Devshayani Ekadashi is the Shukla Ekadashi of Ashadha month (June–July), known in Telugu as Tholi Ekadashi — the 'first Ekadashi'. On this day Lord Vishnu is believed to enter his yoga nidra (cosmic sleep) on the serpent Adi Shesha in the ocean of milk, where he rests for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in Karthika. It marks the beginning of the sacred Chaturmasya period.

The Chaturmasya Period

Chaturmasya — literally 'four months' — is the period from Devshayani to Prabodhini Ekadashi during which Vishnu sleeps. Traditionally it is a time of increased spiritual discipline: sanyasis stay in one place rather than wandering, devotees take up vows and restrictions of diet, and there is a heightened focus on prayer, scripture, and charity. It overlaps with the monsoon, a natural season for inward retreat.

The Pause in Auspicious Ceremonies

Because Vishnu — who presides over new beginnings — is asleep, the Chaturmasya months are considered inauspicious for weddings, gruhapravesham, upanayanam, and other major samskaras. The auspicious muhurtham season pauses at Tholi Ekadashi and resumes only after Prabodhini Ekadashi and Tulasi Vivah in Karthika. This makes the two Ekadashis important markers in the Telugu ceremonial calendar.

How It Is Observed

Devotees keep the Ekadashi fast, worship Vishnu (often as the reclining Padmanabha or Ranganatha), and begin any Chaturmasya vratas they intend to keep. In Maharashtra and among Telugu Vaishnavas the day is linked to the great Pandharpur Vari pilgrimage to Vitthala. Observing Tholi Ekadashi is seen as entering the four-month period of discipline on the right footing.