देवशयनी एकादशी व्रत कथा

The beginning
Dharmaraj Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna, “O Keshav, what is the name of the Ekadashi in the Shukla paksha of Ashadh? Which deity is worshipped on this day, and how is the fast kept?”
Shri Krishna said, “O King, it is called Devshayani Ekadashi. Another name for it is Padma Ekadashi. Once Devarshi Narad asked Brahma ji about this Ekadashi. Listen to the story Brahma ji told him.”
It is believed that from this day Vishnu ji goes into yoga nidra for four months, resting on Sheshnag in the ocean of milk. These four months are called Chaturmas, when people turn to bhajan, satsang and a simple life.

The story
In the Satya Yuga there was a great king of the Sun dynasty named Mandhata. He was truthful, kind and mighty, and he cared for his people as if they were his own children. Everyone in his kingdom was happy, and there had never been a famine.

But a time came when no rain fell in his kingdom for three years in a row. The fields dried up, food ran short, and there was distress everywhere. In these hard days even yajnas, havans and pujas became fewer. At last the people came to the king and said, “Maharaj, rain is the root of all our food. Without rain we are suffering greatly. Please find some way out.”

The king was already deeply troubled. He kept thinking, “I rule with dharma, so why are my people suffering like this?” He promised his people that he would soon find a way. Then, after worshipping God, he set out for the forest with a few companions. He visited the ashrams of many sages. At last he reached the ashram of Sage Angira, the son of Brahma ji.

The king got down from his chariot and bowed to the sage. The sage blessed him and asked why he had come. With folded hands the king said, “O great sage, I rule with dharma, yet it has not rained in my kingdom for three years. My people are suffering. I cannot understand why this is happening. Please show me a way.”

Sage Angira listened carefully. Then he said, “O King, the Ekadashi that comes in the Shukla paksha of Ashadh is called Padma or Devshayani Ekadashi. Keep its fast in the proper way together with your people, and worship Lord Vishnu. By the power of this fast, rain will fall in your kingdom again.”

The king returned to his capital. When Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi came, he kept the fast with faith along with all his people. Together they worshipped Vishnu ji and sang bhajans and kirtan through the night. By the power of the fast, plenty of rain fell in the kingdom. The fields turned green again, the grain stores filled up, and smiles returned to the people’s faces.

This story reminds us that in hard times the king and his people remembered God together and did not lose patience.

May Vishnu ji keep faith and peace in every heart.
Bolo Shri Hari Vishnu Bhagwan ki Jai!