Sayana Ekadashi

The glories of Sayana Ekadashi are described in the Puranas through a conversation between Lord Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthira.

Once, Yudhishthira Maharaja inquired about the Ekadashi that occurs during the bright fortnight of Ashadha and asked about its importance. Lord Krishna explained that this Ekadashi is extremely dear to Lord Vishnu because on this day the Lord enters His divine Yoga-Nidra for the welfare of the universe.

The scriptures explain that although Lord Vishnu is eternally awake and fully conscious, He performs this pastime of resting to bless His devotees and establish the sacred period of Chaturmasya. As the Lord reclines upon Ananta Shesha in the Ocean of Milk, all demigods, sages, and devotees offer prayers and glorification. During these four months, devotees are encouraged to increase their spiritual practices, observe vows, control the senses, and dedicate themselves more fully to devotional service.

The Lord remains in this divine resting pastime until Utthana Ekadashi, when He symbolically awakens and concludes Chaturmasya. Because this Ekadashi marks the beginning of this highly auspicious period, observing it faithfully grants immense spiritual benefit and attracts the mercy of Lord Hari.