Ekadashi has a great significance among Hindus. This year Devshayani Ekadashi will be on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 . Devshayani Ekadashi is one of the auspicious occasions which observes the beginning of Lord Vishnu's sleep cycle. Devshayani Ekadashi comes after the well-known Jagannath Rath Yatra which is a cart procession of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha.
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It is believed that on the occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi,
Lord Vishnu enters into his sleep cycle which lasts up to 4 months. During this
period, all the auspicious activities including (Purchasing a home, Wedding,
etc.)should not perform because according to the beliefs, auspicious work
performed during this time does not yield auspicious results.
Story of Vamana Avatar and King Bali-
Lord Vishnu decided to be born as Vamana avatar (dwarf
incarnation) to save Indra’s kingdom. There was a king of demons named Bali.
Bali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grandson of Prahlad, and the
son of Virochana. Bali was a great ruler and the people were happy and
prosperous under his rule.
With the help of Shukracharya, Bali soon conquered the
three worlds. Bali defeated Indra and took over the heavens and taking over the
three worlds. Shukracharya suggested Bali to perform the Ashvamedh Yagya, then
he will always be the king of the three worlds. Bali agreed to do the Yagya
under the supervision of Shukracharya.
Indra and the defeated Devas approached Lord Vishnu for help in conquering Bali and taking back his place with Gods in heaven. Then, Lord Vishnu took birth as a Dwarf Brahmin boy from Aditi and Kashyapa.
When Bali was performing Ashvamedh Yagya, Lord Vishnu appears at his ceremony as a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana carrying a woody umbrella. Shukracharya, the guru of Daityas, realized that the dwarf was none other than Lord Vishnu. He warned Bali not to promise anything to the Vamana (The Dwarf), who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Bali replied that it would be his Honour to serve Lord Vishnu.
Bali went to the dwarf and asked what he had wanted. Lord
Vishnu expressed the wish that he might be given as much land as might be
covered in three of the dwarf’s steps. This boon Bali readily granted. But no
sooner than the boon had been granted, the dwarf adopted a giant form.
In one step he covers the earth, in another the heavens, and demands where he should place his third step. And then Bali offers his head on which Vamana steps, sending the demon king to the Pataal (netherworld). Lord Vishnu was charmed by Bali’s generosity and gave the king immortality for his humility. Lord Vishnu then appointed Bali the king of Pataal Lok (netherworld) and Indra’s kingdom was returned to him.
Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi-
Devshayani Ekadashi is also known as Padma Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadashi and Hari Shayani Ekadashi. It is also believed that during this period starting from Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu stays in the Pataal Lok where King Bali exists for four months.
Image Courtesy: Facebook
The Supreme Lord 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 DevUthani Ekadashi. People celebrate the occasion with great enthusiasm. They offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Devotees also observe fast on this day, chant mantras, and bhajans to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Hello friends I am DrRashmi Vajpayee,PhD Awardee,Assistant professor and founder of Rashmi Vajpayee's Confessions on Culture.Here I share everything about Indian Culture and Festivals.I hope you guys enjoy my content so keep reading!.
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