Devashayani Ekadashi Marks Beginning of Chaturmasa Fast

Kathmandu. The eleventh day of the waxing moon of Ashadh month is called Devashayani or Harishayani Ekadashi. It is a scriptural belief that from this day every year, Lord Vishnu resides at the door of Bali for four months in the netherworld and returns on the eleventh day of the waxing moon of Kartik.

The Chaturmasa fast begins on this day. The Chaturmasya fast should be observed by people of all sects, Vaishnav and Shaiv. After starting the fast, Lord Chakrapani should be worshipped with the following mantra.
Subte tvayi jagannathe jagat supta bhavedidam.
Vibuddhe ca vibudhyeta prasanno me bhavachyuta..

It should be prayed, 'O Lord of the Universe! When you begin your slumber on the Shesh Shaiya on Harishayani Ekadashi, this entire world falls asleep. When you awaken on Haribodhini, this world also awakens. O Lord! May you be pleased. I will observe the fast regularly for these four months. May you make my observance of the fast trouble-free.' Those who observe the fast in this manner should not consume greens in Shravan, curd in Bhadra, milk in Ashwin, and foods with two pulses in Kartik.

During the Chaturmasa when Lord Vishnu is in a sleeping posture, devotees should not consume lemons, kidney beans, red radish, pumpkin, and sugarcane. They should not sleep on beds, benches, etc., and should not engage in sexual intercourse except during the breeding season. Consumption of meat, honey, food cooked by others, parwal, radish, eggplant, forbidden foods, lentils, white grains, kidney beans, wild rice, etc., is prohibited. The observer of the vow must practice celibacy throughout the Chaturmasa. They must maintain purity. They must speak the truth and act truthfully. Consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food is prohibited. The scriptures state that one who observes the Chaturmasa fast without consuming such forbidden items and by consuming Hbishyanna (food offered to deities) attains the grace of Hari.

Giving up jaggery during Chaturmasa makes a person a renunciate and bestows a sweet voice. Giving up mustard oil leads to the destruction of enemies. Practicing yoga leads to attainment of Brahma Pad. Giving up betel leaves and areca nuts leads to enjoyment and sweetness. Giving up ghee enhances bodily beauty and makes the body lustrous. Consuming greens and ripe fruits makes one a pleasure-seeker, while consuming sattvic foods without consuming forbidden items purifies a person. One who sleeps on the floor becomes a great sage. One who fasts every other day attains Brahmaloka.

One who observes a vow of silence will have their commands obeyed by everyone. One who eats one meal every three days resides in heaven for a Kalpa. One who eats from leaves attains the merit of bathing in Kurukshetra. The scriptures state that by observing all these types of vows and renunciations, the impurities (sins) committed by the body, senses, and mind are destroyed, and the soul of the observer becomes radiant. Chaturmasa is a period of merit, and the fasts observed during this time hold great significance.

As Lord Vishnu sleeps in the Ksheer Sagar during these four months, auspicious activities such as weddings, thread ceremonies, and housewarmings are not performed. From a religious perspective, these four months are considered the sleeping period of Lord Vishnu. During this period, ascetics do not travel; they stay in one place and perform penance (Chaturmasa Vrat).

During this time, there is a tradition of traveling only to Braj Kshetra, because during these four months, all the holy places of the earthly realm reside in Braj Kshetra. The great significance of this Ekadashi is mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Observing this fast fulfills all the desires of beings, destroys all sins, and pleases Lord Hrishikesh. On all Ekadashi days, Lord Vishnu is worshipped and adored.

As the Lord's slumber begins from tonight, there is a tradition of worshipping him with special rituals. On this day, after fasting, an idol of Lord Vishnu is seated on a pedestal and worshipped with sixteen rituals. His hands are adorned with a conch, discus, mace, and lotus, and he is decorated with Pitambara, yellow clothes, and a yellow shawl. After bathing with Panchamrita, the Lord is worshipped with incense, lamps, flowers, etc., and an Aarti is performed. After offering betel leaves (tambool) and areca nuts (pungiphal) to the Lord, he is praised with the following mantra.