Hindu Festivals & Rituals

Hari Shayani Ekadashi

Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Āshādha Month of Hindu Calendar is called as Hari Shayani Ekadashi or DevShayani Ekadashi or Ashadi Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi.

According to ancient scriptures, Hari Shayani Ekadashi is the day when Lord Hari or Vishnu retires to Ksheer Sagar (Ocean of Milk), rests there till four months and comes back to Vaikunth Vas on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in Kartik Month. The Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Kartik Month is called as Prabodhani Ekadashi.

The period from Hari Shayani Ekadashi to Prabhodhani Ekadashi is called as Chaturmas (Four Months). As Lord Vishnu, the presorvor of life, rests in Ksheer Sagar so no pious and auspicious activities like marriage etc. are carried out in Chaturmas. The sages and seers don’t travel in fact they pray to Lord Vishnu while staying at one place only. Because of the torrential rains in most parts of India it is but logical to refrain from traveling during these four months.

Hari Shayani Ekadashi Vrata:

It is considered highly auspicious to observe fast on Hari Shayani Ekadashi. This vrata is said to bring prosperity and resolve all your problems. Devotees pray to Lord Vishnu and avoid consuming cereals, grains onion, certain spices and all types of non vegitarian food.

Hari Shayani Ekadashi Legend:

Brahmvrat Purana states the importance Hari Shayani (DevShayani) Ekadashi Vrata. Sage Narada once asked Lord Brahma about the importance of Harishayani Ekadashi. Lord Brahma told him the story “In Satayuga there was a great King. His kingdom was going through a tough time with no rains in three years. Unrest developed within citizens. Unable to bear the problems he went to consult a Great Sage Angira.”

Sage Angira told him that in Satayuga a little sin can also have huge effect. He told him further that in his kingdom some unworthy person was doing prayers. Sage asked King that if he would kill that man then his kingdom would have the relief. But the King said that he didnot want to kill an innocent person.

The King asked Sage to tell him about an alternative. Sage Angira said that the only alternative is that he and his people should fast on Harishayani Ekadashi. Hearing this the King returned to his Kingdom and followed the Sage’s advice. Not only he but his Praja also fasted on this date. Due to this the kingdom received plenty of rains and the kingdom became prosperous.