According to the Hindu calendar there are few days which are allotted to certain God/Goddess. Likewise, Ekadashi is the 11th day which is allotted to Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees perform a fast while worshipping Lord Vishnu. Fating on the eleventh (11th) day of the month is known as Ekadashi (एकादशी) in Sanskrit, which is considered as the most important fast in Hinduism. Ekadashi occurs twice every month & Hindus observe a fast on this day while eating only farali food. As per the Hindu calendar (पञ्चाङ्गम्) there are total twenty-four (24) Ekadashis throughout the year, however this number may increase to twenty-six (26) Ekadashis whenever the extra month (अधिकमासः) is added. Most of the Hindus observe all the Ekadashi fasting but there are few Hindus who rather observe fast on special & important Ekadashis only like Prabodhini, Nirjala, Devshayni, Pavitra Ekadashi etc. which are considered as the most auspicious Ekadashis. Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) is one of the most important Ekadashi in Hinduism.
Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) is also known as Maha-Ekadashi (the great Ekadashi of all) as from this day onwards Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) begins. Devshayni (देवशयनी) literally means, a sleeping day of Gods. It is also known as Hari-Shayni Ekadashi which means, sleeping day of Lord Vishnu. But here, we must not take the literal meaning of Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) as, according to the Scriptures, Gods & Goddesses never sleep, but here we have to understand that the correct meaning of sleep is meditative sleep or deep sleep (योग निद्राम् / सुषुप्ति). Lord Vishnu along with other Gods & Goddesses proceed to a meditative sleep/ deep sleep (योग निद्राम् / सुषुप्ति) on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Aashadha month (आषाढः शुक्लपक्षे एकादशी) this is the reason this day is known as Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी). It is celebrated on the next day of the famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra which falls in the month of June or July, according to the Georgian calendar. Lord Vishnu along with other Gods & Goddesses, wakes up on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika month (कार्तिकः शुक्लपक्षे एकादशी), which is known as Prabodhini/ Devotthan Ekadashi (प्रबोधिनी/ देवोत्थान एकादशी) about which we have already discussed in our earlier article.
Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) marks the arrival of Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) & the arrival of rainy season. Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) literally translates to four months. This is a period that falls in the rainy season & is considered especially holy. The beginning of this four-month-long period is marked by Devshayani Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी), which is the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Aashadha (आषाढः शुक्लपक्षे एकादशी) (which falls in June-July of the Gregorian months). Moreover, as Devshayani Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) marks the beginning of the Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) which includes four Hindu months; Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwina & Kartika months. Some of the prominent Hindu festivals like Shravan Month, Ganesh Chaturthi, Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Navratri, Diwali, etc. are celebrated during these four months. The Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) ends with Prabhodhini (Devotthan) Ekadashi, which is the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of Kartik month (कार्तिकः शुक्लपक्षे एकादशी).
The Jain festival, which is known as Paryushan, also falls during this Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) & is observed for 8 days by the followers of Shwetambara Parampara & 10 days by the followers Digambara Parampara.
Significance of Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) –
Devshayani Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) holds its importance as Lord Vishnu proceeds to the state of meditative sleep (योग निद्रा), on this very day. While it’s more casually referred to ‘sleep’, the more appropriate explanation would be a state of conscious meditative sleep. Lord Vishnu is in that conscious meditative sleep, in the Kshirsagar (cosmic ocean of milk) lying down on the Sheshnaaga (thousand-headed snake). And he wakes up from this meditative sleep after four months, on Prabhodhini or Devotthan Ekadashi, which falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the Kartika month (कार्तिकः शुक्लपक्षे एकादशी).
As we are all familiar that the moon is never constant like the other luminary, Sun. The moon has its phases; Amavasya (no moon night) & Purnima (full moon night) are the two indicators of the fortnight & together comprises of a month. As we know, the moon’s gravity affects the tidal waves on the earth & since the human body is made up of 60-70% water, the moon does have an effect on the human mind, body & digestion. While the moon is going through its phase, on the 11th day the energy shifts & the moon begins to harbor the energy of the fortnight point it’s going towards (Amavasya or Purnima).
