Devotees of Hindu faith are observe Harishayani Ekadashi. They also observe one of the most significant fasts on this Day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, regarded as the creator of the universe. Ekadashi or the eleventh lunar day of shukla paksha or the bright fortnight of the month of Ashar is marked by rituals as worshipping Lord Bishnu, reciting Holy Scriptures relating to Lord Bishnu, singing Lord Bishnu-oriented hymns among others.
The Day also marks the commencement of Chaturmas, the holy period of four months from month of Ashar and Kartik in the Lunar calendar when Lord Bishnu goes to sleep on cosmic ocean of milk, Ksheer Sagar, on Sesh Naag until Hari Bodhini Ekadashi. As the Hindu belief suggests, he wakes up to Prabodhini Ekadashi.
The basil saplings are planted on this day and worshipped ritualistically for next four months. It is believed that by worshiping the oxygen-rich plant basil, the Lord Bishnu grants his devotees their wishes.
Of the total 24 Ekadashi in the lunar calendar in a year, the Ekadashi in month of Asar and Kartik are the most significant ones.
Source: RSS