Hari Sayan

Hari Sayan, also known as Shayani Ekadashi or Devshayani Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu festival observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha (June-July). The term “Hari Sayan” translates to “the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep.”

Significance:

1. Lord Vishnu’s Rest: Hari Sayan marks the beginning of the four-month period known as Chaturmasa, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to rest and sleep. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu reclines on the cosmic serpent Shesha (Adi Sesha) in the Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) and enters a state of yoga nidra (divine sleep) for the duration of Chaturmasa.
2. Symbolism: The resting period of Lord Vishnu during Chaturmasa is symbolic of the natural cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. It is believed that while Lord Vishnu rests, the world experiences a period of relative tranquility and stability.

Observance:

1. Fasting and Prayer: Devotees observe fasting on Hari Sayan Ekadashi as a form of penance and devotion to Lord Vishnu. They abstain from consuming grains, beans, and certain other food items, and spend the day in prayer, meditation, and reading scriptures.
2. Visiting Temples: Devotees visit Vishnu temples and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu on Hari Sayan Ekadashi. Special rituals and ceremonies are conducted in temples, and the deity is adorned with floral decorations.
3. Listening to Religious Discourses: Religious discourses and bhajans (devotional songs) related to the significance of Hari Sayan Ekadashi and the glory of Lord Vishnu are organized in temples and community gatherings. Devotees listen attentively to these discourses as a means of spiritual upliftment.
4. Charitable Acts: It is considered auspicious to engage in acts of charity, such as donating food, clothing, or money to the needy, on Hari Sayan Ekadashi. Charity is believed to earn merit and cleanse one’s sins.
5. Spiritual Reflection: Hari Sayan Ekadashi is also a time for devotees to reflect on the importance of leading a righteous and virtuous life, in accordance with the teachings of Lord Vishnu. It is an opportunity for spiritual introspection and self-improvement.

In conclusion, Hari Sayan Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival that marks the commencement of Lord Vishnu’s divine sleep during the auspicious period of Chaturmasa. Devotees observe fasting, offer prayers, and engage in acts of piety to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain spiritual merit.