Essential Guide to Devshayani Ekadashi Puja Materials
Understanding Devshayani Ekadashi
Materials Needed for Devshayani Ekadashi Puja: The Ekadashi tithi during the bright phase of the Ashadha month is celebrated as Devshayani Ekadashi, which falls on Saturday, July 25th this year. This day is particularly significant in Sanatan tradition, as it is believed that Lord Shri Hari Vishnu enters a state of *Yoganidra* (divine sleep) in the *Kshir Sagar* (Cosmic Ocean of Milk), marking the start of *Chaturmas*, a four-month period during which auspicious events like weddings and housewarming ceremonies are typically paused.
Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi
Devshayani Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most important Ekadashis in Sanatan Dharma. On this day, it is believed that Lord Shri Hari Vishnu reclines on the serpent Sheshnag in the *Kshir Sagar*, entering *Yoganidra*. This event signifies the beginning of *Chaturmas*, a time when various auspicious activities, including weddings and *Mundan* (tonsure) ceremonies, are generally postponed. Lord Vishnu is said to awaken on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devutthana Ekadashi). Observing a fast and performing rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this day is believed to bring joy, prosperity, and tranquility into one’s life.
Puja Essentials for Devshayani Ekadashi
It is believed that fasting with devotion, engaging in penance, and performing charitable acts while chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu on this day can erase sins and grant eternal merit (*Akshay Punya*). Offering *Tulsi* leaves is particularly auspicious. Donating food, clothing, water, and *Dakshina* (offerings) to those in need on this day is said to attract the special blessings of Lord Vishnu. Thus, Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated as a highly auspicious occasion for devotion, fasting, and good deeds.
List of Items for Devshayani Ekadashi Puja:
Idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Shri Hari-Lakshmi
Worship platform (Chauki)
Yellow or red cloth
Kalash (sacred pot)
Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges)
Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
Pure water
Roli (vermilion/kumkum)
Turmeric
Sandalwood paste
Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
Mauli (sacred red thread)
Tulsi leaves (mandatory)
Yellow flowers and garlands
Dhoop (incense powder/cones)
Agarbatti (incense sticks)
Ghee lamp
Cotton wicks
Camphor
Naivedya (food offering)
Seasonal fruits (banana, mango, etc.)
Coconut
Betel nut (supari)
Betel leaves
Cloves
Cardamom
Makhan-Mishri (fresh butter and rock sugar)
Kheer (rice pudding) or Panjiri
Yellow sweets (Besan Ladoo, Boondi, etc.)
Dakshina (offering/donation)
Aarti thali (plate) and bell
Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Chalisa, or Puja book
Offerings to Lord Vishnu
What to Offer After Worship:
Tulsi leaves
Panchamrit
Kheer
Makhan-Mishri
Yellow sweets
Seasonal fruits
Yellow flowers
Sandalwood paste
Light a ghee lamp, perform Aarti, and distribute Prasad.
Note: Tulsi leaves are crucial in the worship of Lord Vishnu. It is advisable to include them in the rituals. Additionally, ensure that only Sattvic (pure) items are used for the worship.
Conclusion
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