The Devshayani Ekadashi, observed on the Ekadashi tithi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Ashadha month, will be celebrated on July 6, 2025, this year. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and marks the beginning of Chaturmas. According to religious beliefs, from Devshayani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu enters a state of yogic sleep in the Kshirasagar (Ocean of Milk) and awakens four months later on Devutthani Ekadashi. These four months are known as Chaturmas, during which auspicious activities are generally avoided.
Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu on this special day is considered highly beneficial. According to religious texts and saints, chanting these mantras with devotion and faith brings happiness, relieves mental stress, and leads to spiritual progress.
Date and Time of Devshayani Ekadashi
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Devshayani Ekadashi tithi begins on July 5, 2025, at 6:58 PM and ends on July 6 at 9:14 PM. As per the Udaya Tithi (sunrise time), the fast will be observed on July 6. Fasting, worship of Vishnu, mantra chanting, and religious rituals hold special significance on this day.
Major Mantras of Lord Vishnu to be Chanted
It is considered auspicious to chant specific mantras while worshiping Lord Vishnu on this Ekadashi. Chanting these mantras with correct pronunciation, focus, and devotion brings peace to the mind and invokes the grace of the Lord.
1. ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
This is the root seed mantra of Lord Vishnu. Chanting this mantra eliminates negative energy, calms the mind, and brings peace and happiness to the home. It is a tradition to chant it 108 times using a Tulsi (holy basil) mala (rosary). It is said that devotees who chant this mantra with devotion receive the special grace of Lord Vishnu.
2. ॐ श्री विष्णवे च विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो विष्णुः प्रचोदयात्॥
This mantra glorifies Lord Vishnu and prays for wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. It is similar to the Gayatri Mantra and chanting it provides clarity in the direction of life. This mantra is particularly useful for students and those making decisions.
3. ॐ नमो नारायणाय
This mantra is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Narayana. Chanting this mantra brings mental peace and eliminates inner fear. Chanting it brings security, prosperity, and positive energy into life. This mantra is especially useful for those going through difficult times.
4. हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे। हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
This is known as the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and is considered one of the most powerful mantras in the Kali Yuga (present age). Chanting this Mahamantra purifies the mind, brings peace to the soul, and deepens the feeling of devotion in life. It is also sung in bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (devotional chanting).
Things to Keep in Mind During Worship
It is necessary to follow certain rules when chanting these mantras on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. Before chanting, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Sit on a Kusha (a type of grass) or woolen mat in a quiet and secluded place. Chanting with a Tulsi mala is considered particularly fruitful. Also, maintain concentration and devotion in your mind while chanting.
Chanting these mantras during morning and evening prayers brings special benefits. Devotees can also chant a special mantra after the puja while establishing Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture, so that balance remains in the entire universe during his sleep.
Chant for the Grace of Goddess Lakshmi
Since Goddess Lakshmi is also associated with Lord Vishnu, chanting her mantras on this day is also beneficial. This increases wealth, prosperity, comfort, and opulence in the home. The combined chanting of Lakshmi mantras with Vishnu mantras enriches the seeker both spiritually and materially.
The Beginning of Chaturmas and Tradition
Chaturmas begins with Devshayani Ekadashi. This four-month period is considered the sleeping period of Lord Vishnu, during which auspicious activities like marriage, housewarming, mundan (tonsure), and upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) are not performed. Fasting, bhajans, kirtans, service, and spiritual practices hold special significance during these months.
Religious Atmosphere and the Faith of Devotees
On the day of Devshayani Ekadashi, special pujas and bhajan-kirtan are organized in Vishnu temples across the country. Devotees observe a fast on this day and remember the name of Lord Vishnu throughout the day. Night vigils (jagran) are also organized in many places. Some devotees also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu).
On this day, special worship is performed in Vishnu temples with Tulsi, yellow flowers, yellow clothes, and Panchamrit (a mixture of five items: milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar). Devotees offer flowers and lamps in water and prostrate themselves before the Lord. Processions and group devotional gatherings by kirtan mandals (chanting groups) are also organized in many places.
This year, on July 6, when devotees across the country will put Lord Vishnu to sleep, the atmosphere will be filled with devotion. The sound of mantras, the light of lamps, and the feeling of faith will bring auspicious energy into every home.
