Deva Sayana Ekadasi is also reffered as – Padma Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayana Ekadasi, Sesha Sayana Ekadasi, Tholi or Toli Ekadasi (Andhra Pradesh), Harivaasara Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayana Ekadasi and Ashadi Ekadasi (Maharashtra).

Deva Sayana Ekadasi is observed on June 29th 2012 (USA) & June 30th  (India & UK) in this year.

Significance of Deva Sayana Ekadasi Vrat or Ashadi Ekadasi Vrat:

The importance of  Deva Sayani Ekadasi was mentioned in Bhavishyottara Puran. Yudhistira, Oldest among Pandava brothers asked about the significance of observing a fast on Shayana Ekadasi. Lord Shri Krishna explained the glory of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat which was told earlier by Lord Brahma to His Son – Sage Narada.

Story related to Deva Sayana Ekadasi:

The great emperor Mandhata of Surya Clan was famous for being Honest and Truthful. Unfortunately, there occured a severe famine in His Kingdom. Many people and animals died due to pangs of hunger. There was shortage of food-grains in the Kingdom. Seeing the sufferings of His Subjects, King Mandhata observed  vratams, performed homams and Pujas to get rid of famine; but all his efforts were in vain.

Sage Angirasa suggested Mandata to observe Ekadasi fasting on Ashada Shukla Ekadasi, which is popular as Deva Sayana Ekadasi. As told by the Sage, King Mandhata observed Deva Sayani Ekadasi Fasting, worshipped Sree Maha Vishnu with utmost devotion and faith.  As a result of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat,  Mandhata’s Kingdom flourished well. There was no further trace of famine in His Kingdom.

It is on this day, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep called as Yoganidra (Though Vishnu goes to sleep, His will is ever active). Since Shree Maha Vishnu rests on a Seven Hooded Cobra called Adi Sesha. So, this Ekasadasi is also referred as Sesha-Sayana-Ekadasi.  It is said that Shree Maha Vishnu goes to sleep for four months; The symbolism of four months is Chaturvidha Purushardhas – Dharma, Ardha, Kama and Moksha.

A unique feature of this Ekadasi is to not make any sankalpam unlike other Ekadasi’s where devotees make sankalpam for material gains like marriage, progeny, wealth, health etc.

The observance of  Sayana Ekadasi is exclusively to get complete grace of Lord Vishnu  without  keeping wish-list in mind. By doing so, one will get rid of sins committed unknowingly.

Special Rituals &  Poojas:

  •  The most auspicious Chaturmasya or Chaturmasa Vratam begin from Deva Sayana Ekadasi Day.
  • Ashadi Ekadasi marks as a closing ceremony day of Pandharpur Yatra in Maharashtra. 
Panduranga Gayatri Mantra:
 
Aum Tatpurushaaya VidhmahE
Bhaktha Rakshakaaya Dheemahi
Tannoh Panduranga Prachodayaath