Devshayani Ekadashi Fasting and Worship Rules: The Devshayani Ekadashi fast will be observed on Saturday, July 25th; this fast is observed annually on the Ekadashi tithi (eleventh day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month. According to religious beliefs, on this day, Lord Shri Hari Vishnu enters a state of cosmic slumber (*Yoganidra*) in the *Kshir Sagar* (Ocean of Milk), marking the beginning of the four-month period known as *Chaturmas*. Therefore, fasting and worshipping on this Ekadashi are considered especially rewarding.

According to astrology, several auspicious *Yogas* (astrological alignments)—including *Brahma Yoga* and *Indra Yoga*—are forming on Devshayani Ekadashi, further enhancing the significance of the day. Astrologers note that specific rituals and rules are followed during worship on Devshayani Ekadashi. Let us also learn what should and should not be done on this auspicious day...

Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi is considered one of the most important Ekadashis in Sanatan Dharma. According to religious belief, on this day, Lord Shri Hari Vishnu retires to *Yoganidra* on the bed of Sheshnag in the *Kshir Sagar*. This marks the commencement of *Chaturmas*, a period lasting four months. During this time, auspicious ceremonies such as weddings, housewarming rituals (*Griha Pravesh*), tonsure ceremonies (*Mundan*), and other celebratory events are generally postponed. Lord Vishnu subsequently awakens on the day of Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devutthana Ekadashi).

According to the scriptures, observing the Devshayani Ekadashi fast and worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi with proper rituals brings happiness, prosperity, and peace into one's life. It is believed that observing the fast with devotion, along with chanting, penance, charity, and the recitation of Lord Vishnu's mantras on this day, destroys sins and yields imperishable merit (*Akshay Punya*).

What to do on Devshayani Ekadashi?
According to astrologers, one should wake up during *Brahma Muhurta* (the auspicious pre-dawn period) on this day, bathe, and wear clean clothes—preferably yellow or light-colored ones.

Purify the home's place of worship with *Gangajal* (holy water from the Ganges) and worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi according to prescribed rituals. During the worship, be sure to offer sandalwood paste, yellow flowers, incense, a lamp, and Tulsi leaves, as the worship of Shri Hari is considered incomplete without Tulsi.

Reciting the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or the Vishnu Sahasranama during the worship is considered auspicious.

Observe a fast according to your capacity throughout the day and maintain *Sattvic* (pure) thoughts. Donate food, clothing, water, or *Dakshina* (charitable offering) to the needy.

In the evening, perform the *Aarti* of Lord Vishnu and offer *Bhog* (sacred food offering) consisting of *Kheer* (rice pudding), *Makhan-Mishri* (butter and rock sugar), fruits, or other *Sattvic* offerings.

Religious belief holds that maintaining purity of mind, speech, and actions is the most important rule on the day of Ekadashi.

Remembering Lord Vishnu, singing devotional songs (*Bhajan-Kirtan*), and reading religious scriptures throughout the day is considered auspicious.

On Devshayani Ekadashi, one should maintain purity of mind and action and observe *Brahmacharya* (celibacy).

The fast of Ekadashi is broken (*Paran*) on the *Dwadashi* Tithi (the twelfth day of the lunar fortnight).

What should not be done on Devshayani Ekadashi?
On Devshayani Ekadashi, one should not consume *Tamasic* food, meat, alcohol, garlic, onions, or intoxicants.
Even those not observing the fast should avoid consuming rice on this day.
Refrain from anger, lying, harsh speech, arguments, and insulting others.
Do not cause unnecessary harm to plants or trees, and do not inflict pain on any living being.
On the day of Ekadashi, one should not touch the Tulsi plant or pluck its leaves.

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