Astrologically speaking, since there are 360 degrees in a circle, the Moon moves (on the average) 360 / 27.3 or 13.2 degrees per day relative to the stars. So, on the 11th day; the Sun, the Moon & the Earth are in trine (120°) (one third of a circle) position to each other & thus, have a greater impact on the gravitational forces & the magnetic pull of the Moon on the human body because of which this day chosen by the ancient sages & yogis to practice austerity, observe fasts & focus on spiritual growth.
Garuda Purana explains the importance of Ekadashi through a shloka. It is stated in the 32 Adhyay in the Pretakanda (Dharmakanda) of Garuda Purana that;
पञ्चप्रवहणान्येव भवाब्धौ मज्जतां नृणाम्।
विष्णुरेकादशी गीता तुलसी विप्रधेनवः॥ २,३२.१००॥
Meaning – There are one 5 things that can help people drowning in the ocean of existence to cross it – Lord Vishnu, Ekadashi, Bhagwad Gita, Tulsi & Brahmin’s cows.
Fasting on Ekadashis is considered to be highly beneficial across various sects of Hinduism. Above all the Ekadashis, Devshayani Ekadashi is revered all the more because it marks the commencement of Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः). Such fastings are mentioned in the Scriptures which are beneficial for health as well as for the spiritual growth.
Significance of Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) –
Out of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh; Lord Vishnu is considered to be the maintainer of this cosmos, letting the world run its material activities with harmony, so while he is in meditative sleep, all the auspicious activities (मांगलिक कार्यः) like, marriages, engagements, tonsuring, housewarming, naming ceremonies, starting out of new businesses, the commencement of anything auspicious are prohibited for these four months. According to the Scriptures, during each ritual we perform, we invite Gods & Goddesses to obtain their presence & blessings also to witness the ritual ceremonies we are performing. So, such rituals are only be performed in the presence of Gods & Goddess, but during the Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) all the Gods & Goddesses are in the state of meditative sleep (योग निद्रा) except Lord Shiva. As they are in the state of meditative sleep (योग निद्रा) they will not be able to attend any of the rituals we conduct & without their presence all auspicious rituals are considered incomplete, due to which it is advisable that, during these four months one should not perform any kind of auspicious activities (मांगलिक कार्यः).
Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) is revered as the holy four months of rainy season where Lord Vishnu goes into the meditating sleep (योग निद्रा). The seasons of Monsoon (वर्षा ऋतु), Autumn (शरद ऋतु) & Winter (हेमंत ऋतु) occurs during these four months (चातुर्मासः) which is the period of Dakshinayan. Dakshinayan is the period when the sun moves towards the south direction. In these three seasons the days of Holy festivals are relatively more, especially in the monsoon season.
Referring to the same about Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) the scriptures stated that;
वार्षिकांश्चतुरो मासान् वाहयेत् केनचिन्नरः ।
व्रतेन न चेदाप्नोति किल्बिषं वत्सरोद्भवम् ॥
Meaning – The yearly Chaturmas should be spent with some type of fasting, otherwise one gets seasonal diseases.
Due to the rains, the occurrence of diseases is high, hence more attention needs to be paid to health. Such Holy festivals result in occasional fasts & consumption of sattvik food, in addition to a restriction to a certain extent on outside food. According to Spirituality, lesser availability of sunlight in the rainy season increases the strength of negative energies, thereby increasing the quality of ignorance (तमस्). This increase of Tamas (तमस्) component is harmful for human body & hence, to counter that, the body needs to increase the quality of goodness - Sattva component (सत्व). Celebrating festivals help in increasing the Sattva (सत्व) component. Also, the period of Dakshinayan is otherwise unfavorable from the quality of goodness (सात्विक) point of view. To be able to bear the effect of these, it is essential to increase the Sattva (सत्व) component in the body. Since festivals & vrata help increase the Sattva component, they are celebrated in larger numbers during the Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः). Hence, in the name of Holy festivals we in fact get an opportunity of increasing the quality of goodness (सत्व) & positivity within & around us.
