What Is The Significance Of Devshayani Ekadashi?

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Padma Ekadashi, Toli Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi, Devpodhi Ekadashi, and Hari Shayani Ekadashi in various parts of India, falls on the 11^th day of the dark fortnight of the Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar. It comes after the famous Jagannath Rathyatra, and falls in the month of June/July of the English calendar; this year to fall on 4^th July 2017. This day depicts the beginning of the Chaturmas, a holy period of four months of the Hindu calendar, namely Ashadha, Shravan, Bhadarva, and Aaso. These four months signify the period when people can engage in extra devotion, and can gain control over sense gratification. The holy day of Devshayani Ekadashi is of special significance to the Vaishnavas, the followers of Lord Vishnu.

What is the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi?

It is believed that on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu falls asleep in the Kheer Sagar – the cosmic ocean of milk, on the back of Shesha Naag – the comic serpent. He observes this Divine Sleep for a period of four months, and wakes up on the day of Prabhodini Ekadashi in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. However, Lord Vishnu never abandons his devotees even in his state of sleep. This is why Vaishnavas observe fasting on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi to honour Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings.

What is the legend behind Devshayani Ekadashi?

Once, there was a king named Mandata who always kept his kingdom and his people happy. However, there came an unfortunate time when his kingdom faced severe drought, starvation, and illness. The king left his kingdom in search of finding a solution to this adverse period, when he met a learned sage called Angira on his journey. The sage, after learning about his situation, advised him to observe a fast on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, as it was only Lord Vishnu who could help him bring back the glory to his kingdom. As directed, King Mandata observed the fast and strictly followed all the rituals, following which he saw miracles happening! The rains returned to his kingdom, trade flourished, and his people were blessed with glorious riches.

What are the benefits of observing Devshayani Ekadashi?

Those who fast on Devshayani Ekadashi and pray to Lord Vishnu to seek his divine blessings can attain salvation and freedom from worldly avarice. Fasting on this day also frees one from his past sins, provides energy to face every challenge of life, enhances the physiological functions of the body, improves emotional stability, and helps strengthen one’s self-control. To attain these benefits, you must also observe a fast on this day, knowing that Lord Vishnu – the Master of the Universe – will answer all the prayers of a true devotee. Another way of pleasing Lord Vishnu is by performing a Satyanarayan Katha, where devotees worship the Narayan form of Lord Vishnu. You can hire MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you arrange for such a Katha at your home or office to offer gratitude to the Lord for all the pleasures and happiness he has given you.

The special Pandharpur Yatra

In the Solapur district of South Maharashtra, a huge religious processions of pilgrims known as Pandharpur Yatra is carried out along the banks of the River Chandrabhaga. Here, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his local form known as Vitthal. Lakhs of pilgrims join this Yatra, carrying palanquins with images of various saints of Maharashtra. The pilgrims also chant hymns dedicated to Lord Vitthal.

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What Is The Importance Of Yogini Ekadashi?

Yogini Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious occasions for Hindus to cleanse themselves of all their past sins. This day is important for those who are attracted towards materialism, and wish to walk the path of spirituality. It is one of the most promising days for observing fast in the most sacred way with immense benefits being obtained from it. It falls on the 11^th day of Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of Ashadha; this year falling on 20^th June. Like various other fasts, this is a significant holy day on which devotees observe fast to relieve themselves of materialistic desires, evil thoughts, and greed. The rituals associated with this fast are just like those followed in any other fast of the Hindu mythology. The fast can be observed by anyone – young or old; especially those who are suffering from health problems and skin diseases. Yogini Ekadashi rewards the devotee with good health, and removes the ill-effects of all past sins and wrong deeds.

What is the legend behind Yogini Ekadashi?

The legend behind this auspicious day is related to the times when King Kubera, the official treasurer of Gods, ruled Alakapuri. Along with being a king, he was also a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Every day he would offer flowers to the Lord and worship him wholeheartedly. It was the duty of his concierge named Hemamali to collect flowers from the Mansarovar for the king to be offered to Lord Shiva during worship. One day, after collecting flowers, instead of delivering the flowers to the king, Hemamali went to his wife and got indulged in relishing the worldly joys with her. On finding out, the king called for Hemamli and cursed him to become a victim of leprosy. He was also abandoned from the kingdom, and was sent to live in the jungle. After years of misery, he came across Sage Markandeya, who after listening to his story, advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast to relive himself from his mistakes, and cleanse his bad karma and sins.

How important is Yogini Ekadashi?

Yogini Ekadashi helps devotees untangle from their past sins and evil deeds/thoughts. It is believed that observing this fast is equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins! People who observe fast apply mud paste and bathe early at sunrise, and worship Lord Vishnu throughout the day. They believe that doing so will help them cleanse their bodies and souls thoroughly, after which they can lead a life with no ill-effects of the past. Along with observing a fast, devotees listen to the Yogini ekadashi Vrat Katha in detail. They do so because it is believed that Lord Krishna also narrated this story and the importance of the Yogini Ekadashi fast to King Yudhishtira.

