Ashadhi Ekadashi is one of the most important and spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated in the month of Ashadha, this day marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu’s four-month divine rest. Devotees across India, especially in Maharashtra, observe this occasion with prayers, fasting, and devotion, most notably through the grand Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage.
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When is Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025?
This year, Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi, will be observed on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 5 at 06:58 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 6 at 09:14 PM
The Parana (fast-breaking) is observed on July 7, after sunrise and the completion of the Ekadashi Tithi.
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What is the significance of Ashadhi Ekadashi?
Ashadhi Ekadashi holds great importance in Hinduism, as it marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu’s celestial slumber, four months known as Chaturmas. According to Vedic belief, during this time, Lord Vishnu rests in the cosmic ocean (Ksheer Sagar) on the serpent Ananta. This symbolic period of divine rest is observed with increased spiritual practices, fasting, and rituals by devotees.
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025: Youths Carry 12,000 Seed Balls To Green The Route To PandharpurIn Maharashtra, the day is especially significant as it coincides with the conclusion of the Pandharpur Wari, a grand pilgrimage where lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) walk for days, chanting and singing the names of Lord Vitthal. The final destination is the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur, where prayers, darshan, and vibrant devotional celebrations take place.
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How is Ashadhi Ekadashi observed?
Devotees wake up early, take a ritual bath, and perform puja to Lord Vishnu, placing his idol on a clean yellow cloth.
Offerings of yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, akshat (unbroken rice), incense, and lamps are made as part of the Shodashopachara puja.
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025: Doctors’ Dindi Begins Journey To Aid Walking Pilgrims On WariMany observe a strict Ekadashi fast, consuming only fruits and water or a single satvik meal.
Bhajans, kirtans, and group prayers are held throughout the day in temples and homes.
In Pandharpur, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister traditionally performs aarti and prayers at the Vitthal temple, upholding the age-old tradition.
