Patna: Harishayan Ekadashi is being observed on Saturday, marking the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period that holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. According to religious belief, Lord Vishnu enters Yoganidra (cosmic slumber) on this day, during which weddings and other auspicious ceremonies are traditionally suspended until Devotthan Ekadashi.
With the commencement of Chaturmas, ceremonies such as weddings, sacred thread ceremonies (Janeu), Mundan, Griha Pravesh, and Bhumi Pujan will not be performed. These rituals are expected to resume after Devotthan Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken from Yoganidra.
Harishayan Ekadashi Observed Under Auspicious Planetary Alignments
This year’s Harishayan Ekadashi is being observed under the conjunction of the Anuradha and Jyeshtha Nakshatras, along with Brahma Yoga and Jayad Yoga, which are considered auspicious in Hindu tradition.
On the occasion, devotees will offer special prayers to Lord Vishnu and perform rituals symbolising the deity’s ceremonial rest for the next four months.
Day Dedicated to Worship and Fasting
Harishayan Ekadashi is regarded as one of the important Ekadashi observances in the Hindu calendar. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Vishnu, observing a fast, and performing religious rituals on this day bring spiritual merit.
Temples and homes are expected to witness special prayers, with devotees spending the day engaged in worship and devotional activities.
Chaturmas Focuses on Spiritual Discipline
During Chaturmas, sages and saints traditionally stay at one place to conduct bhajan-kirtan, religious discourses, and other spiritual programmes. Practices such as jap (chanting), tap (penance), daan (charity), vrat (fasting), meditation, and the observance of brahmacharya are considered especially significant during this period.
According to religious belief, Chaturmas encourages self-discipline and increased participation in religious and charitable activities.
Major Festivals During Chaturmas
Several major Hindu festivals fall within the four-month Chaturmas period. These include the Mondays of the month of Sawan, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pitru Paksha, Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath, and Devotthan Ekadashi.
Guru Purnima will also be celebrated on July 29, coinciding with Priti Yoga, and is expected to be observed with devotion across the country.
