Yudhisthira said, ‘Hey Keshav! I am eager to know the rites of Padma Ekadashi or Devashyani Ekadashi, so call me Vratvidhi. '
Lord Krishna said, ‘O Rajan! I will tell you what Brahmaji told this unique story to Naradaji.
In the Sun dynasty, Mandhata became a truthful king. This king was Gau Brahmin Pratipal. The people in his kingdom were happy in every way.
There was a severe famine in the state for three consecutive years due to some sin of the East. It was the turn of the people to starve. The women began to weep bitterly. The heart of the parents melted when they saw the children hungry. Some people fell into the clutches of Kshudhadevi. People were clamoring for a single grain of grain. The grains began to suffocate.
The king thought that food is Brahman, the whole world is based on food. It seems that Annapurna Devi must be angry. There must be something wrong with me.
Eventually, by the order of Maharshi Angiras, Mandhata fasts on Ashadh Sud Agiyarshe Devashyani Ekadashi. The sage said, ‘Hey Rajan! This Ekadashi is the desired fruit bearer and the triple heat remover. This fast is beneficial and repulsive for the people, so you and the people should also fast on this Ekadashi of Devasaya.
Mandhata fasted this Ekadashi with the cooperation of the people. Heavy rains fell and the land became green, livestock survived and people danced with joy! Farmers rejoiced in the hope of a good harvest. This fast made the people happy and removed the pain of famine. The grain crop was harvested. Therefore, this vow of devotion and liberation should be performed by all. Doing this vow makes Lord Vishnu happy.
Ashadh Sud Agiyarash is called ‘Shayani’ Ekadashi (Devashyani). On this most holy day, the rule of initiating Vishnushayan vow and Chaturmas vow is taken. A person who aspires for Moksha should start Shayan-Vrat and Chaturmas Vrat on this day.
Devashyani Ekadashi is also called Devpodhi Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu sleeps in the sea for four months from Ashadh Sud Eleven. Therefore, Mandhata Raja remembered this most sacred Devashyan occasion and performed this incomparable vow with faith as per the order of Maharshi Angiras.
If the cloud yearns and Ashadh improves, the whole year improves. Thus, if this one Ekadashi vow is performed, human beings will also improve. The result of this fast was that a sweet cloud rained down and the king and the people rejoiced as the grain piled up!
Eggplant, curry, pumpkin etc. should be considered as taboo by the devotee during Chaturmas. Vegetables in Shravan month, curd in Bhadarwa, milk in Aso month and dicotyledonous beans in Kartak month should be given up by the devotee
Practicing yoga during Chaturmas leads to attainment of Brahmapada. The devotee who chants the mantra 'Om Namo Narayan' with concentration attains infinite fruit and attains the ultimate speed. '