Why does Lord Vishnu go into Yoga Nidra in Chaturmas of 2025? Know the complete story and mystery of who controls the universe during this period that runs from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi.
Chaturmas 2025: Chaturmas period is considered very special in Hindu religion. This is the period when Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe, goes into Yoga Nidra for four months. This period starts from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi and continues till Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. Thus, Chaturmas consists of a total of four months: Sawan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik. According to religious belief, Lord Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe. During these four months of the year, when they go into Yoga Nidra, all auspicious works stop. Let us know why Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra during this special period. Who governs the universe in this period?
Lord Vishnu goes into yoga nidra on the bed of Sheshnag
According to Hindu religion, Lord Vishnu, the creator of the universe, goes into Yoga Nidra at a certain time every year. This period starts from Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month, which is known as Devshayani Ekadashi. On this day Lord Vishnu gets absorbed in yoga nidra on the bed of Sheshnag in Kshirsagar. This sleep is not an ordinary sleep, but a state of deep yoga practice. Four months later, Lord Vishnu awakens again on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. This day is called Devuthani Ekadashi, Devprabodhini Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Vishnu’s Yoga Nidra ends and he again rules the world. All auspicious works, like marriage, yajna, housewarming, mundan sanskar etc., are considered to start from this day. In Hindu religion these are called sixteen sanskars.
meaning of yoga nidra
The meaning of the word Yoga Nidra is completely different from normal sleep. It is neither a state of laziness nor of relaxation, rather, it is a yogic state of deep meditation and self-control. In this state, Lord Vishnu absorbs his cosmic energy within himself, causing the activities of the universe to subside. According to the Puranas, when Lord Vishnu indulges in Yoga Nidra on the bed of Sheshnag in Kshirsagar, Goddess Lakshmi remains present at his feet to serve him.
Story of King Bali and Vaman Avatar
Long ago, there lived a demon king named Mahabali. He was extremely powerful and generous. King Bali had conquered heaven on the strength of his bravery and his sacrifices. Seeing the plight of the gods, Lord Indra and other gods took refuge in Lord Vishnu. Everyone requested him to free them from King Bali. Hearing the prayers of the gods, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and went to King Bali’s yagya to beg for alms. King Bali welcomed them politely and asked what they wanted. Lord Vishnu replied, “O Mahabali, I want only three paces of land.” King Bali smiled and said, “O Brahmin, three paces of land is too little. You can ask for something else.” But Vaman asked for the same three steps. The king agreed to the sacrifice and promised to donate. As soon as King Bali promised to donate, Vaman assumed his huge form. He measured the entire earth in one step and the heaven in the next step. There was no room left for the third step. King Bali bowed and said, “O Lord, please place your third step on my head.” Lord Vishnu did the same and placed the third step on the head of King Bali and sent him to the underworld.
Lord Vishnu pleased with devotion
Lord Vishnu was very pleased with the true devotion, generosity and dedication of King Bali. He gave a boon to King Bali that he would always protect him. King Bali said, “Lord, if you are pleased with me, please stay with me in the underworld.” Lord Vishnu accepted the prayer of his devotee and promised to reside in the underworld. Goddess Lakshmi and all the gods became very worried when Lord Vishnu went to the underworld.
Also read- What to eat and what not to eat on Devuthani Ekadashi? Know the rules of fasting, worship method and auspicious time
Goddess Lakshmi thought of a way to bring him back. She disguised herself as a poor Brahmin woman and went to the house of King Bali. He tied a sacred thread around his neck and made him his brother. When King Bali asked her for a boon, Goddess Lakshmi said, “Grant me just one boon: that my husband be freed.” King Bali could not refuse his sister’s request. He requested Lord Vishnu to stay in the underworld for four months every year and then return to Kshirsagar. Lord Vishnu accepted the prayer of his devotee.
beginning of chaturmas
Lord Vishnu had promised to remain in Yoga Nidra for four months every year, from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi. This period was called Chaturmas. During these four months, Lord Vishnu rests on Sheshnag in Kshirsagar.
Also read- Auspicious works start from Devuthani Ekadashi, know the best day to buy property in November.
Who governs the universe during Yoga Nidra?
A system of operation of the universe has been described in Hinduism. The three gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva) are the protectors of the universe. Brahma is considered the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Lord Shiva the destroyer. However, the roles of these three are not stable. When one of these gods goes to rest, the other two together maintain the balance of the universe. When Lord Vishnu remains in Yoga Nidra from Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, the normal activities of the universe slow down. During this time, other gods together bear the burden of the world. It is said in the scriptures, “Vishnoḥ shaye śrishtikāryam haraḥ karoti.” That is, when Lord Vishnu rests, Lord Shiva takes over the management of the universe.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article has been taken from religious texts, scholars and astrologers. We are just a medium to deliver this information to you. Users should consider this information as information only.