Hari Shayani Ekadashi celebration in Budhanilkantha (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Vedic Sanatana Hindus are celebrating Harishayani Ekadashi.

According to Padma Purana, the worship of Lord Vishnu on Shukla Ekadashi of the month of Ashadh has special significance because on this day the sleep of the Lord begins. It comes on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha.

The beginning of the Chaturmasa is marked by this auspicious day. This holy period lasts for four months. It is dedicated to penance, austerity, and devotion.

According to ISKCON Ghaziabad, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, goes into a deep sleep on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the Ksheersagar (cosmic ocean of milk). This sleep continues for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik falls.

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The 4 months between the Asadh Shukla Ekadashi and Kartik Shukla Ekadashi is regarded as the time of Hari Shayani Ekadashi. During this sleep of Lord Vishnu in Ksheer Sagar, i.e. Chaturmas, no auspicious ceremonies such as marriage, bartabandha, and so on are not performed. These auspicious ceremonies are observed only after Kartik Shukla Ekadashi.

Devotees observe this period with great respect. They believe that it is an auspicious time to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.

Hari Shayani Ekadashi is also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi. This day is also regarded as one of the most important and sacred festivals in the Hindu calendar.

Likewise, there is also a ritual of planting Tulsi in their houses on this day. In Hindu Theology, Tulsi is worshipped in the form of Lord Vishnu.

(Glimpses of Harishayani Ekadashi)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)

Nepali version of the photo story