Devshayani
Ekadashi
Katha

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi, is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. According to Hindu tradition, this is the day when Lord Vishnu enters His divine Yog Nidra (cosmic sleep) in Kshira Sagara. This sacred period continues until Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartika and is collectively known as Chaturmas.

The Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha includes two well-known stories. The first explains why Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra every year, while the second highlights the immense spiritual merit of observing this Ekadashi through the story of King Mandata.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Long ago, the mighty King Bali conquered all the three worlds through his strength, generosity, and devotion. As his influence continued to grow, Indra and the other Devas became anxious and sought the refuge of Lord Vishnu.

To restore balance in the universe, Lord Vishnu took His fifth incarnation as Vamana, a young Brahmin dwarf, and arrived at King Bali's grand yajna.

King Bali welcomed the young Brahmin with great respect. "O Brahmin, ask for whatever you desire. No one leaves my court empty-handed."

Vamana smiled gently and replied, "I seek nothing more than three paces of land measured by My footsteps."

The request surprised everyone.

King Bali laughed and said, "I can give you villages, gold, elephants, or even kingdoms. Why ask for only three steps of land?"

But Vamana remained firm. "One who is content needs only as much as required. Three steps of land are enough for Me."

King Bali agreed.

The moment he made the sacred promise, Lord Vishnu assumed His magnificent Trivikrama form.

With His first step, He covered the entire Earth.

With the second, He measured the heavens and the celestial worlds.

There was no place left for the third step.

Lord Vishnu then asked, "King Bali, you promised Me three steps of land. Where shall I place My third step?"

Realizing the divine nature of his guest, King Bali bowed with folded hands.

Without hesitation, he offered his own head. "Lord, place Your third step upon my head. A promise once given must be fulfilled."

Pleased by Bali's truthfulness, humility, and unwavering devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him instead of punishing him.

King Bali then requested a boon. "My Lord, please reside in Patala Loka so that I may have Your divine darshan every day."

Lord Vishnu accepted the request.

As He departed for Patala Loka, Goddess Lakshmi and the Devas became worried.

Unable to bear the separation from Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi devised a simple yet compassionate plan.

Disguised as an ordinary woman, she visited King Bali during the sacred occasion of Raksha Bandhan and tied a Rakhi on his wrist, accepting him as her brother.

Moved by the affection of his newly found sister, King Bali said, "Dear sister, ask for any gift you desire."

Goddess Lakshmi replied, "Return my husband, Lord Vishnu, to me."

King Bali immediately fulfilled his promise.

Before leaving Patala Loka, Lord Vishnu granted King Bali another boon.

"Every year, from Devshayani Ekadashi in Ashadha until Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartika, I shall reside with you in Patala Loka. During these four sacred months, I shall remain in Yog Nidra."

Since then, devotees believe that Lord Vishnu enters His divine sleep on Devshayani Ekadashi, marking the beginning of Chaturmas.

The Story of King Mandata

Lord Krishna narrated another sacred legend of Devshayani Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira.

In Satya Yuga, there ruled a righteous emperor named King Mandata. He governed his kingdom with justice, honesty, and compassion.

Yet, despite his virtue, the kingdom suffered a severe drought that lasted for three years.

The rivers dried up. Fields became barren.

People struggled for food and water.

As hardship increased, religious activities also began to decline.

Deeply troubled by the suffering of his subjects, King Mandata wondered what hidden sin had caused such misery.

Seeking guidance, he travelled with his ministers to the hermitage of Sage Angira, the son of Lord Brahma.

After offering his respects, the king humbly asked, "Revered Sage, I have always tried to rule according to Dharma. Why has such a terrible calamity fallen upon my kingdom? Kindly show me a way to save my people."

Sage Angira replied, "O King, in Satya Yuga even a small deviation from Dharma can bring great consequences. Observe the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi with complete faith, and encourage your people to do the same. The grace of Lord Vishnu will remove this suffering."

King Mandata returned to his capital and observed the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat with sincere devotion. The people of all four varnas also participated wholeheartedly.

Soon after the vrat was completed, dark clouds gathered in the sky.

Heavy rains blessed the land.

The rivers flowed once again.

The fields turned green.

Prosperity returned to the kingdom, and the people rejoiced.

Lord Krishna concluded by saying that anyone who observes Devshayani Ekadashi with faith and devotion receives the blessings of Lord Vishnu and progresses on the path of righteousness.