Why is ashadi Ekadashi celebrated?
It is believed that Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar – cosmic ocean of milk – on Shesha nāga, the cosmic serpent. Thus the day is also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi (lit. “god-sleeping eleventh”) or Hari-shayani Ekadashi (lit. A fast is observed on Shayani Ekadashi.
Is ashadi ekadashi an auspicious day?
Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat and Puja rituals: Taking a holy bath is considered to be very auspicious on ashadi ekadashi. Devotees in large number gather at Nasik, to take a dip in the Godavari River, in the honour of Sri Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
What is importance of Devshayani ekadashi?
Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated to mark the 11th day of the Shukla paksha. It is the day when Lord Vishnu goes into a state of Yogic sleep for four months. Devshayani Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas which is a holy period of four months.
What do we do on Ashadhi ekadashi?
On this day idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four month period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day.
What do people do on Shayani Ekadashi day?
On this day images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four-month period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day.
What is the significance of Devshayani Ekadasi in Maharashtra?
Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and falls on the 11th day of a lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu Calendar. Devshayani Ekadashi is popularly known as Ashadi Ekadasi in Maharashtra and it marks the end of the Pandarpur Yatra. The Chaturmas (four Hindu holy months) and the Chaturmasya Vrata also begins in some regions on Sayana Ekadasi.
Which is sage explained the importance of Sayana Ekadasi?
The importance of Sayana Ekadasi was explained to Sage Narada by Lord Brahma. Lord Krishna narrated about the greatness of it to Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. The glory of Devshayani is mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana. It is believed that those who observe this Ekadashi is blessed with peace and happiness.
What was the story of king Mandata Shayani Ekadashi?
The story of king Mandata is narrated in this context. The pious king’s country had faced drought for three years, but the king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to observe the vrata (vow) of Dev-shayani ekadashi. On doing so by the grace of Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom.
