The waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) of Ashada month is celebrated as Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadi Ekadashi. The date of this ritual corresponds to the month of June or July. In Maharashtra, the famous Pandarpur Yatra concludes on this day. The major celebrations take place in Lord Vithal Temple in Pandarpur.The Chatur Maas vrat begins from this day, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu went into a deep sleep for the next four months beginning from this day.
Story :
According to legends, there was a noble king named Mandata in Surya Vamsha who ruled a highly prosperous kingdom. He as immensely truthful and was engaged with numerous auspicious deeds. Nonetheless, the prosperity was highly affected as the kingdom received no rains for over three years. Eventually, no farming activities could take place and hence, numerous people and animals died while others were severely affected. Though the king performed several vrats, pujas, homas, but to no avail.
Thus, he set out on a journey and met many holy men with whom he discussed his problem. But, none of them could come out with a solution. At last, he met Sage Angira who instructed him to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi falling during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashada month. As advised, the king went back to his palace and observed the vrat along with family members and courtiers. As expected, the kingdom received rains thereby ending the three years of severe drought. Thus, the lost glory and merit of the kingdom was regained.
Thousands of devotees gather on the banks of River Godavari at Kala Ram Temple and take a holy dip in the waters while paying obeisance to Lord Rama. Devotees observing the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat follow the same rules associated with other Ekadashi fasts.
2017 Date : 4th July.
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