Harishayan Ekadashi
OdiaAlso known as: Haribodhini Ekadashi, Devuththani Ekadashi
Harishayan Ekadashi
About Harishayan Ekadashi
Harishayan Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Kartik month (October-November). 'Harishayan' means 'the sleeping of Hari (Vishnu),' marking the end of his four-month cosmic sleep (Chaturmas). The Tulsi Vivah ceremony is often performed on this day.
According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu enters a state of cosmic sleep (yoga nidra) on Devshayani Ekadashi in the month of Ashadha. During these four months, the universe continues to function under his passive watch. On Harishayan Ekadashi, he awakens, symbolising the return of divine energy and activity to the world. The Padma Purana adds that this awakening is celebrated with the Tulsi Vivah ceremony, where the sacred tulsi plant is ceremonially wed to a Shaligrama stone representing Lord Vishnu, marking the beginning of the auspicious wedding season.
In Odisha, Harishayan Ekadashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees perform elaborate Vishnu puja, and the Tulsi Vivah ceremony is held in many households and temples. The fast is observed without grains, and the devotee breaks it on Dwadashi after offering food to Brahmins. The day marks the end of Chaturmas restrictions, and marriages and new ventures are resumed with great fanfare.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Strict fast to celebrate the awakening of Lord Vishnu. Observe a complete fast, perform elaborate Vishnu puja, participate in Tulsi Vivah, and break the fast on Dwadashi.
- Observe a complete fast during the day.
- Spend the day in prayer and chanting of Vishnu mantras.
- Read or listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
- Break the fast on Dwadashi after performing Vishnu puja.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: Fast broken on Dwadashi with a vegetarian meal after elaborate Vishnu puja.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Wake before sunrise and take a ritual bath.
- Offer prayers and flowers to Lord Vishnu.
- Chant Vishnu mantras throughout the day.
- Offer tulsi leaves and prasad to the deity.
- Break the fast on Dwadashi after puja.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Harishayan Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Kartik month (October-November).
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
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Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.