Devshayani Ekadashi Date and Muhurat in 2020: 1 July 2020
Also known as Maha Ekadashi or Ashadhi, Devshayani Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Ashadha. This day is of utmost significance for the Hindus, particularly the Vaishnavas. This auspicious day is falling on July 1 in the year 2020 according to the Roman Calendar.
History and Common beliefs about Devshayani Ekadashi
According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu falls asleep lying on his heavenly serpent, Sheshanaga in the heavenly ocean of milk, Ksheersagara on this day. He wakes up from this sleep exactly after four months on Devauthani Ekadashi. It is said that the godly powers weaken during these days. Thus, performance of all sorts of auspicious tasks is forbidden during this period, also known as the Chaturmasa (meaning four months). The reason of this firm belief goes back to the story of Raja Mandhata, whose state was facing extreme drought for three years. When he observed Devshayani Ekadashi fast on sage Angira’s advice to please the rain gods, it rained heavily in his country.
Devshayani Ekadashi Rituals and Festivities
On Devshayani Ekadashi, Hindus try to please the preserver god, Vishnu by fasting and donating. It is believed that all their problems shall come to an end and all their sins would be forgiven by preaching Lord Vishnu on this day. Odds of any mishappening shall be eliminated. Devshayani Ekadashi is also marked by the well known Pandharpur Yatra, a major religious procession towards Pandharpur in Maharashtra taken out by lakhs of pilgrims, where Vitthal, an avatar of Lord Vishnu is centered.
How to do Pooja on Devshayani Ekadashi
Along with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped on this day. Pernoctations are organised and bhajans are sung to charm the Gods. People observing fast restrain themselves from intake of any grain, cereal and certain spices.
