Ashadhi (Devshayani) Ekadashi 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Vishnu: Men and women of all ages observe this fast to seek the grace of Lord Vishnu and the removal of sins (Papa Mukti).
• Vitthal Bhaktas and Warkaris: Followers of Lord Vitthal, especially in Maharashtra, keep this day with fasting, bhajans, and a pilgrimage to Pandharpur for spiritual merit (Punya).
• Families Beginning Chaturmas: Households who follow the four-month period of restraint and devotion begin their vows on this day for peace and prosperity.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Sankalp and Morning Puja: The vow is taken in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period before sunrise), and the main puja is done in the morning after sunrise.
• Evening Aarti: Lamps are lit and the aarti is offered in Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset). Check the puja timings for your city on this page.
• Night Vigil (Jagran): Many devotees stay awake through the night singing bhajans and kirtans.
• Breaking the Fast (Parana): The fast is broken the next morning, after sunrise, within the parana window. Check the parana time for your city on this page.

About the Festival

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India, and is especially grand in Maharashtra. It marks the day when Lord Vishnu is believed to begin his divine sleep and the sacred period of Chaturmas starts. It takes place on the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of King Mandhata)

Once upon a time, there lived a righteous and generous king named Mandhata of the Suryavansha. His people were happy and his kingdom was prosperous, until a terrible drought struck the land. For three long years, not a drop of rain fell. Crops withered, rivers dried up, and the people suffered from hunger and thirst.

Deeply troubled, the king went into the forest with his army to find a remedy for his subjects' suffering. There he reached the ashram of the great sage Angira and bowed before him, asking why the rains had failed even though he had never knowingly done wrong.

The sage blessed him and advised: "O King, observe the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, known as Padma Ekadashi, with complete faith. Fast on this day, worship Lord Vishnu, and your kingdom will be freed from this suffering." The king returned to his capital and, along with all his people, observed the fast with full devotion.

Pleased with their sincere worship, Lord Vishnu blessed the land, and heavy rains soon fell, filling the rivers and bringing back green fields and prosperity. Since that day, devotees have observed Ashadhi Ekadashi to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for peace, abundance, and the end of sorrow.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Vishnu (or Lord Vitthal), placed on a clean yellow cloth
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Incense: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop or Agarbatti
• Sacred Leaves & Flowers: Fresh Tulsi leaves (Tulsi Dal), yellow flowers, and a garland
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, Panchamrit, dry fruits, and sweets made without grains
• Devotional Accessories: Sacred thread (kalava), a Kalash with fresh water, and a copy of the Vrat Katha

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Vishnu, today I observe this Ekadashi fast with faith and devotion. Forgive my faults and grant me your grace and blessings."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day, avoiding grains, rice, and pulses. Many devotees take only fruits, milk, and water, while some keep a strict fast without food or water.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the puja area, especially the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home.
2. Place the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean yellow cloth.
3. Place a Kalash filled with clean water near the idol, and keep Tulsi leaves, flowers, and the other items within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it before Lord Vishnu.
2. Bathing the Idol: Gently bathe the idol with Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and Ghee), then with clean water, and dry it with a soft cloth.
3. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Kumkum, and Akshat to the idol.
4. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer yellow flowers and Tulsi leaves, and tie a piece of Kalava around the Kalash.
5. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits and grain-free sweets before the deity.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals at the feet of Lord Vishnu.

Step 5: Aarti and Night Vigil (Evening and Night)

1. In the evening, perform the Vishnu Aarti with a lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Chant the names of Lord Vishnu or Lord Vitthal, or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
3. Stay awake through the night singing bhajans and kirtans, if you are able to keep the vigil (Jagran).

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. The next morning, bathe, offer a short prayer to Lord Vishnu, and give food or alms to a Brahmin or someone in need.
2. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
3. Break your fast within the parana time by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal that includes grains.