Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Why Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra for four months, the spiritual meaning of Chaturmas, date, timings, puja vidhi, fasting rules and powerful mantras to seek Shri Hari's blessings

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: One of the most sacred Ekadashis dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four holy months when Lord Vishnu is believed to enter Yog Nidra (divine sleep) in Ksheer Sagar, the celestial Ocean of Milk. During this period, devotees across India observe prayers, fasting and spiritual practices with deep faith.

It is believed that observing the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat with purity and devotion helps devotees receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu, brings peace, prosperity and spiritual growth, and encourages self-discipline and devotion.

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What is Devshayani Ekadashi?

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi, falls on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha.

According to Hindu beliefs, this is the day when Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra in Ksheer Sagar (the Milky Ocean) for four months. This sacred period is known as Chaturmas and continues until Devutthana Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu awakens.

ALSO READ: After 11 years at Kentucky Ford plant, diabetic worker was fired over a $1.95 cookie, later offered $33,000 in back wages after proving he paid, now plans to sue the carmakerThe beginning of Chaturmas is considered an ideal time for spiritual practices, chanting, charity, self-discipline and devotion. Many devotees avoid unnecessary celebrations during these months and instead dedicate themselves to worship and religious observances.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Date

This year, Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed on:

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Date and Timings

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 24, 2026 – 09:12 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 25, 2026 – 11:34 AM
• Parana (Fast Breaking): July 26, 2026 – 05:39 AM to 08:22 AM
• Dwadashi Ends: July 26, 2026 – 01:57 PM

Why is Devshayani Ekadashi so important?

Devshayani Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most spiritually significant days for devotees of Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe. On this day, He is believed to enter His divine sleep in Ksheer Sagar. His symbolic rest marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a period dedicated to spiritual reflection, penance and devotion.

It is believed that during these four months, the responsibility of maintaining cosmic balance is carried forward with the blessings and guidance of different deities. As the sacred months progress, various forms of divine energy are worshipped through important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva during Shravan, followed by Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi.

This sequence of festivals reminds devotees that while Lord Vishnu rests in Yog Nidra, the divine order of the universe continues through the grace of all the deities, preserving harmony and righteousness.

For this reason, devotees observe the Devshayani Ekadashi fast with sincerity, spend time in prayer, perform charity and engage in chanting the holy names of Lord Vishnu.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Puja Vidhi

You can perform the puja by following these simple steps:

1. Begin the day with a holy bath

Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta if possible and take a sacred bath before beginning your prayers.

2. Worship Lord Vishnu

Bathe the idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna and Laddu Gopal with clean water or Panchamrit. Place them respectfully on a wooden platform along with Shree Yantra, representing Goddess Lakshmi.

3. Offer prayers

Light a desi ghee diya before the deity and offer:

• Tulsi leaves (Tulsi Patra)
• Panchamrit
• Five seasonal fruits
• Dry fruits
• Yellow flowers or garlands

Tulsi leaves are considered especially dear to Lord Vishnu and are regarded as an essential offering.

4. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama

With complete devotion, chant the sacred Vishnu Sahasranama, which glorifies the thousand names of Lord Vishnu.

5. Chant Lord Vishnu's holy names

Spend time remembering Shri Hari by chanting His divine names with faith and concentration.

6. Observe the fast

Those observing the vrat traditionally keep a strict fast throughout the day.

People who are unable to observe a complete fast due to health or age may consume simple sattvik food after sunset, such as sabudana kheer, curd and potatoes, while maintaining devotion and purity.

7. Donate and perform good deeds

Making donations, helping those in need and engaging in spiritual activities are considered highly auspicious on Devshayani Ekadashi.

Powerful mantras to chant on Devshayani Ekadashi

Devotees can chant any of the following sacred mantras with complete faith to seek Lord Vishnu's blessings:

"Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!"

"Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham..!!"

"Ram Ram Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!"

"Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!"

Benefits of observing Devshayani Ekadashi vrat

According to Hindu beliefs, observing this sacred vrat with devotion may:

• Bring the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• Promote inner peace and spiritual growth.
• Encourage discipline, self-control and devotion.
• Inspire devotees to dedicate the Chaturmas period to prayer and righteous living.
• Help cultivate gratitude, charity and positive thoughts.

Why Chaturmas is considered spiritually special

The four months beginning with Devshayani Ekadashi are considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices. Many devotees increase their time spent in prayer, meditation, chanting, reading sacred scriptures and serving others.

Since Lord Vishnu is believed to be in Yog Nidra during this period, devotees focus on strengthening their faith and living a life guided by compassion, simplicity and devotion until Devutthana Ekadashi, when Shri Hari is believed to awaken.