Ashadi Ekadashi is also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of the fortnight which occurs twice every month. One falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) and the other on the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). There are 24 ekadashis in a year. The number goes up to 26 during the ‘Adhikamaas’, extra month as per the Hindu calendar. Ekadashi that falls on the Ashadha month, the eleventh month according to the Hindu calendar is called as Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi. In 2019, Devshayani Ekadashi falls on July 11.
Ashadi Ekadashi is believed to the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Chaturmas, considered to be a holy period of four months in Hindu calendar, starts from this day. Fasting on Devshayani Ekadashi is considered to be auspicious and helps to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and attain peace and serenity. Parana, meaning breaking the fast, is done the next day after sunrise.
Legend
It is said that once there was a king named Mandata who ruled a prosperous kingdom. The people in his kingdom were happy and satisfied. Unfortunately, there was a time when a severe famine and drought struck the kingdom, which led to the death of a lot of people due to starving and diseases. The king was blamed for his past deeds. The king was however clueless of his misdeeds and hence set out on a journey to seek remedy for the plight.
On his way, he met Sage Angira who advised him to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat. He returned to his kingdom and did everything he was advised by the sage. The vrat was a success with the kingdom getting its lost glory back and bestowing prosperity into people’s lives. Since then people observe fast on Devshayani Ekadashi to be blessed with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Tithi
On July 13th, Parana time: 6:30 am to 8:49 am
Ekadashi tithi begins: 1:02 am on July 12, 2019
Ekadashi tithi ends: 12:31 am on July 13, 2019
