Hindu · Maharashtra

Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) 2027 देवशयनी एकादशी

Lord Vishnu Begins His Holy Sleep

Wednesday, 14 July 2027

Devshayani Ekadashi, also called Ashadhi Ekadashi, marks the day Lord Vishnu begins his cosmic sleep and opens the four months of Chaturmas, with the famous Pandharpur Wari in Maharashtra.

How the date is fixed: Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (eleventh day of the bright fortnight) of the month of Ashadha.

Why Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) is celebrated

Devotees believe that on this Ekadashi Lord Vishnu goes into yoga nidra, a divine sleep, on the serpent Sheshnag in the ocean of milk. That is why it is called Devshayani, the day the god lies down to sleep. He wakes four months later on Prabodhini Ekadashi, also called Dev Uthani Ekadashi, in the month of Kartik.

This four month span is Chaturmas. Many Hindus avoid weddings, griha pravesh and other big new beginnings during this time. Sadhus and monks often stay in one place and focus on prayer and study. Ordinary devotees take small vows, such as giving up certain foods, and spend more time in worship.

History and story of Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi)

The Puranas describe the importance of this Ekadashi. One story, told in the Bhavishya Purana, speaks of King Mandhata, whose kingdom suffered a long drought. On the advice of a sage, he and his people kept this Ekadashi fast, and rain returned to the land.

In Maharashtra, the day is tied to the bhakti tradition of the Varkari sect. Saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev and Sant Tukaram sang of Lord Vitthal, also called Vithoba, a form of Vishnu or Krishna worshipped at Pandharpur. The yearly walk to Pandharpur has continued for several centuries.

How Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) is celebrated

Devotees fast on this day. Some take only water, while others eat fruits, milk and non grain foods such as sabudana. The fast is broken on Dwadashi, the next day.

People bathe early, worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, flowers and lamps, and chant his names. Many read the Vishnu Sahasranama or listen to the Ekadashi katha. Night time bhajans and jagran are common. Giving food and clothes to the needy is seen as good.

Important days and moments

Palkhi departure (About three weeks before)
The palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar from Alandi and Sant Tukaram from Dehu set out for Pandharpur with lakhs of Varkaris.
Ekadashi fast (Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi)
Devotees fast, worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi and chant his names through the day.
Vitthal darshan (Ekadashi day)
Pilgrims reach Pandharpur for darshan of Vitthal and Rukmini, with an official puja at the temple.
Start of Chaturmas (From Devshayani Ekadashi)
The four month Chaturmas begins and lasts until Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik.

Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) across India

Maharashtra has the grandest celebration. Lakhs of Varkaris walk for about three weeks to Pandharpur in the Pandharpur Wari. The palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar starts from Alandi and the palkhi of Sant Tukaram from Dehu, both near Pune. Pilgrims sing abhangs, play cymbals and carry saffron flags. They reach Pandharpur for darshan of Vitthal and Rukmini on Ashadhi Ekadashi, and the Chief Minister performs the official puja.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the day is called Toli Ekadashi, meaning the first Ekadashi, and families prepare special sweets. In North India it is known as Devshayani or Harishayani Ekadashi.

Other names and related festivals

Ashadhi Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi
Harishayani Ekadashi
Padmini Ekadashi
Toli Ekadashi
Ashadhi Ekadashi in Maharashtra
Toli Ekadashi in Telangana

Frequently asked questions

When is Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) in 2027?

Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) falls on Wednesday, 14 July 2027.

Is Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) a bank holiday?

The RBI bank holiday lists for 2027 are not out yet; they usually come out in December or January. Each state follows its own list, so check your state's bank holiday page then.

Is Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) a central government holiday?

No. Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) is not a holiday for central government offices in 2027.

What are the other names of Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi)?

Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, Devshayani Ekadashi, Harishayani Ekadashi, Padmini Ekadashi, Toli Ekadashi.

What is Chaturmas?

Chaturmas is the four month period that starts on Devshayani Ekadashi and ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik. Devotees believe Lord Vishnu rests during this time, so many avoid weddings and take religious vows.

What is the Pandharpur Wari?

It is a yearly walking pilgrimage of Varkari devotees to the Vitthal temple at Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Palkhis carrying the padukas of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram lead the walk.

Is Ashadhi Ekadashi a bank holiday?

It is not a central government holiday. Banks and offices stay open in most states.