Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comShri Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha describes the glory of Lord Vishnu's entry into cosmic sleep and the beginning of Chaturmas, recited on the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month, presented here in full.
Chapter 1 · The Glory of Shayani Ekadashi
Yudhishthira asked, 'My lord, which Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Ashadh? Please tell me its name and its method.' Lord Krishna said, 'O king, the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Ashadh is named Shayani, and I shall describe it, it is most meritorious, granting heaven and liberation, taking away every sin, and is a most excellent vow. Those who, on the day of Shayani Ekadashi in the Shukla Paksha of Ashadh, worship the lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu with lotus flowers and observe this excellent Ekadashi vow have, in effect, worshipped all three worlds and all three eternal gods together.
On the day of Hari Shayani Ekadashi, one form of mine dwells in the abode of King Bali, and another rests upon the bed of Sheshnag in the Ocean of Milk, remaining there until the coming Ekadashi of Kartik arrives, therefore, from the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha Ashadh until the Shukla Ekadashi of Kartik, one should conduct oneself righteously in every way. Whoever observes this vow attains the supreme destination, and for this reason this Ekadashi should be observed with great care, one should keep vigil through the night of Ekadashi and worship, with devotion, Lord Vishnu, who bears the conch, discus, and mace. Even the four-faced Brahma is unable to reckon the merit of a man who does so.'
Chapter 2 · The Rules of Chaturmas
O king, whoever observes this excellent Ekadashi vow, which destroys all sins and grants both worldly enjoyment and liberation, remains ever dear to me in this world, even if born a chandala by caste. Those who pass the four months of Chaturmas offering lamps, eating from a palash leaf, and keeping their vows are dear to me, Lord Vishnu remains asleep during Chaturmas, so during this period one should sleep upon the ground. One should give up leafy greens in Sawan, curd in Bhadon, milk in Kwar, and lentils in Kartik, whoever observes celibacy through Chaturmas attains the supreme destination.
O king, it is by the vow of Ekadashi alone that a person is freed from all sins, so this vow should always be observed, and never neglected. Among the Krishna Paksha Ekadashis, only those falling between Shayani and Bodhini are fit for a householder to observe, the Krishna Paksha Ekadashis of the other months are not fit for a householder to keep, while every Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha should be observed.
How to Read Shri Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
On Devshayani (Hari Shayani) Ekadashi, worship Lord Vishnu with lotus flowers and keep a night vigil. Chaturmas begins on this very day and continues until the Shukla Ekadashi of Kartik (Devutthan), during this period, sleep on the ground, observe celibacy, and give up leafy greens in Sawan, curd in Bhadon, milk in Kwar, and lentils in Kartik.
About Shri Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha is told across two chapters. In the first, Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira the name of Shayani Ekadashi and its glory, and describes how Lord Vishnu enters his cosmic sleep on this very day, lasting until the Ekadashi of Kartik. In the second, the rules to be observed through Chaturmas are described, such as sleeping on the ground, celibacy, and giving up particular foods month by month.
This Ekadashi is observed on the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadh month, and it is on this day that Chaturmas is held to begin. This page presents the full text of both chapters in plain Hindi, with adjustable text size and print support.
The Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha has no named author. It is traditionally presented as the discourse Lord Krishna gave to Yudhishthira, and is conventionally linked to the Ekadashi-mahatmya tradition of the Padma Purana and Bhavishya Purana. Unlike most other Ekadashis, it has no character-driven plot of its own, instead, as in the source itself, it is Krishna's own direct account of its glory and the rules of Chaturmas. The text presented here is a faithful transcription of this glory as printed in a published Hindi vrat-katha collection booklet, with only clear printing errors corrected and no change made to it. Other printed editions may use different wording.
Frequently asked questions
How many chapters does the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha have?
It has two chapters in total, traditionally read or heard together as one complete text.
When is Devshayani Ekadashi observed?
It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Ashadh month, and Chaturmas begins on this very day.
What does 'Devshayani Ekadashi' mean?
As the story describes, on this day one form of Lord Vishnu enters into sleep (yoga-nidra) upon the bed of Sheshnag in the Ocean of Milk, lasting until the Ekadashi of Kartik, which is why it is called Devshayani or Hari Shayani Ekadashi.
What rules should be followed during Chaturmas?
As described in the story's second chapter, during this period one should sleep on the ground, observe celibacy, and give up leafy greens in Sawan, curd in Bhadon, milk in Kwar, and lentils in Kartik.
Is there one single story for all Ekadashis?
No, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, and tradition assigns each one its own distinct story or glory. This is Devshayani Ekadashi's own account of its glory, while the stories of other Ekadashis are available on their own separate pages on this site.