Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Ekadashi

Devshayani Ekadashi

Also called: Shayani Ekadashi, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi (in some traditions)

Devshayani means 'when the deity reclines.' In many Vaishnava traditions, this Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period during which Vishnu is believed to enter cosmic rest. The day is also widely known as Ashadhi Ekadashi in Maharashtra.

Key facts

Paksha
Shukla Paksha
Lunar month
Ashadha
Observed on
The eleventh tithi of Shukla Paksha
Deities
Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna

The story

A vrata-katha tells of King Mandhata's kingdom suffering from drought. A sage advises the king to observe Devshayani Ekadashi, and the narrative links the observance with the restoration of prosperity. Separately, the day marks Vishnu's cosmic sleep on Shesha in the Chaturmas tradition. These are related but distinct strands of the observance.

Practices

  • Devotees worship Vishnu and mark the beginning of Chaturmas. In Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi is especially associated with pilgrimage and devotion to Vithoba at Pandharpur.

Common questions

When is Devshayani Ekadashi observed?
Devshayani Ekadashi is observed on the Shukla Paksha eleventh tithi (Ekadashi) of Ashadha.

Types of Ekadashi