Shayani Ekadashi is also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Harishayani Ekadashi. It is one of the most important days for the devotees of Shri Krishna. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this holy day, devotees believe that Lord Vishnu, in his beautiful form as Shri Krishna goes into divine sleep on the cosmic ocean called Ksheer Sagar.
The word ‘Shayani’ means ‘to sleep’ and ‘Ekadashi’ means “the eleventh day” of the lunar fortnight. This day marks the beginning of “Chaturmas” the four holy months when Lord Vishnu rests. During these months, devotees increase their devotion, give up bad habits, and perform charity.
Shayani Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timings
Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Sunday, July 6.
Devotees wake up during the Braham Muhurta on this day. They take a holy bath and start fasting. Many devotees of Shri Krishna visit ISKCON temples on this day to sing bhajans, read scriptures, and remember the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna.
The Story of Shayani Ekadashi
Every sacred festival has a special story behind it. The story of Devshayani Ekadashi is found in ancient Puranas. It is said that once, King Mandata ruled his kingdom with great care and devotion. But one year, his kingdom faced a terrible drought. The rivers dried up, crops died, and people were hungry and sad. The king prayed to the wise sage Angira Rishi for help.
Sage Angira told the king to observe the fast of Shayani Ekadashi with full faith in Shri Krishna. The king and his people followed all rituals with devotion. Miraculously, after their fast, the rain fell heavily, and the kingdom flourished again.
This story shows the power of fasting with complete faith in Shri Krishna, who always protects his devotees.
Significance of Ashadi Ekadashi
The significance of Shayani Ekadashi is very deep. It is believed when Lord Vishnu, in his form as Lord Krishna, goes to sleep. He removes the problems of his devotees. People believe that the four months of Chaturmas bring spiritual strength.
Many Vaishnavas, especially ISKCON followers, see this time as the best to grow closer to Shri Krishna. They chant the holy names, read the Bhagavad Gita, and sing kirtans together.
This Ekadashi also reminds us that just like Shri Krishna rests, our souls too need rest from bad habits.
Rituals of Shayani Ekadashi
The rituals of Shayani Ekadashi are simple yet very powerful. Devotees clean their houses and decorate the altar of Shri Krishna. Many people observe a strict fast without grains and beans. They eat fruits, milk, and nuts.
They stay awake at night and listen to stories about Lord Krishna. They offer flowers, tulsi leaves, and special prayers.
Donation on Shayani Ekadashi is another very important ritual. It is believed that giving food to the poor and donating money to temples brings blessings. This is because Shri Krishna loves when his devotees care for others.
Significance of Donation on Harishayani Ekadashi
One must remember the significance of donation on Shayani Ekadashi. Scriptures say that donating food, clothes, or money removes bad karma. When you give, Shri Krishna blesses you with peace and happiness.
Especially on Shayani Ekadashi, devotees prefer food donation for the poor. Many visit ISKCON temples and donate money for temple services and prasadam. This pleases Lord Krishna, who is the protector of everyone.
What to Donate on Shayani Ekadashi
People often ask, what to donate on Shayani Ekadashi. The best answer is food donation for the poor and hungry. You can give grains, sweets, fruits, or simple meals.
Some devotees also donate clothes, blankets, and money for temple activities. It is said that when you help the temple of Shri Krishna, you serve Lord Vishnu Himself.
Charity done with pure heart always returns to you many times.
How ISKCON Celebrates Shayani Ekadashi
ISKCON temples worldwide celebrate Shayani Ekadashi with great love and devotion. Devotees gather in temples to sing kirtans and chant the holy names of Lord Krishna. They decorate the Deities beautifully with fresh flowers and ornaments. Many temples organize special Bhagavad Gita classes to help everyone understand the significance of Ashadi Ekadashi.
Devotees stay awake all night singing bhajans and reading about the story of Devshayani Ekadashi. They believe that when they sing and listen to the glories of Shri Krishna, He stays awake in their hearts, even while resting on the cosmic ocean.
Children, youth, and elders all come together to cook prasadam, which is offered to Lord Krishna and then distributed to all devotees. This makes everyone feel the sweet bond of devotion and service.
Ancient Facts about Shayani Ekadashi
Many ancient scriptures mention Shayani Ekadashi. It is said that during these four months of Chaturmas, even demigods like Lord Indra and other celestials worship Lord Vishnu in his resting form as Shri Krishna.
In some places, people worship a clay image of Sheshnag with Lord Vishnu sleeping on it. This reminds devotees how the entire universe rests peacefully when Lord Krishna rests.
Some villages still hold big yatras and processions where they carry the image of Lord Vishnu on a decorated palanquin. The biggest yatra is in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Lakhs of devotees walk barefoot to reach the temple of Lord Vithoba, who is none other than Shri Krishna.
What Not to Do on Shayani Ekadashi
While observing Shayani Ekadashi, devotees must follow some simple rules. One should avoid eating rice, grains, and beans on this day. People should not gossip or speak harsh words. Devotees try to stay away from arguments and spend more time in prayer.
It is also believed that sleeping during the day is not good on Ekadashi. One must try to chant, read scriptures, or serve others instead.
These small rules help the mind stay pure and focused on Lord Krishna.
Significance of Food Donation to the Poor
On Shayani Ekadashi, giving food is the greatest charity. Many temples organize special food donation drives. Feeding the hungry pleases Lord Krishna. He says in the Bhagavad Gita that those who care for the poor serve Him directly.
Bhagavad Gita 9.27
“यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्॥”
Transliteration:
“yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam”
Meaning: when we do any charity with a pure heart and dedicate it to Shri Krishna, it brings us divine blessings many times over.
When we give simple meals, grains, or fruits, we offer a part of our love to the world. In return, Shri Krishna removes obstacles and blesses us with peace and happiness.
Why Money Donation to Temples Matters
Besides food, donating money to Shri Krishna’s temples is also very powerful. Temples use this money to serve the Deities, run food programs, and spread the teachings of Lord Krishna.
Your donation keeps the temple alive and helps many souls get spiritual guidance. It is said that even a small donation done with a pure heart pleases Lord Vishnu, who then blesses your home with joy and prosperity.
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.
Conclusion
Shayani Ekadashi 2025 is not just about fasting. It is about cleansing the heart, helping the needy, and surrendering our minds at the feet of Shri Krishna. When we follow this sacred day with love and devotion, we invite his divine grace into our lives.
May we all remember the significance of Ashadi Ekadashi, the ancient story of Devshayani Ekadashi, and the joy of giving. May our hearts sleep peacefully in the lap of Lord Krishna, who protects us forever.
