Devshayani Ekadashi happens to be one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, Hari Shayani Ekadashi, or Padma Ekadashi, this Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi marks the moment Lord Vishnu withdraws to Kshira Sagar, the cosmic ocean of milk, and enters a four-month yogic slumber (yoga nidra) upon the serpent Ananta Shesha. With this, the sacred period of Chaturmas begins – a time which is devoted to austerity, introspection, and devotion. And this lasts until Devutthana Ekadashi later in the year, when Vishnu is believed to awaken.
