Devshayani Ekadashi or  Ashadi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi or Maha-ekadashi:

Devshayani Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day  of the Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. Devshayani Ekadashi comes just after famous Jagannath Rathyatra and currently falls in month of June or July on English calendar.

It is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Ashadhi, It falls generally in the month of June or July. It is known as Toli Ekadashi in Telugu. This holy day is of special significance to Vaishnavas. Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and wakes up after four months on Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Devshayani Ekadashi comes just after famous Jagannath Rathyatra and currently falls in month of June or July on English calendar. Chaturmas, a holy period of four months in Hindu calendar, starts from this day.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2017 Date & Time:

In 2017 Devshayani Ekadashi is observed on 4th July.

Ekadashi Tithi Begins = 22:15 on 3-07-2017
Ekadashi Tithi Ends = 00:29 on 5-07-2017

Significance of  Devshayani Ekadashi:

The significance of Devshayani Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to  Yudhishthira, the eldest brother of Pandavas and Brahma narrated the significance to his son Narada once as per the scripture Bhavishyottara Purana.

The story of king Mandata is narrated in this context. The pious king’s country had faced drought for three years, but the king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to observe the vrata (vow) of Dev-shayani ekadashi. On doing so by the grace of Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom.

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat:

In Hinduism and Jainism it is considered a spiritual day and is usually observed by a partial fast. Keeping a fast on Hari Shayani Ekadashi is considered very pious as this Vrat brings happiness and prosperity. At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Anyone between eight years and eighty years old should fast which includes not drinking water. However, p.eople who are sick, have health issues, or are pregnant are exempted and may take light food including milk and fruits