Chaturmas 2026 Begins with Devshayani Ekadashi; Vishnu Enters Four‑Month Yoga Nidra

According to the Hindu calendar, the four‑month period of Chaturmas for 2026 starts on Devshayani Ekadashi, observed on 25 July 2026. On this day, it is believed that Lord Vishnu withdraws into a four‑month yoga nidra, residing in Patala (the netherworld) with King Bali, while the cosmic duties are taken over by Lord Shiva.

During Chaturmas, devotees focus on worship, mantra chanting (e.g., “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”), and study of sacred texts such as the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Sahasranama. Traditional auspicious activities like marriages, house‑warmings, and hair‑cutting ceremonies are avoided, a practice rooted in ancient monsoon‑season travel difficulties and reinforced by mythological belief that Vishnu rests during this time.