Ashadhi Ekadasi, or
Ashada Devasayani Ekadashi, is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase
of moon) in Ashada Month (June – July). In 2011, the date of Ashadhi Ekadasi is
July 11. Pandarpur Yatra culminates on Ashadi Ekadasi and is of great
importance in Maharashtra. The day is of a great significance at the Lord
Vithal Temple in Pandarpur.
The Palaki of Tukaram
Maharaj from Dehu, Palki of Sant Jnaneshwar from Alandi and numerous other Palaki
(Palanquin) carrying the silver Padukas of various saints arrives at Lord
Vithal Temple in Pandarpur on Ashadi Ekadasi after a 21-day journey. Lord
Vithal is an incarnation of Lord Krishna and is a popular deity in Marathi
culture.
The day is also of
great importance in several other places. Thousands of devotees also take a
holy dip in Godavari River on the day and pay obeisance to Lord Rama at Kala
Ram temple. This Ekadasi is popularly known as Devshayani Ekadasi.
Devasayani Ekadasi,
also known as Sayana Ekadashi, occurs during the shukla paksha (waxing phase of
moon) of Ashada month (June – July). In 2011, the date of Devasayani Ekadasi is
July 11. Devashayani Ekadasi is also known as Hari Sayan Ekadasi as it is
believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep after this Ekadasi as it is the night
of devas with the beginning of Dakshinayana. Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to
Lord Vishnu and falls on the 11th day of a lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu
Calendar.
Devasayani Ekadashi
is popularly known as Ashadi Ekadasi in Maharashtra and it marks the end of the
Pandarpur Yatra. The Chaturmas (four Hindu holy months) and the Chaturmasa
Vrata also begins in some regions on Sayana Ekadasi.
Thousands of devotees
also take a holy dip in Godavari River on the day and pay obeisance to Lord
Rama at Kala Ram temple.
The importance of
Sayana Ekadasi was explained to Sage Narada by Lord Brahma. Lord Krishna
narrated about the greatness of it to Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas.
The glory of Devasayani is mentioned in the Bhavisyottara Purana.
It is believed that
those who observe this Ekadashi is blessed with peace and happiness. Even
hearing about it is considered highly auspicious. Interestingly, Devasayani
Ekadashi is observed as a mark of pure devotion and there is not desire or
fulfillment of material gains.
Those who fast on the
day do not eat rice or food prepared using rice. All the normal rituals
associated with Ekadasi fasting is followed. Devout devotees of Vishnu start
the preparation of Chaturmas Vrata from this day.