Introduction:
In the vibrant tapestry of Hindu festivals, Shayani Ekadashi emerges as a mystical and captivating celebration.
Devshayani Ekadashi 2023 will be celebrated on 29th June 2023.
Also known as the “eleventh day of sleep,” this auspicious occasion falls on the eleventh lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha (June – July).
Vaishnavas, the ardent followers of Lord Vishnu, hold this day in deep reverence as it marks the commencement of the deity’s divine slumber or divine sleep.
Let us embark on a captivating journey into the significance and legends surrounding Shayani Ekadashi.
Devshayani Ekadashi 2023.
On this day, images of Lord Vishnu and his eternal consort, Lakshmi, are adorned with utmost devotion.
The air fills with the resonant melodies of prayers, hymns, and chants, as devotees gather to pay homage to the preserver deity, Lord Vishnu.
Sacred prayers and bhajans(devotional songs) continue throughout the night, with an atmosphere brimming with spiritual fervour and a deep sense of devotion.
The Holy Vows:
Shayani Ekadashi is a day that beckons devotees to take vows and observe them diligently during the auspicious period of Chaturmasya, which spans four months, coinciding with the rainy season.
These sacred vows may entail abstaining from specific food items or fasting on each Ekadashi day.
Fasting Food Items :
With hearts filled with faith, devotees embrace these vows as a means to please Lord Vishnu and seek his divine blessings.
The Cosmic Sleep :
Legend has it that on Shayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu enters a state of deep sleep, reclining upon the cosmic ocean of milk known as Kshira Sagara.
He rests upon Shesha, the mighty cosmic serpent, as the universe unfolds around him.
This profound sleep signifies a period of renewal and rejuvenation, during which Lord Vishnu oversees the sustenance of the cosmos.
The Awakening:
As the gentle breeze of the Kartika month (October – November) ushers in a new era, Lord Vishnu awakens from his celestial divine sleep on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright fortnight.
The devotees eagerly anticipate this momentous occasion, as it signifies the end of Chaturmasya and a time of spiritual awakening.
The joyous awakening of Lord Vishnu fills the devotees’ hearts with renewed hope and divine blessings.
The Legend of King Mandata:
The significance of Shayani Ekadashi is beautifully depicted in the ancient scriptures.
In the Bhavishyottara Purana, Lord Shri Krishna narrates the story of King Mandata to Yudhishthira.
During a severe drought that plagued his kingdom for three long years, King Mandata sought a solution to appease the rain gods.
Upon sage Angiras’ advice, he observed the sacred vrata (vow) of Devashayani Ekadashi.
Through Lord Vishnu’s benevolent grace, the rain finally blessed the dried lands, restoring prosperity in King Mandata’s kingdom.
Pandharpur Yatra: A Sacred Pilgrimage:
The grand culmination of Devshayani Ekadashi unfolds in the holy city of Pandharpur, situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, in Maharashtra.
The city pulsates with energy as hundreds of thousands of devoted pilgrims embark on the Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra, which is the sacred procession.
Pilgrims from various parts of Maharashtra travel to Pandharpur, carrying palanquins adorned with the images of revered saints.
The air resonates with the enchanting melodies of Abhangas, devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu, composed by great saints like Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar.
Conclusion:
Shayani Ekadashi unfolds as a captivating journey into the realm of devotion, spirituality, and ancient legends.
This auspicious day marks the start of the 4 months of cosmic sleep of Lord Vishnu and holds profound significance for Vaishnavas worldwide.
As devotees observe sacred vows and immerse themselves in prayer and fasting, they seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu.
The Pandharpur Yatra serves as a testament to the unwavering faith of the pilgrims who embark on this transformative journey.
Devhayani Ekadashi invites us to awaken the spiritual essence within, embracing the divine grace and finding solace in the eternal embrace of Lord Vishnu’s celestial sleep.
Mantras to Recite on This Day
1. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
2. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
3. Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham
4. Shree Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva
5. Shreeman Narayan Narayan Hari Hari
