- 📅 Festival Date: Friday, 24th July 2026
- Dedicated to : Sri Maha Vishnu
- Other Names: Devashayani Ekadashi, Sayana Ekadashi, Ashadi Ekadasi, Vishnu Sayani Ekadashi
- Significance: 4-month Chaturmasya Deeksha begins
- Importance: Sri Maha Vishnu goes into 4-month Divine Sleep(Yoga Nidra)
What is Tholi Ekadashi
Ashada Shukla Ekadashi (also spelled as Ekadasi) is observed as Tholi Ekadasi. It is one of the most sacred and spiritually significant Ekadashis observed by the Hindus, esp. Vaishnavities. This auspicious Ekadasi day is highly significant and important to clean up the body and mind by observing Upavasam (also called Upavas), and with worship and prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu.
Tholi Ekadasi has religiously significant and celebrated with great faith and devotion across South India. Devotees visit Vishnu Temples on this day to seek Divine blessings for a healthy and peaceful life.
Tholi Ekadasi is known by different names: Sayana Ekadashi, Aashadi Ekadashi, Devasayana Ekadashi, Padma Ekadashi, Devashayini Ekadashi, Prathama Ekadashi and Vishnu Sayani Ekadashi. The word 'Sayana' means 'Sleep' and 'Devasayana' means 'Divine Sleep'. As Sri Maha Vishnu goes on a Divine Sleep on this day, it is known as Devasayana Ekadasi.
Why It Is Called Tholi Ekadasi
The meaning of the Telugu word 'Tholi' is 'first' or 'foremost'.
In the ancient times, this was the first Ekadashi of the New Year in some regions. Hence it is called Tholi Ekadasi.
According to Vedic astrology, this is the first Ekadashi in Dakshinayanam ( also spelled as Dakshinayan) i.e. the Southward journey of Sun. And thus it got the name Tholi Ekadashi.
Chaturmasya (also known as Charturmasa) is a religiously important period for Hindus. And the first Ekadasi of the Chaturmasya period is known as and observed as Tholi Ekadashi.
Religious Importance and Significance of Tholi Ekadashi
Tholi Ekadashi is the day when Sri Maha Vishnu goes into Celestial Sleep i.e. Yoga Nidra for a continuous 4-month period. He wakes up from His Divine Sleep on Karthika Shukla Ekadashi day which is known as Prabodhini or Ksheerabdi or Uthana Ekadashi.
🔗 Also Read: Karthika Masam 2026: Festival Dates, Rituals and Significance
The day marks the beginning of the sacred period of Chaturmasya when devotees observe Deeksha, a strict spiritual observance during this fourth month period. It is a golden opportunity for them to clean up their body and mind with rigorous Ekadasi fastings and pujas. Some devotees do Nirjal Upavas i.e. they do not even drink water. They break their fast in the following Tithi only i.e. at Dwadashi.
Ekadasi day is highly auspicious for Hindus esp. for Vaishnavites. Devotees who sincerely observe 'Ekadasi Niyamam' (or Niyam) will attain 'moksha' (salvation).
The Story of Tholi Ekadasi
As per ancient scriptures, in the Krita Yuga (also known as Satya Yuga), a Rakshasa (demon) named Murasura did hard penance and was blessed by Brahma Deva. The power-packed demon created havoc in all the worlds. So, the Devatas (gods) went to Sri Maha Vishnu and prayed to save them from the atrocities of Murasura. To rescue the terror-stricken worlds, Sri Maha Vishnu fought with the Rakshasa for almost 100 years and was fully exhausted.
When the exhausted Sri Maha Vishnu took rest for a while in a cave, a woman emerged from His body. She fought fiercely with Murasura and slayed him.
When Sri Maha Vishnu woke up, He came to know about this. He was very much pleased with the woman and granted her a boon. Then the woman humbly prostrated before Sri Maha Vishnu and asked to bless her with the name Ekadashi. And she expressed her wish that she should always remain dear to Sri Maha Vishnu. Thus, the first 'Ekadashi' i.e 'Tholi Ekadasi' was formed on this day.
The Sacred Ritual of Pelala Pindi Puja Vidhi
In some regions, Telugu people offer Pelala Pindi mixed with jaggery as traditional Naivedyam to Sri Maha Vishnu on this day which is the most important ritual of Tholi Ekadashi. Because of this unique ritual, the festival is referred as 'Pelala Panduga'.
People wake up at Brahma Muhurtam (early hours between 4 a.m and 6 a.m.) and finish their daily chores. They offer fresh yellow flowers and compulsorily offer Tulasi Mala or Tulasi Dalam to Sri Maha Vishnu. Devotees chant either Vishnu Sahasranamam or Narayana Stotram or just chant 'Om Namo Narayanaya'. Then they worhsip Him with Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedyam and offer freshly prepared Pelala Pindi Naivedyam alongwith other Naivedyam items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Tholi Ekadashi?
Ashada Shukla Ekadashi is observed as Tholi Ekadashi. - Why is Tholi Ekadashi important?
Tholi Ekadashi is highly auspicious as it signifies the beginning of Chaturmasya Deeksha period. - Is Tholi Ekadasi and Devshayani Ekadashi the same?
Yes. Tholi Ekadasi and Devshayani Ekadashi or Shayana Ekadashi are the same. - How do devotees observe Tholi Ekadasi?
Devotees go to Vishnu temples, observe fasting, offer prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu, chant or listen to Vishnu Sahasranamam, and read sacred scriptures.
Final Thoughts
Tholi Ekadashi is not just a religious festival but is a sacred pathway to purify the mind and body through a religiously disciplined life. Following the religiously prescribed rituals, enables the body gears up and ajusts itself to the seasonal changes. At the same time, they mainly provide a divine protection from the evils both inner or outer.
Om Namo Narayanaya!