Devshayani
Ekadashi
2026

Devshayani Ekadashi (also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, Dev Podhi Ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi) falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. The name “Devshayani” literally means “God’s Sleep.” It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu goes into a deep state of meditation (Yoga Nidra) in the Ksheersagar (Cosmic Ocean) for four months. This Ekadashi also signals the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period considered highly sacred for spiritual discipline, devotion, and self-restraint. Because of this, Devshayani Ekadashi is not just a vrat, but the starting point of a spiritually intense phase of the year.

When is Devshayani Ekadashi 2026? Date, Timings & Muhurat

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Saturday, 25 July 2026.

On 26th Jul, Parana Time – 05:39 AM to 08:22 AM

Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 09:12 AM on Jul 24, 2026

Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 11:34 AM on Jul 25, 2026

Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi

The Devshayani Ekadashi means- 'Dev' (God) and 'Shayani' means "Sleeping", so compounded it means God sleeping. It is believed that on this day Bhagwan Vishnu goes to sleep in 'Ksheersagar'(the cosmic ocean of milk) on a bed made of is coiled serpent/snake, Sheshnag. From the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, the Supreme God Vishnu is said to sleep for 4 months, which is known as 'Chaturmas' and wakes up in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November) on Prabodhini Ekadashi/ Devotthani Ekadashi.

From this day onward:

• Chaturmas begins and lasts for four months
• Marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are traditionally avoided (stopped)
• Devotees focus more on prayer, charity, and disciplined living

Spiritually, this period is meant to reduce attachment to material comforts and encourage inner purification. It is believed that worship done during this phase carries special merit.

Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

The rituals of Devshayani Ekadashi are specified in the ancient Hindu texts and are said to have been specified by Sri Krishna while answering Yudhishthira's (eldest of Pandava brothers from Mahabharata) query -

1. On Ekadashi Tithi, add a few drops of Ganga Jal to a bucket of water you would use for bathing. Wear clean clothes after taking a bath.
2. Light an earthen or brass lamp with sesame oil or mustard oil, or ghee and place it on the altar of your home.
3. Worship Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings. Then, invoke Lord Vishnu.
4. Chant ‘OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ as you offer Jal (water), Pushpam (flowers), Gandham (natural perfume), Deep (oil lamp), Dhoop (incense) and Naivedhya (any fruit or cooked food) to Lord Vishnu. Prepare payas or any other vegetarian dessert. You may even offer fruit.
5. Then, offer Paan, Supari, a brown coconut broken into two, bananas and/or other fruits, Chandan, Kumkum, Haldi, Akshat and Dakshina. The collection of this item is also known as Tamboolam.
6. Read the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Also read the Vishnu Sahasranam or do the Naam Jaapa.
7. In the evening (during or after sunset), light an oil lamp, incense sticks and pray to Lord Vishnu. Offer flowers (optional) water, and bhog (any sweet preparation) or fruits/dry fruits.
8. Conclude the puja by performing the aarti.

Devshayani Ekadashi Fasting Rules

As per specifications in the ancient texts, to get the benefits of the fasting on Ekadashi the person should adhere to the rules strictly-

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Ekadashi and the next day is on Dvadashi.
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees are not to eat in another person's house, have only one meal, Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) been not to be consumed, eating on Bell metal plate or cutlery is prohibited and should not massage oil on the body.

What not to eat on Devshayani Ekadashi

During Devshayani Ekadashi fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Ekadashi fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Devshayani Ekadashi Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Devshayani Ekadashi fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

What to donate on Devshayani Ekadashi 2026

Charity (Daan) is what actually seals the good karma of your fast. But you should not just give away random things. Since the fast links to Mercury and occurs in peak summer heat, your donations should be related.

Items that you can donate:

Food Items

• Rice, wheat, and other grains.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Cooked meals to the needy and hungry.

Clothes

• New clothes for the poor and underprivileged.
• Warm clothes, blankets, and shawls, especially in cold areas

Religious Items

• Items used in worship like incense sticks, diyas (lamps).

Benefits of Devshayani Ekadashi 2026

Observing this vrat with sincerity brings many spiritual and mental benefits.

• It helps reduce negative karmic impressions
• Encourages mental discipline and emotional stability
• Strengthens devotion towards Lord Vishnu
• Promotes peace, patience, and inner clarity

These devshayani ekadashi benefits are believed to gradually reflect in a devotee’s life through positive mindset and spiritual growth.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The legend was narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada.

Once, in the kingdom of the noble King Mandhata, there was a severe drought that lasted for three years. The people suffered immensely as rivers dried up and crops failed. The King, worried for his subjects, went into the forest to seek a solution.

He met the great Sage Angiras. The sage advised the King to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat. He explained that in the Satya Yuga, even minor sins could cause calamities, and this Vrat had the power to wash away sins and please Lord Vishnu (Varuna).

King Mandhata returned to his capital and observed the fast along with his subjects. Pleased by their collective devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed the kingdom with torrential rains. The drought ended, prosperity returned, and the kingdom flourished