Highlight of the Day: Deva Shayani Ekadashi This is the Ekadashi during Ashada Shukla Paksha - thus it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Ashadhi. It is the beginning of Chaturmaas (“chatur” means four and “maas” means month), the four auspicious monsoon months which are full of festivals and celebrations. Interestingly, Deva Sayana Ekadashi is observed as a mark of pure devotion. There is no yearning for material gains. Some devotees of Lord Vishnu start the preparation of Chaturmas Vrata from this day. According to Purana, from this day onwards Lord Vishnu takes rest in Ksheerasagar - cosmic ocean of milk - on Shesha nāga, the cosmic serpent. So, naturally all the oceans, rivers and ponds are believed to attain divinity due to the presence of Lord Vishnu in Ksheerasagar during this period. This is one of the main reasons why great importance is given to taking holy bath during this period. Thus the day is also called Hari-shayani Ekadashi ("Vishnu-sleeping eleventh") or Shayana Ekadashi. Vishnu finally awakens from his slumber four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi - eleventh day of bright fortnight in the Hindu month Kartik (October–November). This period is known as Chaturmas (lit. "four months") and coincides with the rainy season. Thus, Shayani Ekadashi is the beginning of Chaturmas. Devotees start observing the Chaturmas vrata (vow) to please Vishnu on this day. Also known as Shayani Ekadashi (sleeping eleventh), Maha-ekadashi ( The great eleventh), Prathama-ekadashi (The first eleventh) or Padma Ekadashi or Devpodhi Ekadashi. A fast is observed on Shayani Ekadashi. The fast demands abstainance from all grains, beans, cereals, certain vegetables like onions and certain spices
Posted on: Fri, 19 Jul 2013 11:40:49 +0000
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