Do you know why on fasting, people listen to special stories? Well, Devshayani Ekadashi that occurs on 6th July this year is one of those days when listening to a Vrat Katha (fasting tale) is said to attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu and even gratify the most ardent desires of your heart.
This Ekadashi occurs in Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month. Today, Lord Vishnu begins his deep sleep, called Yoga Nidra, which lasts for four months. And for this reason, marriage, mundane, engagement, or grihapravesh ceremonies are not carried out during these four months.
However, the most notable aspect of this day is the Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha, a sacred story that devotees believe can atone for sins and bring about peace, happiness, and even moksha (freedom from rebirth).
The Story Behind Devshayani Ekadashi
In ancient times during Satyuga, there was a good and powerful king Mandhata. His subjects were content and his kingdom full of life. But one year something so disastrous occurred. It never rained for three consecutive years. All crops withered, rivers disappeared, and famine struck all places. People ceased to perform yajnas, havans, and even vrat ceremonies. People suffered and approached their king.
Disturbed and grieved, King Mandhata went into the forest in search of a reason. That’s where he came to the ashram of Rishi Angira, the son of God Brahma. He told him of his pain and inquired of him what he had done incorrectly.
Rishi Angira told him that even the minor sins in Satyuga would create gigantic issues. Then he asked the king to follow the Ekadashi vrat during the month of Ashadha and perform it with complete devotion.
The Blessings That Followed
With the entire population, the king too went back to his kingdom and observed Padma Ekadashi vrat. And only a brief after something amazing occurred, it poured so much and the earth resumed to life.
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana references this tale, and it is thought that those who read this katha with faith and fast will have their desires realized.
Thus, on July 6th, should you be fasting, remember to read the katha. It’s not just a story, it’s a blessing.