Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 Vrat: Date, time, spiritual significance, puja steps & what to avoid during Chaturmas

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Hari Shayani Ekadashi, is a sacred day in the Hindu calendar. In 2025, it will be observed on Sunday, July 6. This special Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) during the Ashadha month, and it marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month holy period when Lord Vishnu is believed to rest in the cosmic ocean.

What Happens on Devshayani Ekadashi?
On this day, it is believed that Lord Vishnu goes into a divine slumber in Ksheer Sagar, lying on the serpent bed of Sheshnag. He wakes up after four months on Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi), which comes in the Kartik month. During this time, most auspicious events such as weddings, housewarmings, and thread ceremonies are avoided.

Key Timings for Devshayani Ekadashi 2025

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 6:58 PM on July 5
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 9:14 PM on July 6
• Parana (fast breaking) Time: 5:31 AM to 8:17 AM on July 7
• Dwadashi Ends: 11:10 PM on July 7

Note: Parana should be done within Dwadashi Tithi. Avoid breaking the fast during Hari Vasara (first quarter of Dwadashi). Early morning is considered ideal.

How to Observe the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat (Puja Vidhi)

• Begin the day early with a bath and clean your prayer area.
• Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu, especially in his reclining (Sheshashayi) form.
• Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and Panchamrit (a mix of milk, ghee, honey, curd, and sugar).
• Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, read verses from the Bhagavad Gita, or listen to Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Observe a fast, you can choose a strict water-only fast or have fruits, depending on your health and capacity.
• Break the fast the next morning during the Parana time.

Devshayani Ekadashi Fasting Variations
Devshayani Ekadashi fasting is sometimes observed over two days:

• Smarta Ekadashi (first day) – followed by householders.
• Vaishnava Ekadashi (second day) – observed by widows, monks, and those on a spiritual path seeking liberation.

Strict devotees may choose to fast on both days to show deeper commitment.

Spiritual Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi

• It’s believed that this fast helps in cleansing past sins and moving closer to Moksha (salvation).
• It encourages discipline, devotion, and simplicity.
• Many devotees begin their Chaturmas vows on this day, such as avoiding onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, or unnecessary luxuries.
• It’s also a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and surrender to the divine.

From July’s Devshayani Ekadashi to Kartik’s Dev Uthani Ekadashi, these four months are a period of spiritual reset. It’s a reminder to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the divine in the most personal and peaceful way.