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The Significance Of Apara Ekadashi

‘Ekadashi’ in Sanskrit means “eleven”. Therefore, the eleventh day of every month in the Hindu calendar is referred to as Ekadashi. Every Hindu month is split into Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) and Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight), which is why Ekadashi falls twice in every month; thus making it 24 Ekadashis every year. These Ekadashis are of very high importance for Hindus. Out of all the 24, it is Apara Ekadashi, falling in the second half of the Jeshtha month, that holds the greatest significance. The word ‘apar’ in Hindi implies “limitless”, thus it is believed that one who fasts on this day achieves limitless benefits. Apart from unlimited benefits, one who fasts on this day is also freed of all his sins and attains moksha. This is why this Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious by Hindus across the globe. Apara Ekadashi is known by various names like Achala Ekadashi, Badhrakali Ekadashi, Vaishaka Vadi Ekadashi, and Jalkrida Ekadashi across different states of India.

Legends associated with Apara Ekadashi

During the Treta Yug, there was a king named Bali who was highly victorious in all his battles. Due to his immense success and power, he started turning arrogant. His arrogance soared to such great heights that he forced Lord Indra to abandon Heaven. Lord Indra approached Lord Vishnu, pleading for help, who then took the avatar of Lord Vamana and disguised himself as a Brahmin to confront King Bali. He requested King Bali for three paces of land. Upon consent, Lord Vamana enlarged his feet to gigantic proportions and took all of the Heaven, Earth, and Netherworld under his feet. King Bali realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness.

Another legend depicts the time when King Yudhishtira had lost all his titles and riches in a game, and was facing grave humiliation. He then sought guidance from Lord Krishna who asked him to observe fast on Apara Ekadashi so that he would be blessed with profound fame and riches, along with being freed from his past misdoings and attaining moksha. Since then, the Apara Ekadashi fast is being observed by Hindus who believe in Karma and reincarnation of souls.

Rituals of Apara Ekadashi

People observe fast during Apara Ekadashi – some abstain from grains and beans, while others consume only milk and fruits. Then there are others who observe total fasting wherein they consume neither food nor water for the entire day. Devotees offer Puja or Yagna, and pray to Lord Vishnu on this day. The fast is broken the next day after sunrise.

As per Hindu scriptures, it is said that observing fast on this sacred day is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy River Ganga during the auspicious month of Kartik. It is also equivalent to the holy actions of donating cows. Therefore, Apara Ekadashi fast is the path of removing darkness of one’s sins from his life. Falling on 22^nd of May this year, it is recommended that you too observe this fast to attain fame, wealth, success, and moksha. However, if fasting is not your cup of tea, another alternative is worshipping Lord Vishnu by performing a Satyanarayan Katha with the assistance of MakeMyPuja Pandits, as Satyanarayan is also one great form of Lord Vishnu.

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What Is The Significance Of Ekadashi Fast

In Sanskrit, the word ‘Ekadashi’ refers to the number 11. This is why the 11^th day of every month in the Hindu calendar is referred to as Ekadashi. Because the Hindu months are split into Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha, meaning the bright fortnight and dark fortnight respectively, Ekadashi falls twice in every Hindu month. This makes one Hindu year having 24 Ekadashis in all. These Ekadashis are of utmost importance for the Hindus, especially those who believe in and worship Lord Vishnu. They consider this day as auspicious and observe fast.

Why do people observe fast on Ekadashi?

As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu had created a demon known as ‘Paap Purush’ when the world was being manifested, to personify all types of sins. He was created to punish all those who would avert from the path of virtue and justice to the path of evil and sin. Lord Vishnu also created the Yamlok where all those who sinned would spend their after-life in, and apologize. Along with this, the Lord also created Ekadashi as a path to salvation. He announced that those who would perform the Ekadashi fast would be cleansed of their sins and attain moksha.

What is the scientific benefit of the Ekadashi fast?

For those who are always looking for scientific reasons to do everything, here is some good news. The Ekadashi fast also has scientific benefits for the body. It is believed that the nutrition from our food takes about 3 to 4 days to be absorbed by the body completely. Taking into account the gravitational force of the moon and the constant change in its orbital path, it has been proved that by eating light on Ekadashi, its effect lasts till new moon or full moon day, when the pressure due to orbital changes of the moon is at its peak. Therefore, fasting on Ekadashi also safeguards our body.

How to perform the Ekadashi fast?

Just like in any other fast, food, grains, and cereals are avoided in the Ekadashi fast too. However, while some people consume food only once a day, there are others who avoid food altogether. Few devotees also observe Nirjala Fast that includes avoiding food and water completely. Devotees wholeheartedly pray to Lord Vishnu on this day to seek blessings and get rid of past sins.

If you are one who cannot observe fast, but are still seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu to help get rid of sins, you can perform the Satyanarayan Puja on any or every Purnima with the help of MakeMyPuja Pujaris to pay gratitude to the Lord for giving you all the happiness and success that you have accomplished till date.

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