Harishayani Ekadashi is also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi. It is one of the most important and sacred festivals in the Hindu calendar. It comes on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. The beginning of the Chaturmasa is marked by this auspicious day. This holy period lasts for four months. It is dedicated to penance, austerity, and devotion.
Importance of Dev Shayani Ekadashi
The significance of Ashadi Ekadashi is incredible in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, goes into a deep sleep on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the Ksheersagar (cosmic ocean of milk). This period of sleep continues for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik falls. Devotees observe this period with great respect. They believe that it is an auspicious time to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.
Story of Dev Shayani Ekadashi
The story of devshayani Ekadashi is enchanting and enlightening. According to ancient texts, once King Mandhata ruled the earth with great justice and piety. However, a severe drought struck his kingdom and caused large suffering.
In search of a solution, king started a pilgrimage and met sage Angira who advised him to observe the Harishayani Ekadashi vrat (fast) to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The king followed the advice of the sage and soon, there were rains again. It brought relief and prosperity to his kingdom.
Devshayani Ekadashi date 2024
The Devshayani Ekadashi date 2024 falls on Wednesday, July 17th. Early in the morning devotees get up, take bath ritually before worshiping Vishnu. They offer flowers, fruits and special prayers.
Shayani Ekadashi 2024 Timings
Below are provided the start and end breakdowns timings of Shayani Ekadashi 2024.
- Ekadashi Tithi Observance Day: July 17, 2024
Parana Time (Fast-breaking Time): Generally, this falls on Dwadashi Tithi day after Ekadashi.
- Next Day Fast Breaking Time: July 18 between 05:34 AM IST & 10:09 AM IST
Ashadi Ekadashi Vrat and Puja Rituals
Ashadi Ekadashi or Harishyani Ekadsahi is an immensely significant day from a spiritual point of view. On this day people do various rituals and practices to seek divine blessings and cleanse themselves off their mind, body and soul. Fasting on Ashadi ekadasi is considered highly sacred. Many devotees abstain from food and water, whereas others may have a partial fast. They may have only fruits, water, and milk. It is compulsory to avoid consuming grains of any type on every Ekadashi.
Vrat (Fasting)
Having a fast on Ashadi Ekadashi is believed highly sacred. They believe that fasting on this day helps to ascend in Bhakti of Supreme Lord Shri Krishna and cleanse them off their past sins. There are various types of fasts that devotees may have:
- Nirjala Vrat: This is the most difficult form of fasting. The devotee abstains from both food and water for the whole duration of Ekadashi.
- Phalahar Vrat: In this type of fast, devotees have only fruits and milk. This is a common practice for them. They may find it hard to have a complete fast.
- Ekadashi Fasting: Some of them may prefer consuming a single meal before the Ekadashi Tithi starts. This meal is simple and without grains.
Puja Rituals
The puja rituals on Ashadi Ekadashi are elaborate and performed with great devotion:
- Early Morning Bath: Devotees wake up in Brahma Muhurta (between 03:00 AM & )4:30 AM) and take a ritualistic bath. They often use holy water from rivers or mix it with Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges).
- Altar Preparation: An altar is prepared, usually with an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu. They decorate it with flowers, incense, and lamps.
- Offering Prayers: Devotees offer prayers and chant 16 rounds of Shri Hare Krishna Mahamantra, i.e.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Along with Vishnu Sahasranama (a collection of 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu) or other sacred hymns. Special bhajans (devotional songs) are sung in praise of the deity.
- Tulsi Leaves: Lord Vishnu is believed to like Tulsi (basil leaves). Therefore, devotees use them extensively in the worship. Offering Tulsi leaves convey large spiritual benefits when offered.
- Charity and Good Deeds: Doing charitable acts and helping the needy are integral parts of the fast. It is believed that acts of kindness and generosity on this day multiply the spiritual merits.
Shayani Ekadashi for Reflection and Renewal
As devotees prepare themselves for Shayani Ekadashi in 2024. It is the time for deep reflection. This sacred day offers an opportunity to disconnect from the material world and focus on spiritual growth. The rituals, fasting, and prayers are a means to connect with the divine and seek forgiveness for past actions.
Significance of Donation on Harishayani Ekadashi
Donation (dāna) on Harishayani Ekadashi has huge spiritual significance. Dana (donation) is highly recommended in various Hindu scriptures. The acts of charity are seen as a way to purify oneself and earn spiritual merit. The Vishnu Purana, one of the major Puranas of Hinduism, highlights the importance of donation on this auspicious day. It shows that donations made on Ekadashi are multiplied. The donor is blessed with prosperity and happiness.
Scriptural Sources
- Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verse 20)
“दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ||”
“dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe
deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam”
Meaning: Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person, is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
- Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 5)
“यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत् |
यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम् ||”
“yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyaṁ kāryam eva tat
yajño dānaṁ tapaś caiva pāvanāni manīṣiṇām”
Meaning: Acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance are not to be given up; they must be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity, and penance purify even the great souls.
Effective Ways to Donate on Harishayani Ekadashi
Devotees should donate with a pure heart in order to maximize the spiritual benefits. Here are some effective ways to donate on this day:
- Food and Essentials: People should donate food, clothing, and other essentials to the needy. Many devotees prepare meals and distribute them to the poor and hungry.
- Monetary Donations: To offer financial help to temples or charitable organizations is the best way to help and earn spiritual merit.
- Support for Education: We can provide educational materials with scholarships, or funding for the underprivileged children.
- Medical Aid: Donation to hospitals, funding medical treatments for the unfortunate, or supporting health camps can bring relief to the needy.
- Cows and Animal Care: According to Hindu tradition, donating to gaushalas (cow shelters) is highly auspicious. This can include donating fodder, medicines, or funds for the upkeep of these shelters.
- Environmental Initiatives: We can uphold environmental causes such as tree planting and water conservation projects. It aligns with the spirit of caring for creation.
- Temples and Religious Institutions: Contribution to the maintenance and activities of temples and other religious helps in preserving cultural and spiritual heritage.
