Tholi Ekadasi -2012

Toli Ekadasi is the name given to the Ekadashi observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Ashada or Ashara Masam (June – July) in Andhra Pradesh and by Telugu speaking community around the world.

In 2012, the date of Toli Ekadashi date in Telugu calendar is on June 30. This Ekadashi is also known as Deva Shayani Ekadasi or Hari Sayani Ekadashi and the Chatur Mas Vrat (four holy months in Hinduism) begins from the day. The night time of Devas begins on this day and it believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep from the day.

The fast is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu. The fast is broken on the Dwadashi day by eating fruits.

It is popularly believed that by praying and observing Toli Ekadashi will help in a person from redemption of sins. All the normal fasting rules associated with Ekadashi fasting is observed on Toli Ekadasi day.

The day is of great significance to the farming community as they begin to sow seeds after the first rains on Toli Ekadasi day.

Sayana Ekadasi, Dev Sayani Vrat Story:

Deva Sayana Eakadasi is reffered as - Padma Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayana Ekadasi, Sesha Sayana Ekadasi, Tholi Ekadasi (Andhra Pradesh), Harivaasara Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayana Ekadasi and Ashadi Ekadasi (Maharashtra).

Significance of Deva Sayana Ekadasi Vrat or Ashadi Ekadasi Vrat:

The importance of  Deva Sayani Ekadasi was mentioned in Bhavishyottara Puran.

Yudhistir, Oldest among Pandava Brothers asked about the significance of observing a fast on Shayana Ekadasi. Lord Krishna explained the glory of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat which was told earlier by Lord Brahma to His Son - Sage Narada.

Story related to Deva Sayana Ekadasi:

The great emperor Mandhata of Surya Clan was famous for being Honest and Truthful. Unfortunately, there occured a severe famine in His Kingdom. Many people and animals died due to pangs of hunger. There was shortage of food-grains in the Kingdom. Seeing the sufferings of His Subjects, King Mandhata observed  vratams, performed homams and Pujas to get rid of famine; but all his efforts were in vain.

Sage Angirasa suggested Mandata to observe Ekadasi fasting on Ashada Shukla Ekadasi, which is popular as Deva Sayana Ekadasi. As told by the Sage, King Mandhata observed Deva Sayani Ekadasi Fasting, worshipped Sree Maha Vishnu with utmost devotion and faith.  As a result of Sayana Ekadasi Vrat,  Mandhata's Kingdom flourished well. There was no further trace of famine in His Kingdom.

It is on this day, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep called as Yoganidra (Though Vishnu goes to sleep, His will is ever active). Since Shree Maha Vishnu rests on a Seven Hooded Cobra called Adi Sesha. So, this Ekasadasi is also referred as Sesha-Sayana-Ekadasi. 

A unique feature of this Ekadasi is to not make any sankalpam unlike other Ekadasi's where devotees make sankalpam for material gains like wealth, health, progeny etc.

This Ekadasi is for getting Lord Vishnu's grace only without  sankalpams or wish-list in mind. By doing so, one will get rid of sins committed unknowingly. 

Special Rituals & Poojas:

• The most auspicious Chaturmasya or Chaturmasa Vratam begin from Deva Sayana Ekadasi Day.
 •Ashadi Ekadasi marks as a closing ceremony day of Pandharpur Yatra in Maharashtra.

The Following is the Vishnu Mantra which can be read .

Vishnu Mantra:

Suklam baradharam vishnum sasi varnam chathurbhujam prasanna vadanamdhyayeth sarva vighnopa shanthaye

Shaantaakaaram bhujagashayanam padmanaabham suresham
 Vishwaadhaaram gaganasadrasham meghavarnam shubhaangam.
 Lakshmikaantam kamalanayanam yogibhirdhyaanagamyam
 vande vishnum bhavabhayaharam sarvalokaikanaatham.

Aushadam chintayed vishnum ~ bhojanam cha janardhanam;
 shayane padmanabham cha ~ vivahe cha prajapatim;
 yuddhe chakradharam devam ~ pravase cha trivikramam;
 narayanam thanu tyage ~ sridharam priya sangame;
 dusswapne smara govindam ~ sankate madhusudhanam;
 kaanane naarasimham cha ~ pavake jalasayinam;
 jalamadhye varaham cha ~ parvathe raghunandanam;
 gamane vamanam chaiva ~ sarva kaleshu madhavam !
 Sodasaitaani naamani ~ prathuruddhaya yah patthet;
 sarva paapa vinirmukto ~ vishnu loke maheeyate !

.........You may like the Holy Chants On Lord Vishnu ...........

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishes You all with a Very Happy Tholi Ekadasi and attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Note:

• Check out the Pelala Pindi as a festival recipe.