Although every Ekadashi is very sacred for the devout, some are especially most sacrosanct. This Ekadashi is another such Ekadashi. The observance of this day falls in line with the 'collective convenience' theory discussed in the first chapter since this almost heralds the onset of rainy season in which movement and ritualistic routine get disturbed due to the vagaries of weather. This day signifies the cessation of all pious, auspicious and sacred activities.

It means the day when Lord Hari or Vishnu retires to sleep on the bed of Sheshnag, in the Ksheer sagar (the ocean of milk). According to a popular religious belief, Lord Hari slumbers during the four months of the rainy season. This period of auspicious inactivity begins on the 11 th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika (October-November) called Dev-Uthan-Ekadashi. Both of these Ekadashsi are considered especially sacred and Lord Vishnu is worshipped on both these occasions .

This period of four months of the rainy season is known as 'Chaturmaas'. During this period marriage, thread ceremony, etc. are prohibited. The sages and seers, otherwise supposed to be ever peripatetic, used to stay at one place for this entire duration.

This religious injunction inadvertently help them disseminate their knowledge to the common masses for the entire society's benefit. Rendered immobile due to generally inclement weather, these seers used to hold religious concourses and remove the doubts of the lay people. Since this period is even otherwise hazardous from health reasons, staying at one place is even otherwise quite logical.