In Hinduism, Devshayani Ekadashi holds great spiritual significance. It is observed every year on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadha. It is believed that from this day, Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra (divine cosmic sleep) for four months, a period known as Chaturmas.
During Chaturmas, auspicious ceremonies such as marriages, housewarming rituals, and other major celebrations are generally avoided. According to tradition, while Lord Vishnu rests in Yog Nidra, Lord Shiva oversees the management of the universe.
The Story Behind Lord Vishnu’s Four-Month Sleep
According to Hindu mythology, one of the most popular legends associated with Lord Vishnu’s divine sleep is the story of King Bali (Mahabali).
King Bali was the grandson of Prahlada, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and a descendant of Hiranyakashipu. Although born in the demon lineage, Bali was renowned for his generosity, righteousness, and valor. Through his strength and virtue, he conquered all three worlds—Earth, Heaven, and the Netherworld. This worried the gods, including Indra, the king of heaven.
The gods approached Lord Brahma, who advised them to seek help from Lord Vishnu. When the gods explained their predicament, Lord Vishnu faced a dilemma because Bali was a devoted follower of His. Nevertheless, to restore cosmic balance, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin.
Vamana’s Request for Three Steps of Land
Vamana approached King Bali during a sacrificial ceremony and asked for alms. Bali gladly offered to grant any request. Vamana humbly asked for only three paces of land.
The request seemed insignificant, and Bali readily agreed. However, after receiving the promise, Vamana assumed a gigantic cosmic form. With one step, He covered the Earth, and with the second, He covered Heaven. There was no place left for the third step.
Recognizing the divinity of Vamana, King Bali bowed his head and offered it as the place for the third step. Lord Vishnu then placed His foot on Bali’s head and sent him to Patala Loka (the Netherworld).
Lord Vishnu’s Promise to King Bali
Deeply pleased with Bali’s devotion, humility, and generosity, Lord Vishnu revealed His true form and offered him a boon. King Bali requested that Lord Vishnu stay with him in Patala Loka.
Honoring his devotee’s wish, Lord Vishnu granted the boon and also blessed Bali with immortality. As Lord Vishnu began residing in Patala Loka, the gods became concerned about the functioning of the universe and sought help from Goddess Lakshmi.
Goddess Lakshmi’s Intervention
Goddess Lakshmi disguised herself as an ordinary woman and visited King Bali. She tied a sacred thread (Raksha Sutra) on his wrist, making him her brother. In return, Bali offered to grant her a wish.
Lakshmi requested the return of Lord Vishnu. King Bali agreed. However, Lord Vishnu did not want to disappoint His devoted follower. Therefore, He promised Bali that every year, from Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi) until Devutthana Ekadashi (Kartika Shukla Ekadashi), He would spend four months with him in Patala Loka.
Conclusion
Because of this divine promise, it is believed that Lord Vishnu enters Yog Nidra during the four-month period of Chaturmas, from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devutthana Ekadashi. Symbolically, a portion of Lord Vishnu’s presence remains with King Bali in Patala Loka during this time, while devotees observe Chaturmas through spiritual practices, devotion, fasting, and self-discipline.