Shayani Ekadashi

The Significance of Shayani Ekadashi in the month of Ashadh during the bright fortnight (Between June and July)

Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, "Which Ekadashi falls in the bright fortnight of Ashadh month? What is its name and significance? Please describe it to me."

Lord Krishna replied, "O king, the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the bright fortnight of Ashadh month is Shayani Ekadashi. It is a great and highly auspicious fast that bestows heaven and liberation and destroys all sins. On this day, those who perform the excellent vow of Ekadashi and worship Lord Vishnu with lotus flowers also worship the three worlds and the three eternal deities."

Lord Krishna continued, "On the day of Shayani Ekadashi, one of My forms resides with King Bali and the other lies down on the coils of the serpent Sheshnag in the ocean of milk, until the next Ekadashi of Kartik month arrives. Therefore, from Ashadh bright fortnight Ekadashi to Kartik bright fortnight Ekadashi, one should follow the path of dharma. Those who observe this fast with utmost devotion attain the ultimate salvation. Therefore, one should observe this Ekadashi fast with great care."

Lord Krishna said, "On the day of Shayani Ekadashi, one of my forms resides with King Bali, and the other form sleeps on the bed of Sheshnag in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk) until the upcoming Kartik Ekadashi. Therefore, from Ashadha bright fortnight Ekadashi to Kartik bright fortnight Ekadashi, one should follow religious practices properly. Whoever observes this fast attains the ultimate salvation. Thus, one should perform this fast with utmost dedication.

On the night of Ekadashi, one should perform worship of Lord Vishnu, who holds a conch, discus, and mace, and stay awake. Even Brahma, the four-headed deity, cannot count the merits of such a person. O King! The performer of this superior fast, which provides both worldly pleasures and liberation, is dear to me always, even if he belongs to the lowest caste. Those who spend the four months of monsoon eating food cooked on Palash leaves, lighting lamps, and observing fasts are dear to me. As Lord Vishnu sleeps on the earth during the four months of monsoon, humans should also sleep on the ground. One should give up eating spinach during Shavan, curd during Bhado, flowers during Quar, and lentils during Kartik. Alternatively, those who follow celibacy during these four months attain ultimate salvation.

O King! Only through the fast of Ekadashi can a person be freed from all sins; therefore, one should always observe this fast and never forget it.

Worship method of Shayani Ekadashi

"Rajendra! Listen, I will tell you the auspicious ritual of this vow. On the best day of Dashami in the bright fortnight of Ashadh month, take a ritual bath with devotion and purity in the morning. Then, at midday, take another bath, have a simple meal with a concentrated mind, and sleep on the ground at night. At the end of the night, after performing daily rituals on the day of Ekadashi and taking a bath, observe the vow with devotion by reciting the following mantra:

'Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogvivarjitah

Shavo bhokshye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhavachyut'

"O lotus-eyed Lord, Narayana! Today, I will separate myself from all pleasures and remain without food, and tomorrow I will eat. Achyuta! Please shelter me." After making this vow, worship the Shaligram stone with proper rituals, offer donations to Brahmins, and arrange for their meals. Then, in the night, worship Lord Hari Kesha (another name for Lord Vishnu) with incense and fragrances, staying awake near Him. After that, on the morning of Dwadashi (the twelfth day), once again worship Lord Hari with devotion.

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Shayani Ekadashi

Shayani Ekadashi

The Significance of Shayani Ekadashi in the month of Ashadh during the bright fortnight (Between June and July)

Worship method of Shayani Ekadashi

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