Hari Shayan Vrat Story

॥ Shri Hari Shayani (Devshayani) Ekadashi fasting story. 🌊😴

Story begins:

Dharmaraj Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna - "O Keshav! What is the name of Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month? What is its method and which deity is worshiped in it? Please tell in detail."

Lord Shri Krishna said - "O Yudhishthir! The name of this Ekadashi is 'Shayani' or 'Devshayani'. It is very virtuous and destroyer of all sins. The person who observes this fast attains salvation. Now I will tell you the mythological story which was narrated by Lord Brahma himself to Devarshi Narad."

In ancient times, a very powerful, truthful and glorious king named 'Mandhata' used to rule. In his kingdom the people were very happy and there was never famine. But once there was no rain in the king's kingdom for three consecutive years, due to which there was a severe famine. There was panic all around. Due to lack of food, religious functions like Yagya, Havan etc. also stopped.

Seeing the distress of the people, King Mandhata became very sad. They started wondering what crime they had committed for which their subjects were being punished. The king went towards the forest with his army so that he could ask the solution from a sage. Wandering in the forest, he reached the ashram of sage 'Angira', son of Brahma.

The king bowed to the sage and with folded hands told him about the troubles of the kingdom. Angira Rishi said - "O King! This is Satyayuga and in this religion is situated on its four legs. In this era only Brahmins have the right to do penance, but in your kingdom a Shudra is doing penance. Due to his fault there is no rain in the kingdom. If you kill him, then this problem will go away."

King Mandhata was very kind. He said, "O Rishivar! I cannot kill that innocent ascetic. Please tell me some other religious solution."

Then Angira Rishi said - "O King! If you want this, then observe a fast on the Ekadashi called 'Shayani' of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha as per the rituals. Due to the effect of this fast, there will definitely be rain in your kingdom."

The king returned to his city and observed the fast of 'Hari Shayani Ekadashi' with devotion along with his subjects and family. Due to the effect of the fast, dark clouds appeared in the sky and there was torrential rain. There was abundance of food and wealth in the state and the people became happy again.

॥ Rules of fasting and method of worship. 📋👉

1. Chaturmas Sankalp:From this day, a resolution is taken to abstain from certain rules or food for the next four months (till Kartik Ekadashi).

2. Jalabhishek and worship:Bathe the idol of Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit and offer yellow clothes, sandalwood and basil leaves.

3. Shayan Utsav:Since the Lord goes to sleep from today, he is made to lie down on a beautiful bed and prayers are offered that he may do good to the world.

4. Food prohibited:Rice and grains should not be consumed on the day of Ekadashi. Fruits can be taken.

5. Night vigil:Do not sleep this night, instead recite Vishnu Sahasranama and do bhajan-kirtan.

6. Dwadashi Parana:Next day after sunrise, break the fast by giving donations to Brahmins.

॥ Religious importance of Hari Shayani Ekadashi. 🔱🌟

• Chaturmas begins:From this day, auspicious functions like marriage, house warming and mundan stop for four months.

• Yoganidra:Lord Vishnu sleeps on the bed of Sheshnag in Ksheer Sagar.

• Protection of the Universe:It is believed that Lord Shiva takes charge of the creation during these four months.

॥ Benefits and results of fasting. 💎🌈

• Absolution:All mental and physical sins committed knowingly or unknowingly are destroyed by this fast.

• Happiness-Prosperity:Like King Mandhata, poverty and famine (sufferings) end from the life of a person.

• Akshaya Punya:Donation and penance done on this day provides inexhaustible results.

• Vaikuntha Vaas:Devotees who observe this fast with full devotion ultimately attain Vaikuntha Loka.