Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Date, Significance & Rituals
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Hari Shayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, and Padma Ekadashi, will be observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Ashadha month.
Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 Tithi Timings
- Ekadashi Tithi starts at 09:12 AM on July 24, 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi ends at 11:34 AM on July 25, 2026
- Parana (Breaking the Fast): Between 05:39 AM and 08:22 AM on July 26, 2026
Devshayani Ekadashi Significance
As per the Puranas, on this sacred day Bhagwan Vishnu enters Yog Nidra for four months in the Kshir Sagar while resting on Bhagwan Sheshnag and awakens on Devutthana Ekadashi. This day also marks the beginning of Chaturmas. During these four months, auspicious ceremonies, such as marriages and Griha Pravesh are not performed. Instead, devotees spend more time in prayer and chanting Bhagwan Vishnu's name.
Scriptures also state that worshipping Shri Hari on this day with devotion removes sins from past and present lives and brings the devotee closer to Vishnulok.
Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The story behind Devshayani Ekadashi is linked to Bhagwan Vishnu and King Bali (Mahabali).
King Bali was a virtuous and powerful ruler. He gained control over the three worlds (Triloka) consisting of Bhurloka (Earth), Bhuvarloka (Space) and Svarloka (Heaven). To restore balance, Bhagwan Vishnu took the Vamana Avatar and asked Bali for three steps of land. Bali agreed without hesitation. Bhagwan Vamana then covered the earth and the heavens in two steps. As there was no place left for the third step, Bali offered his own head. Seeing this devotion and humility, Bhagwan Vishnu was pleased and asked Bali to request for a boon.
King Bali requested Bhagwan Vishnu to stay with him in Patala Loka. Upon hearing this, Bhagwan Vishnu accepted his request and promised to remain in Patala Loka for four months every year.
It is believed that since then, Bhagwan Vishnu enters Yog Nidra on Devshayani Ekadashi and stays in Patala Loka for the next four months. He awakens on Devutthana Ekadashi, marking the end of Chaturmas.
What Devotees Do on Devshayani Ekadashi?
On Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean yellow-coloured clothes before beginning the vrat. Many people keep a strict fast, while some devotees consume only fruits, milk, and simple sattvic food as part of the falahar vrat.
Throughout the day, devotees worship Bhagwan Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, lotus, incense, and diyas. Many spend time chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” reading Vishnu Sahasranama (1,000 names of Lord Vishnu), or listening to bhajans.
Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
- Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes (Yellow-coloured, if possible)
- Prepare the puja area before placing the idol of Bhagwan Vishnu
- Light a ghee diya and offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, and sweets at Shri Hari's charan
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or recite “Vishnu Sahasranama”
- Pray to Shri Hari for peace and prosperity
- Break the fast during the prescribed Parana time
FAQs
At what time can I break the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat?
You can break the fast between 05:39 AM and 08:22 AM on July 26, 2026.
Can I drink water during the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat?
If it's a phalahar vrat, you can drink water and eat permitted vrat foods. But if it's a Nirjala vrat, you can’t have water or food until the fast ends.
What colour clothes are commonly worn on Devshayani Ekadashi?
Devotees usually wear yellow clothes. Yellow is associated with Bhagwan Vishnu, who is also known as Pitambari, the one who wears yellow robes.
How can I prepare for Devshayani Ekadashi?
You can prepare by arranging the essential puja items like Ganga Jal, Tulsi leaves, diya, and incense, in advance.