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Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Devshayani Ekadashi is considered to have special religious significance in Hindu religion. On the day of Ekadashi of Ashadha Shukla Paksha, Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra in Kshirsagar. With this, Chaturmas begins and for the next four months, all the auspicious activities like marriage, house warming, Yagyopaveet, Mundan come to a halt.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva takes the responsibility of running the universe during the rest period of Lord Vishnu. This is the reason why worshiping Lord Vishnu as well as Shiva is considered to have special importance during this period.
According to astrologer and tarot card reader Nitika Sharma, director of Shri Lakshminarayan Astro Solution, Ajmer, Devshayani Ekadashi will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25 in the year 2026. Chaturmas will begin from this day, which will end with Devuthani (Devprabodhini) Ekadashi on 21 November 2026. During these 120 days, the importance of religious rituals, chanting, penance, stories and devotion increases, while auspicious works are not performed.
When is Devshayani Ekadashi 2026?
According to the Panchang, the Ekadashi date of Ashadh Shukla Paksha will start on 24th July 2026 at 9.12 am and will end on 25th July 2026 at 11.34 am. On the basis of Udaya Tithi, the fast and worship of Devshayani Ekadashi will be done on 25 July 2026.
Ekadashi date:
Start date: July 24, 2026, Friday, 9:12 am
End date: July 25, 2026, Saturday, 11:34 am
Devshayani Ekadashi: 25 July 2026
Why do marriages and other auspicious functions stop?
Astrologer Neetika Sharma tells that Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. Since Lord Vishnu is considered the protector, marriage, housewarming, Yajnopavita, initiation ceremony, starting a new business and other auspicious activities are not performed during his rest period.
But this does not mean that religious activities stop. On the contrary, Chaturmas is considered the best time for meditation, restraint and devotion. During this period, Bhagwat Katha, satsang, bhajan-kirtan, chanting, penance and charity have special importance in temples.
What is Chaturmas and its religious significance:
The period from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi is called Chaturmas. This is a period of approximately four months i.e. 120 days. In religious texts, it has been described as a period of introspection, penance and spiritual progress.
Lord Vishnu remains in Yoga Nidra during this period, while Lord Shiva presides over the creation. Therefore, worship of both Shiva and Vishnu has special significance during this period. Sages and saints also stay at one place during Chaturmas and do penance, self-study and sermons.
Chaturmas is also special from scientific point of view:
Apart from religious beliefs, Chaturmas is also considered to have scientific importance. Humidity in the environment increases during the rainy season, due to which there is a possibility of spread of many types of microorganisms and diseases. In ancient times, long journeys were difficult, hence sages and sages used to stay at one place and meditate. This tradition later took the form of Chaturmas.
Many big festivals will be celebrated in Chaturmas:
Many major religious festivals occur in the four months starting from Devshayani Ekadashi. First comes the month of Sawan, which is considered the most sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva. After this, the festival of Nag Panchami, Rakshabandhan, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi, Pitru Paksha, Sharadiya Navratri, Vijayadashami, Karva Chauth, Deepawali and finally Devuthani Ekadashi is celebrated.
That is, even though Chaturmas may be a period of rest for auspicious activities, it is considered to be the most important period for religious festivals and spiritual practice.
Lord Shiva will govern the creation for 120 days:
According to mythological beliefs, when Lord Vishnu remains in Yoga Nidra, then Lord Shiva takes over the responsibility of running the universe. Therefore, special importance has been given to the worship of Lord Shiva in Chaturmas. Especially in the month of Sawan, offering Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, Bilvapatra on Shivling and chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivay” is considered very auspicious.
Offering Tulsi Dal to Lord Vishnu “Om Vishnave Namah” Chanting the mantra is also believed to yield auspicious results.
What should be done in Chaturmas?
According to astrologer and tarot card reader Nitika Sharma, both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva should be worshiped regularly during Chaturmas. During this period, listening to Bhagwat Katha, doing bhajan-kirtan, chanting mantras, fasting, doing charity and donating food and clothes to needy people is considered extremely auspicious. Adopting satvik food and a balanced lifestyle leads to mental peace and spiritual progress.
When will marriages start again?
Chaturmas will end on 21 November 2026 on the day of Devuthani (Devprabodhini) Ekadashi. There is a religious belief that on this day Lord Vishnu wakes up from yoga nidra. After this, the auspicious times of marriage, house warming, Yagyopaveet, Mundan and all other auspicious activities start again.
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