Shayani Ekadashi, the first Ekadashi, will be observed today, July 20. The day is regarded as one of the most important days of the Hindu calendar.
The 11th day of Shukla paksha of the Hindu month of %u2018Ashada%u2019 is observed as %u2018Devshayani Ekadasi%u2019. The day is named differently by different Hindu communities. While some call the day Maha Ekadashi and Prathama Ekadashi, others call is Padma Ekadashi.
Significance
The first Ekadashi of the Hindu calendar, the day is particularly auspicious for Vaishnava%u2019s, devotees of Lord Vishnu. The day also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar that culminates on Prabodhini Ekadashi.
Scriptural roots
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep for four months on the day of Shayani Ekadashi. The legend and importance of Devshayani Ekadashi is believed to have been narrated by Lord Brahma to his son Narad and Lord Krishna to King Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas in the %u2018Bhavishyottara Purana%u2019.
Time
Devashayani Ekadashi closely follows Lord Jagannath%u2019s Rath Yatra and usually falls in June or July months of the English calendar. This year, Shayani Ekadashi falls on Tuesday, July 20.
The Ekadashi tithi will began at 9:59pm on July 19 and will continue till 7:17pm today
Those observing the Shayani Ekadashi fast can perform Parana on Dwadeshi tithi from 5:36am to 8:21am.
Observance
On Shayani Ekadashi, many devotees observe fast and avoid eating grains, cereals, beans, onions and some spices.
Taking a holy dip is considered auspicious on this day.
Lord Vishnu%u2019s idol is decorated with bright yellow clothes and worshipped with offerings of flowers, betel nut and bhog.
Many devotees stay up all night on Ashadhi Ekadashi and sing %u2018bhajans%u2019.