Dakshinayan (दक्षिणायन) is the night & Uttarayan (summer solstice) (उत्तरायण) is the day of Deities. On the occasion of Kark Sankranti (passage of the sun into the zodiac sign of Cancer), Uttarayan (उत्तरायण) is completed & Dakshinayan (दक्षिणायन) starts which is considered as the night of Deities begins. Kark Sankranti falls in the month of Aashadha. Hence, Aashadha Shukla Ekadashi is called Shayani Ekadashi. Actually, since Dakshinayan (दक्षिणायन) consists of six months, the nights of the Deities too should last for six months. However, only four months are completed till Prabodhini Ekadashi. This means that, the Deities wake up & begin their activities when one third of the night is still remaining.
According to the Ayurveda, during the rainy season the appearance of earth is different & travelling is difficult because of the peak rainy season. Hence, the custom of undertaking Chaturmas Vrat while located in one place became prevalent. During this period, mental state of the human body also undergoes a change. Various systems in the body, such as the digestive system, operate in a different manner. With due consideration to this fact, it is advised that food such as roots, brinjals, tamarind etc. are prohibited during this period.
Scientifically too, it is advised on the basis of ancient Indian Science of Ayurveda to consume light foods, which are easily digestible during the monsoons, as the metabolism is sluggish during this period. It is also advisable to avoid onion & garlic during these four months. The reason is onion & garlic both are known to have a heating effect on the body & so it increases the qualities of passion (रजस्) energies in the body which affects the body adversely & blocks attracting the positive energies which the human body needs the most during these four months (चातुर्मासः).
Historical account of Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) –
According to the Puranas, demon Bali lost his powers after the churning of the ocean. So, to gain back his powers he performed the Vishvajita Yagna as prescribed by Sage Shukracharya. After completing the Yagna he received his powers back & he defeated Lord Indra. Later he kept on performing such Sacrificial rites so that no one can defeat him.
But a few years later, Lord Vishnu took the incarnation through Sage Kashyap & his wife Aditi as Lord Vamana (5th incarnation). One day when demon Bali was performing the sacrificial rites, Lord Vamana arrived there. As demon Bali was known as the king of charity, he asked the Brahmin boy for anything he wants. Lord Vamana asked for three steps of land from the demon Bali as a charity.
Demon Bali thought that dwarf sized boy will not be able to take much land so he agreed. After promising, Lord Vamana measured the earth, sky & directions in one step & took heaven in the second step. Looking at this demon Bali understood that he is not an ordinary human so, surrendered himself & offered his head as the third step. Pleased with this, Lord Vamana asked Bali to ask for a boon. Bali said that you will always reside with me. Then Goddess Lakshmi, to save her master from the bondage of sacrifice, made demon Bali her brother by tying a rakshasutra & requested to free Lord Vishnu from the promise. Bali freed Lord Vishnu from his promise, but took the promise of living in Patala Lok (the underworld) for four months in his kingdom. Since then, Lord Vishnu visits demon Bali’s kingdom & rest there for four months.
According to yet another legend stated in the Mahabharata which explains the importance of Ekadashi. This story is enacted by Lord Brahma to his son Narada & later by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira. According to the legend, King Mandata was the son of King Yuvanashva who was the king of the Ikshvaku dynasty (Suryavanshi). Being a righteous, mighty & dutiful King, his kingdom was flourishing, rising & so was the faith of his people in him. Because of his specific nature of generosity, benevolence, religiosity; the people of his kingdom did not face any disturbances, diseases, lack of prosperity or untimely death. But as we say nothing is constant, times did change & the kingdom had to face massive drought for 3 years & as a result people suffered from starvation too. Due to the lack of resources no Vedic sacrificial rites (यज्ञः) could be performed, the ancestors (पितृः) & Gods could not be respected & oblations of Ghee (clarified butter) offerings could not be performed.
Pained by the difficulty of his people & knowing that their responsibility lies on his shoulders the King meditated on the problem for a long time. But found no sin that he committed for which he is being punished & neither the solution. Dejected but still not losing the hope he took his army & went into the forests with the aim of finding the solution. Wandering around, looking into Ashrams to meet the sages & to get the answers to his questions, but he got no answer & hence no peace. The last ashram left, however, landed him at the feet of sage Angira, who is described in the Scriptures as, the one whose radiance & splendour lit up all the directions & who looks alike Brahma seated in his hermitage.
