Devshayani Ekadashi 2024: Rituals, Significance, and Auspicious Timings

In the year 2024, according to the Hindu Panchang, the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month is considered as Devshayani Ekadashi. This year, this significant fast will be observed on July 17, with the auspicious time for the rituals starting at 5:35 am. The Ekadashi tithi will begin at 8:32 pm on July 16 and will continue until 9:02 pm on July 17. Devotees observing the fast will worship and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi on this day.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi

On the holy occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees should wake up during Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, meditate, and take a vow to fast. A red or yellow cloth should be spread on a stool, and an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu should be installed with Gangajal sprinkled all around. The worship should be conducted with Shodashopachar Puja Vidhi, offering yellow flowers, yellow fruits, and other items as yellow is the favorite color of Lord Vishnu. The puja should include incense, lamps, aarti, and recitation of the Sahasranaam of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, devotees should worship the Peepal and Banana trees and donate according to their capacity.

Devshayani Ekadashi Evening Puja Vidhi

Devotees should also perform an evening worship on Devshayani Ekadashi. An idol made of gold, silver, copper, or paper should be worshipped with singing and playing instruments. The Lord should be put to sleep on a decorated bed while chanting the Shayan Mantra. During the night vigil, devotees believe the Lord transitions through his divine rest, ready to wake up. This vigil offers devotees a chance to experience spiritual freedom through worship and adoration of the Lord.

Importance of Devshayani Ekadashi

Devshayani Ekadashi holds great importance in religious beliefs. Worshiping Lord Vishnu and observing a fast on this day is said to absolve one of sins committed unknowingly and lead to salvation at the end of life. With the grace of Lord Vishnu, devotees’ wishes can be fulfilled, and they can gain health, wealth, and grains. Proper observance of this day is believed to bring religious and spiritual progress, resulting in stability and peace in one’s life.

Donations on Devshayani Ekadashi

Donating certain items on Devshayani Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious:

• Donating food and water can bring positive results in your life and invite the mercy of Lord Vishnu.
• Giving essential goods and money to the needy can bring pleasant changes in your life.
• Donating fruits such as mango, melon, and watermelon is also seen as very auspicious.
• As Lord Vishnu favors the color yellow, donating yellow-colored clothes, bananas, etc., can earn his blessings.
• If possible, invite Brahmins to a temple and feed them to receive blessings from both Lord Vishnu and your ancestors.

Devshayani Ekadashi is a revered festival that brings together devotion, rituals, and the promise of divine blessings. Observing this holy day with sincerity and faith can lead to a fulfilling spiritual experience and immense divine grace.