Devshayani Ekadashi 2025: Why Lord Vishnu Sleeps & Chaturmas Begins

Devshayani Ekadashi is a very important spiritual day. It is also called Ashadi Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, or Hari Shayani Ekadashi. This day falls on the 11th lunar day, known as Ekadashi. It happens during the waxing moon phase in the Hindu month of Ashadha. Many people observe this day with devotion and special rituals.

Devshayani Ekadashi is an important festival in the Hindu tradition. It is also called Ashadi Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi. The day belongs to the 11th lunar phase, Ekadashi, seen with the growing moon in Ashadha. Devshayani Ekadashi signals the start of the sacred Chaturmas time. Those four months are set aside for extra prayer, careful fasting, and steady self-work. In 2025, people will keep the vrat on Sunday, July 6.

The Divine Sleep of Lord Vishnu

According to Hindu belief, on this day, Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe, enters a deep yogic slumber (yog nidra) in the cosmic ocean (Ksheer Sagar). This state of divine rest continues for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi, which occurs in the month of Kartik. During this time it is believed that Lord Shiva takes charge of the universe. He looks after the balance and order in the world. This happens while Lord Vishnu is in deep sleep.

Devshayani, which translates roughly as Gods sleep, marks a time when, according to tradition, the Lord withdraws into rest. Though the phrase evokes celestial pause, for devotees it serves as a simple call to slow down, look inside, and renew everyday prayer and good deeds. This belief is based on the ancient Sanatangyan tradition. This tradition is very old and respected. It teaches people to live in tune with the universe. It also focuses on staying spiritually balanced and connected.

Devshayani Ekadashi and Sanatangyan Philosophy

The observance of Devshayani Ekadashi aligns with the teachings of Sanatangyan, the eternal wisdom of Hinduism. Sanatangyan teaches the importance of time moving in cycles, spiritual discipline, and finding balance between doing and resting. Devshayani Ekadashi reflects these values. It reminds people to take a break from daily life and focus more on their spiritual growth.

In the Sanatangyan path, people follow fasting and perform rituals with deep devotion. It is believed that praying to Lord Vishnu on this day helps remove sins and supports faster spiritual growth. The four months starting from this Ekadashi are seen as the best time to live a dharmic (righteous) life, as taught in Sanatangyan.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2025 Date & Timings

According to Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi tithi in 2025 begins at 6:58 PM on 5th July (Saturday) and ends at 9:14 PM on 6th July (Sunday). Following the Udaya Tithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise), Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed on Sunday, 6th July 2025.

Parana (Breaking the Fast)

The fast should be broken on Monday, 7th July. The best time to break the fast is between 5:29 AM and 8:16 AM. This time is called the Parana Muhurat. It is considered very lucky and special. This follows the Sanatangyan tradition. They believe that doing rituals at the right time is very important.

Auspicious Timings

• Sunrise: 5:29 AM

• Moonrise: 3:38 PM

• Brahma Muhurat: 4:08 AM – 4:49 AM

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:58 AM – 12:54 PM

• Godhuli Muhurat: 7:21 PM – 7:42 PM

• Vijay Muhurat: 2:45 PM – 3:40 PM

• Rahu Kaal: 5:39 PM – 7:23 PM

These timings are considered spiritually powerful and are ideal for meditation, prayer, and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Rituals and Devotion

Devotees keep a strict fast on this day. They stay awake at night, singing hymns and chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama. Temples of Lord Vishnu and Vithoba (a local form of Vishnu) are decorated with flowers. Big celebrations happen, especially in Maharashtra and some parts of South India.

The fast and rituals are more than just traditions. They follow the Sanatangyan way of living with awareness. By looking inside themselves and focusing on the divine, devotees try to clear their minds and hearts. They work on letting go of their attachment to the material world.

Connection with Jagannath Rath Yatra

Devshayani Ekadashi comes right after the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Both festivals are important in the Vaishnavite tradition and are part of Sanatangyan beliefs. The Rath Yatra celebrates the movement of the divine among people. Devshayani Ekadashi, on the other hand, is about the divine resting and the devotee’s inner spiritual journey.

Devshayani Ekadashi is a very important spiritual day in the Hindu calendar. It marks the time when Lord Vishnu takes his cosmic rest. It also starts the period of Chaturmas. Chaturmas is a special time for inner reflection and disciplined devotion. On this day, people fast, pray, and show great respect. This day shows the main idea of Sanatangyan philosophy. It teaches the balance between action and rest. Devshayani Ekadashi gently points out the souls slow climb toward wider insight. By serving Lord Vishnu, each person is nudged to turn inward and reflect. Devotees then aim to follow dharma, the path of right action. They also seek to move in rhythm with the cosmos graceful order.