Tholi Ekadashi Importance
Tholi Ekadashi Importance, In the vast tapestry of Hindu festivals and observances, Ekadashi holds a special place. Occurring twice in a Hindu lunar month, Ekadashi refers to the 11th day of the waxing and waning phases of the moon. Among the numerous Ekadashi dates, Tholi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Ashadi Ekadashi, is of great importance. Let us explore the significance of Tholi Ekadashi and understand why it holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.
Tholi Ekadashi marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, a four-month period of religious observances and austerity in Hinduism. It falls in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July) and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India. ‘Tholi’ means ‘beginning,’ indicating the commencement of an auspicious period. Devotees believe that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on this day and awakens on Prabodhini Ekadashi, which occurs four months later. Thus, Tholi Ekadashi is also referred to as the “sleeping period of Lord Vishnu.”
The significance of Tholi Ekadashi can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana. These texts narrate the story of King Mandhata, who ruled the kingdom of Ikshvaku during the Treta Yuga. King Mandhata was a virtuous and righteous ruler, beloved by his subjects. However, his kingdom faced a severe drought due to a curse. With his kingdom on the brink of destruction, King Mandhata sought guidance from Sage Angira.
Sage Angira advised the king to observe the fast of Tholi Ekadashi with utmost devotion and reverence. Following the sage’s instructions, King Mandhata and his subjects observed a strict fast and spent the day in prayers and worship. Their sincere efforts and devotion pleased Lord Vishnu, who appeared before them and ended the drought, restoring prosperity to the kingdom.
The story of King Mandhata highlights the power of faith, devotion, and the significance of observing Tholi Ekadashi. Devotees believe that by observing a fast on this day, they can seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the preserver of the universe. It is believed that by fasting and engaging in acts of piety, one can purify their mind, body, and soul, and gain spiritual merit.
Devotees also engage in various rituals and activities on Tholi Ekadashi. Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu are adorned with flowers and lights, and special prayers and hymns are recited. Many devotees stay awake all night, engaging in devotional singing and reading sacred texts. Some also visit Vishnu temples to offer prayers and seek the divine blessings.
Apart from the spiritual significance, Tholi Ekadashi is also associated with cultural festivities in different regions of India. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Ashadi Ekadashi, with devotees embarking on a pilgrimage to the holy town of Pandharpur to visit the Vitthal Rukmini temple. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed as the commencement of the Ani Brahmotsavam festival at the Lord Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.
Tholi Ekadashi serves as a reminder for individuals to introspect, practice self-discipline, and strengthen their spiritual connection. It encourages devotees to detach themselves from material desires and focus on their spiritual growth. The fast on this day is believed to purify the body and mind, leading to spiritual rejuvenation
History Of Tholi Ekadashi
The history of Tholi Ekadashi can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. The significance of this auspicious day is mentioned in texts such as the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana. These scriptures narrate the story of King Mandhata, who played a crucial role in the origin and observance of Tholi Ekadashi.
According to the legends, King Mandhata was a righteous and virtuous ruler who governed the kingdom of Ikshvaku during the Treta Yuga. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and the well-being of his subjects. However, his kingdom was struck by a severe drought due to a curse. The land became barren, water sources dried up, and the people suffered greatly.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, King Mandhata sought the advice of Sage Angira, a revered sage known for his wisdom and spiritual knowledge. Sage Angira informed the king that the drought was a consequence of the kingdom’s collective karma and that the only way to alleviate the suffering was through the grace of Lord Vishnu.
Sage Angira advised King Mandhata and his subjects to observe a fast and engage in devotional activities on the auspicious day of Tholi Ekadashi. He explained that by observing this fast with utmost devotion and sincerity, they could please Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings to end the drought.
Following the sage’s instructions, King Mandhata and his people observed a strict fast on Tholi Ekadashi. They refrained from consuming food and water throughout the day and spent their time in prayers, meditation, and acts of piety. They offered their sincere devotion to Lord Vishnu, seeking his mercy and forgiveness.
Impressed by the unwavering faith and dedication of King Mandhata and his subjects, Lord Vishnu appeared before them and granted his divine blessings. The compassionate Lord put an end to the drought, bringing relief to the parched land. Rainfall returned, water sources were replenished, and the kingdom flourished once again.
The successful outcome of King Mandhata’s observance of Tholi Ekadashi reinforced the significance of this sacred day. It became a time-honored tradition among Hindus, symbolizing the power of faith, devotion, and the efficacy of fasting. Devotees believed that by observing the fast and engaging in acts of piety on Tholi Ekadashi, they could seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain spiritual upliftment.
Since then, Tholi Ekadashi has been observed with great reverence and enthusiasm by devotees across various regions of India. It marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to sleep, and it serves as an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual connection, seek divine grace, and purify their minds and souls.
The historical legend of King Mandhata and the significance attached to Tholi Ekadashi continue to inspire and guide devotees in their spiritual journeys. It reinforces the importance of faith, devotion, and the observance of religious rituals in Hinduism. Tholi Ekadashi serves as a reminder to individuals to lead virtuous lives, practice self-discipline, and seek the blessings of the divine for personal and collective well-being.
Tholi Ekadashi In 2023
The Telugu calendar’s Toli Ekadashi date in 2023 is July 29.The Chaturmas Vrat (four holy months in Hinduism) starts on this Ekadashi, which is also known as Deva Shayani Ekadasi or Hari Shayani Ekadasi. On this day, the Devas’ nighttime starts, and Lord Vishnu is said to retire for the day.
- The day is signifcant to the agricultural community since it is when they start sowing seeds following the first rains on toli ekdasi day
- On this day, a big feast is planned and feeding on needy and children gets srihari vishnu,s blessings.
- In caishnava temples, this day is very important. for the well-being of the cosmos and living creatures, many rituals and pujas are done.
- On this day, charity is regarded as sagared and honourable. gain, food, literature, eduactional materials, agricultural tools, and clothing are among the items donated
- It is widely held that praying and practising toli ekadashi will aid in the forgiveness of sins. for the sake of their families, some individuals fast completely on this day.
Fasting Rules In Toli Ekadashi
During fasting rules in toli ekadashi days rice, whole wheat flour, pulses, cereal grains, onion, garlic etc are not eaten. Fruits, sabudana, makhana, milk and flours like singhare ka atta, kuttu ka atta, rajgira ka atta are consumed. On fasting days we use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt. Strictly avoid eating rice on this day.
Tholi Ekadashi Or Sayana Ekadashi Significance
Tholi Ekadashi or Sayana Ekadashi is the most auspicious festival of Hindus mainly the Vaishnavas who celebrate this day by keeping praying, fast and bhajans of Lord Vishnu on this day and also by the Hindu people all over the world. In that way the Deities one morning period = 6 months of our Daskshinayanam period and ONE night period = SIX months Uttarayana period, each half is equal to one complete day for Gods. During the month of Monsoon, the first Ekadashi which falls in this month is known as “Shayan Ekadashi” or “Tholi Ekadashi” which marks the sleeping period of Deities and the day when Lord Maha Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar – cosmic ocean of milk – on Sheshanaga, the cosmic serpent and is seen in Shayan mudra for a period of 4 months.
According to Hindu Calendar, of all the 26 (twenty six) Ekadashi’s this Ekadashi is known as Tholi Ekadashi and is the day when the day time starts shortening and night time starts increasing.