Sage Angira guided King Mandhata to observe the Vrata (fast) of Padma (Devshayni) Ekadashi & so should his kingdom. Describing the benefits of the fast he said it removes all kinds of ill influences & obstacles in the path. As the Padma Ekadashi arrived, the king gathered instructed the people of the kingdom to observe this fast with faith & austerity. Soon after, the rains blessed the kingdom & the kingdom flourished again.
Ritual ceremony of Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) –
Just like other Ekadashis, devotees observe fast on this day too. On the day before Devshayni Ekadashi, devotees perform the evening prayer & take one meal, without rice. On the Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी), a fast is observed while partaking only fruits, dairy products & farali food. As this is the day Lord Vishnu proceeds to a meditative sleep (योग निद्रा), this day is considered as auspicious. The fast is observed on Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) from sunrise till next day sunrise i.e., on Dwadashi (द्वादशी) (12th day). Some observe it from sunrise to sunset, which is not considered valid according to the Scriptures.
The devotees who observe a Devshayni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) fast are required to wake up early & take a holy bath before initiating with the rituals of the ceremony. It is essential to have firm dedication & devotion while performing all the rituals. Puja rituals are offered to Lord Vishnu on this day. An image of Vishnu or Saligrama stone is bathed with Panchamrutam (पञ्चामृतम्) (a mixture of five- milk, curd, ghee, honey & sugar). The idol is then washed with water & dressed with clean clothes. A hand-fan, flowers, extruded incense & Arati (lamps) are offered. Devotees meditate before the image of Lord Vishnu & worship him with tulsi leaves.
The observers of this fast should not sleep at night on this day. Devotees should spend the entire night in reciting stotras, mantras, shlokas etc. to please Lord Vishnu. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranam Stotra is considered as highly auspicious on this day. Devotees also visit the temple of Lord Vishnu on this day. Performing charity from this day onwards for four months (चातुर्मासः) is regarded as highly rewarding. The devotee should donate clothes, grains, vegetables & money to the Brahmins. On Dwadashi, the devotee should take a bath early in the morning. Then, the food is offered to the Brahmin followed by offering gold or silver, according to his ability to the Brahmin.
Furthermore, according to the Scriptures, farali food includes; potato, elephant foot yam (suran), sweet potato, green chilli, barnyard (moriyo), Amarnath grain (Rajagra), water chestnut flour (singhare flour), red chilli powder, cumin & rock salt; turmeric, other spices & other vegetables are not used as the farali food. Moreover, some consider Tapioca (Sabudana) as a farali food & some do not consider it as a farali food.
During Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः), devotees keep fast according to their own wish. some refrain from eating certain foods. Some eats only one meal per day, some do not eat food for 16 consecutive days, some refrain from food & water after sunset. Some give up food & water for a whole month, while some give up food for 9 days & some abstain from their favorite foods for four months. According to the regional beliefs devotees perform the fasts for four months & those who does not keep fast for four months they abstain from eating heavy foods or spicy or oily foods. Also, for those who are unble to perform fast for continuous four months (चातुर्मासः) can also keep fast of Ekadashis which occurs during these four months (चातुर्मासः). Devotees celebrates all the festivals during these four months (चातुर्मासः) with full dedication to the God.
Thus, Devshyni Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी) fast has a deep connection to the Spiritual, Astrological as well as Scientific significance. It is not only to attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu, but it helps to restart the digestive system which helps the human body to work properly with more enthusiasm. These four months (चातुर्मासः) fast are not regarded as superstition beliefs, but it is for the well-being of the mental as well as physical health. I hope every Hindu understands that the base of the Hindu religion is based on science & spirituality & nothing more than that. As knowing how our traditions are shaped gives us an understanding of how tactfully culture & science are woven together. Chaturmas & Ekadashis that occurs during Chaturmas (चातुर्मासः) are the opportunities for us to reflect, reconnect & rejuvenate our physical as well as mental health for the spiritual as well as material wellbeing.
वैशाखः शुक्लपक्षे ०८, २०७८