Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat 2026: 24 or 25 July? Know the exact date, auspicious time and method of worship

In Sanatan Dharma, Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month is known as ‘Devshayani Ekadashi’, Harishayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi. This date has special mythological and spiritual significance in Hindu religion. It is believed that from this day Lord Shri Hari Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra in Kshirsagar for the next four months. ‘Chaturmas’ begins with Lord Vishnu going into sleep and all the auspicious functions like marriage, mundan, housewarming etc are completely banned for four months.

Complete details of the exact date of Devshayani Ekadashi fast in the year 2026, confusion of changing dates, auspicious time and simple puja method are given below:

Don’t be confused about the date: 24 or 25 July 2026?

According to the calculations of the Panchang, the date of Devshayani Ekadashi in the year 2026 will start from the morning on 24th July 2026 (Friday). But in Sanatan Dharma, there is a rule to always observe fasts and festivals on the basis of Udayatithi (the date present at the time of sunrise). Ekadashi Tithi will be present at sunrise on the morning of 25th July.

Therefore, the fast of Devshayani Ekadashi will be observed by householders and Vaishnav community across the country only on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Ekadashi date and exact time of Parana (Shubh Muhurat)

• Ekadashi Tithi Start: 24th July 2026, Friday at 09:13 am.

• Ekadashi date ends: 25th July 2026, Saturday at 11:35 am.

• Fasting Break Time: Breaking the fast the next day on 26th July 2026 (Sunday) between 05:39 AM to 08:22 AM will be the best and fruitful.

Simple and authentic worship method of Devshayani Ekadashi

The strict rules of Ekadashi fast start with consuming satvik food a day before i.e. from the night of Dashami tithi. Perform the puja on the day of Ekadashi in this manner:

1. Wake up in Brahma Muhurta: Get up in the morning before sunrise, take bath etc. and wear clean yellow or light colored clothes.

2. Resolve to fast: Take a mental resolution to observe the fast with full devotion by taking water and Akshat in your hand in front of the idol of Lord Vishnu in the puja room.

3. Consecration of God: Sanctify the idol of Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi with Ganga water. Offer them yellow clothes, yellow flowers, Gopi sandalwood, Akshat and incense sticks.

4. Tulsi Dal is mandatory: Basil leaves (Tulsi Dal) are very important in the worship of Shri Hari. Offer yellow sweets or fruits to Lord Vishnu and keep a basil leaf in it (keep in mind that basil leaves should not be plucked on the day of Ekadashi, pluck it a day before).

5. Story and Mantra Chant: Favorite Mahamantra of Lord Vishnu ‘Invocation and Obeisance to Lord Krishna’ Chant. After this, read or listen to the fast story of Devshayani Ekadashi and finally perform aarti with camphor.

6. Sleeping: Since the Lord goes into sleep for four months from this day onwards, after the night puja, the idol of Lord Vishnu is symbolically put to sleep by placing a pillow on a beautiful cradle or cushioned bed.

Importance of Chaturmas: What to do and what not to do in these 4 months

According to sages and astrologers, during Chaturmas the negative forces in the universe become less effective and the human metabolism becomes weak. Therefore it is important to have self-discipline during this time:

• What to do: Remaining silent during these four months, eating satvik food, reciting Geeta or religious texts daily and doing charity is considered very beneficial.

• What not to do: Do ​​not do any auspicious work like marriage, mundan, yajnopavit (sacred thread), and new business or house warming. Completely abandon Tamasic food (onion, garlic, meat and alcohol).