Sayana Ekadashi
Fasting day
From grains and beans, from sunrise
Break the fast ·
5:31 – 10:09 AM
Break the fast after sunrise and before a third of the day has passed.
What is Sayana Ekadashi?
Sayana Ekadashi falls in the waxing moon of Ashadha, and in 2027 devotees fast on Wednesday, 14 July. It is also called Padma Ekadashi, and it is widely known as Devshayani Ekadashi. The name Deva-sayani points to Lord Vishnu, who is said to go to rest with the demigods on this day. The four months of Chaturmasya vows begin with it.
Significance
In the Bhavishya-uttara Purana, Lord Sri Krishna describes this Ekadashi to Maharaja Yudhishthira, retelling what Lord Brahma once told his disciple (and son) Narada Muni. A long drought had struck the land of King Mandhata. Angira Muni advised the king to fast on this Ekadashi, and when he and all his subjects kept the fast, the rains returned and the fields gave an abundant harvest. The Purana says the fast pleases Lord Hrishikesha and clears away obstacles on the path to perfection. Srila Prabhupada writes:
Those interested in advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness must observe Ekādaśī-vrata regularly.
Srimad-Bhagavatam 9.4.29, purport
How to observe it
On Wednesday, leave grains and beans aside and give the time you save to the holy names and to hearing about Lord Hrishikesha. Because the Chaturmasya vows start on this day, it is a good moment to take up one small practice for the four months. At Kurukshetra the fast is broken on Thursday, 15 July, between 5:31 AM (sunrise) and 10:09 AM (one third of the daylight).
Questions
When is Devshayani (Sayana) Ekadashi in 2027?
Sayana Ekadashi falls on Wednesday, 14 July 2027. It is also known as Padma Ekadashi and Deva-sayani Ekadashi.
What time should I break the Devshayani Ekadashi fast in Kurukshetra?
Break the fast on Thursday, 15 July 2027, between 5:31 AM (sunrise) and 10:09 AM (one third of the daylight) IST.
Why is it called Deva-sayani Ekadashi?
It is called Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani, because on this day Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with the demigods, according to the Bhavishya-uttara Purana. The day also opens the Chaturmasya period.
What is the story of Sayana Ekadashi?
When a drought struck King Mandhata's kingdom, Angira Muni told him to fast on this Ekadashi. The king and his subjects kept the fast, the rain returned and the crops were abundant.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Fasting day
- Break fast
- · 5:31–10:09 AM
- Fast from
- Grains and beans
- Also known as
- Padma Ekadashi, Deva-sayani Ekadashi
- Deity worshipped
- Lord Vishnu as Hrishikesha
Seva for this day
Feed devotees and visitors on this holy day, or begin the Bhagavad-gita course with us.