Today marks the fast of Devashayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi and Prabodhini Ekadashi. According to the Drik Panchang, this day, which is an Ekadashi in the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadha month, is considered extremely sacred and significant from a religious perspective.
According to ancient scriptures, on this auspicious day, Lord Shrihari Vishnu enters yogic sleep in the ocean of Kshirasagara for the next four months (Chaturmas). Simultaneously, all grand ceremonies such as weddings, circumcisions, and housewarmings are suspended, and a period of devotion, mantra repetition, and asceticism begins.
According to Drik Panchang, the date of Devashayani Ekadashi 2026 began on July 24th at 9:12 AM and will end on July 25th at 11:34 AM. The day of Parana (breaking the fast) is scheduled for July 26th, and its auspicious time will be from 5:39 AM to 8:22 AM.
Various auspicious time intervals are provided for conducting rituals on this day: Brahma Muhurta from 04:03 to 04:45 AM; Abhijit Muhurta from 11:46 AM to 12:40 PM; Vijaya Muhurta from 02:28 PM to 03:22 PM; Goduli Muhurta from 06:58 PM to 07:19 PM; Amrit Kal from 09:41 PM to 11:29 PM; and Nishita Muhurta from 11:52 PM to 12:34 AM.
Astrologers state that the influence of Bhadra is present on this day. According to the Panchang, Bhadra will be active from 5:27 AM to 11:34 AM. However, since Bhadra is not moving over the Earth today, its impact on the earthly world is not expected.
To receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day, special rites are described in the scriptures. One must wake up early in the morning and take a bath during Brahma Muhurta, preferably adding some Gangajal to the water. Then, one should wear clean or yellow clothes and take a vow of fasting before Lord Vishnu, holding water, akshat, and flowers.
The place of worship must be purified, a yellow cloth placed on a wooden platform, and then an image or statue of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi installed. Shrihari should be bathed (abhishekam) by filling a conch shell with raw milk or Gangajal. Lord Vishnu should be offered yellow sandalwood paste, roli, akshat, yellow marigold flowers, and yellow garments. A lamp with desi ghee and incense sticks should also be lit. After this, offerings of Panchamrita, seasonal fruits, and either laddu or lentil halwa should be made. It is important that the offering to Vishnu includes a tulsi leaf, otherwise, he will not accept the gift. During worship, the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' should be repeated 108 times. The worship concludes after listening to the story of Devashayani Ekadashi and singing the Aarti of Shrihari or Vishnu Sarasnam.
The period when Lord Vishnu remains in yogic sleep in the ocean of Kshirasagara for four months is called Chaturmas. This period runs from Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Prabodini Ekadashi). During these four months, the governance and responsibility for the Universe transfer to Lord Shiva.
During these four months, all types of grand and traditional events, including weddings, housewarmings, circumcisions, and Janau ceremonies, are considered forbidden. This time is dedicated to limiting external material pursuits and focusing on self-reflection, fasting, listening to stories, mantra repetition, and charity.
It is considered very auspicious to chant the mantras of Shrihari on this day:
Today marks Devashayani Ekadashi. In Hinduism, this day holds special significance as it falls in the Ashadha month, Shukla Paksha, and is known as Devashayani Ekadashi or Asharhi Ekadashi.
According to religious beliefs, on this day, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, enters a state of yogic slumber in the Ksheera Sagara for the next four months. The beginning of Lord Vishnu's sleep marks the start of Chaturmas, during which all auspicious rituals such as weddings, circumcisions, and housewarming ceremonies are prohibited.
In connection with this sacred event, an auspicious astrological conjunction forms, which promises to bestow boundless grace of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi upon certain zodiac signs. Below is a description of these signs.
Thanks to the blessings of Lord Vishnu, this period can prove extremely strong for your financial situation during Chaturmas. Tasks that have been pending for a long time will begin to move forward. Professionals will see increased prestige at work, and they may be entrusted with new responsibilities. Entrepreneurs will find numerous new opportunities for profit.
For people born under the sign of Cancer, a significant increase in self-confidence is expected after Devashayani Ekadashi. The ability to contemplate and make precise decisions will strengthen, leading to benefits in professional life. If your funds were frozen, this period lays strong foundations for their return.
This period may bring wonderful results to the hard work of Leo individuals. In addition to career growth, public respect will also increase. Thanks to their self-confidence, these people will be able to achieve great success.
For Libra representatives, this time will be favorable both in career and personal life. New sources of income may appear, leading to a significant improvement in financial standing. Interpersonal disagreements in the family will be resolved. If you plan to start a new joint project, this time is auspicious.
The beginning of the sacred month of Shravan, dedicated to the worship of the deity Mahadeva, is approaching. In Hinduism, the month of Shravan holds deep spiritual and religious significance as it is entirely devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mondays falling in this month are especially revered by devotees due to their great mystical power.
According to religious beliefs, observing a fast on a Monday in Shravan and bathing the Shiva Lingam with holy water brings immense satisfaction to Shiva, helping to free followers from all suffering and sorrow.
According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan will begin on July 30, 2026, on a Thursday. The first Monday of Shravan will be four days after the start of the month, which is August 3, 2026. On this day, a large gathering of pilgrims is expected at temples across the country, who will perform Jalaabhishekam (bathing) and receive the blessings of Bholenath.
The following auspicious time intervals have been set for conducting rituals: Brahma Muhurta—from 04:19 AM to 05:01 AM, and Pratah Sandhya—from 04:40 AM to 05:44 AM.
The following dates for Shravan Mondays are planned for 2026: the first is August 3, 2026; the second is August 10, 2026; the third is August 17, 2026; and the fourth is August 24, 2026.
According to religious traditions, Goddess Parvati practiced severe asceticism to attain Lord Shiva as her spouse, and she achieved this during these fasts. It is believed that unmarried girls who observe the fast on a Monday in Shravan are destined to meet a desired and worthy life partner. Married women also observe this fast for the longevity, good health, and happiness of their husbands. Furthermore, bathing Shiva on the first Monday of Shravan helps to rid one of various astrological problems, such as Chandra Dosha, Mangal Dosha, and Kaal Sarp Dosha.
The ritual begins with morning bathing and taking an oath: one must wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes, preferably green, yellow, or white. Then, holding water, one should recite the vow of fasting. After this, one needs to visit a home temple or the nearest Shiva temple to worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pure water is first poured over the Shiva Lingam, followed by raw milk, Gangajal, yogurt, honey, and ghee (Panchamrit), concluding with pure water. Next, one should offer Bholenath's favorite offerings: Belpatra (three-leafed), dhatura, bhang, shamipatra, sandalwood, akshat (rice), white flowers, and bhasma. During the worship, one must continuously mentally repeat the mantras 'Om Namah Shivaya' or Mahamrutingjaya. It is also recommended to read or listen to the story of the fast on Monday in Shravan. The ritual concludes with Aarti and offering fruits, nuts, or sugar to Shiva.
