05/07/2025
Devshayani Ekadashi and the Onset of Chatur Maas
Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Hari shayani or Ashadhi Ekadashi, marks the beginning of Chatur Maas - the sacred four-month period in the Vedic calendar. This Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the month of Aashaadha and is considered the day when Lord Vishnu enters yogic sleep (Yoganidra) in the cosmic ocean (Ksheer Sagar).
During this period, Lord Vishnu withdraws from active cosmic management, entrusting preservation to Shiva and Devi. This time is not symbolic but energetically significant. In the ancient times this was a time when floods or drought often came about as this was the time of Monsoon in the region. This brought unpredictability in agriculture, increased illness, and reduced travel. Traditionally, these months were avoided for major life decisions such as marriage, travel, or new ventures. This time was about dealing with external challenges and focusing inwards to learn spiritual lessons from difficulties and how to overcome them with faith and surrender.
While Vaishnavas observe spiritual discipline and simplicity, offering vrat, bhajans, and inner reflection, Shaivites intensify their connection with Shiva, who is seen as the protector during Vishnu’s rest. In temples and households, Shiv puja increases in Shravan, which falls within Chatur Maas.
The Budhanilkantha Temple in Nepal, where Vishnu reclines on Shesha Naga in a water pool, becomes a focal pilgrimage site on this day, representing the Lord’s withdrawal from worldly action.
Chatur Maas is thus a period of inner purification, alignment with dharma, and preparing one’s body and mind for the next karmic cycle. It culminates with Prabodhini Ekadashi also called Devuthni Ekadashi, when Vishnu awakens and normal dharmic activity resumes.
The four-month period of Chatur Maas is not about inactivity, but about redirecting energy inward, honouring cosmic rhythms, and living in sync with seasonal and spiritual shifts. Astrologically, this is the retrograde season as Saturn usually stays retrograde during this time and we also tend to see Mercury retrograde. This brings about the energy of dealing with pending life lessons and harsh things we are refusing to learn. It’s the time when our own mental patterns surface to push us to observer what we need to correct and make the change in the right direction breaking the karmic and mental patterns that are keeping us stuck in life and in our life- death cycle. Following the spiritual practices during this time helps us elevate and move ahead with ease.
This Chatur Maas try and create a spiritual calendar for yourself. Take out time daily to mediate, chant and spend a few minutes in silence just observing your own mind as just observation and surrender to Bhagwan itself begins spiritual evolution. Give up one bad habit you have been struggling with and add some social service. Visiting temples, observing a weekly fast, donation of food grains are some rituals that are followed. You can do the same in sync with the traditions of your family lineage or based on your own attachment to a deity.
This year Devshayani Ekadashi falls on the 6th of July, 2025. Observe a fast and pray that the upcoming Chatur Maas is gentle on you and also helps you in your spiritual evolution. Chanting Narayan mantras and donation of food grains and fruits on this day is auspicious. May the upcoming months bring you wisdom and divine knowledge. Love, Astro Kanu.
