Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Ekadashi) is one of the most important Ekadashi observances in the Hindu calendar.
Lord Vishnu will enter Yoga Nidra (divine sleep) for four months and it is the beginning of Chaturmas. Millions of devotees fast, pray and engage in philanthropy in order to receive divine blessings or spiritual growth.
Fasting is considered very auspicious on Ashadha Ekadashi but most people can’t do so because of health reasons (e.g., health, age, pregnancy, work commitments, or medical reasons). The Hindu scriptures and spiritual teachers insist that devotion, sincerity and righteous action are just as important as fasting.
If you cannot fast, avoid some of the mistakes that are traditionally believed to reduce the spiritual significance of the day.
Mistakes to Avoid If You Are Not Fasting
1. Don't eat Tamasic food
Even if you don't have a fast, avoid eating non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, garlic and too spicy food. A simple vegetarian diet is recommended on Ekadashi.
2. Do Not Skip Worship
Some people think that prayers are unnecessary if they aren’t fasting. Offering flowers, lighting lamps, singing Vishnu Sahasranama, chanting the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” will bring you peace.
3. Avoid Negative Thoughts
Ekadashi is considered a day of self-purification. Never argue, gossip, express anger, or engage in negative speech. Kindness and patience are considered a form of spiritual discipline.
4. Don’t Forget Charity
Ashadha Ekadashi considers giving food, clothes or money to a poor person to be very good. Even a small act of charity with sincerity is good.
5. Don’t overindulge
Not fasting does not mean treating the day as if you ate junk. Don’t overindulge, waste food or waste time with unnecessary entertainment all day.
You can observe Ashadha Ekadashi without fasting. Wake up early and take a holy bath. Offer Tulsi leaves, fruits and flowers to Lord Vishnu.
If you can, visit a Vishnu temple. Read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama. Spend time in meditation or silent prayer. Help the poor by donating essentials. As per tradition, we break the observance on Dwadashi in a respectful manner.
Why Ashadha Ekadashi Matters
Ashadha Ekadashi is associated with love, discipline and spiritual awakening. It tells us to pay attention to our inner purity and not just do our rituals in order to be good.
You could fast or not, but good deeds, being pure in heart, and remembering Lord Vishnu are important to have peace, good feelings, and good works of worship.
At its core, Ekadashi is faith, compassion, self-control and devotion and is very much for everyone, regardless of one’s ability to observe a complete fast.
