion may help devotees:

• Receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• Begin Chaturmas with spiritual discipline.
• Remove negative karma.
• Strengthen devotion and inner peace.
• Improve health, prosperity, and family harmony.
• Enhance meditation and self-control.
• Progress toward spiritual awakening and liberation.

Many devotees also perform charity by donating food, clothes, and essential items, believing these acts multiply the spiritual rewards during Chaturmas.

What is the Next Ekadashi After Devshayani Ekadashi?

After Devshayani Ekadashi on 25 July 2026, the next Ekadashi will be Kamika Ekadashi, which will be observed on 8 August 2026. Kamika Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered highly auspicious for seeking forgiveness, removing sins, and attaining peace and prosperity.