Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Why will Lord Vishnu become the ‘watchman’ in the underworld for the next 4 months? interesting

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: From Devshayani Ekadashi on 25th July to Devuthani Ekadashi on 20th November, Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the world, will remain in Yoga Nidra. During this time he does not reside in Vaikuntha but in the underworld. After all, why Lord Vishnu had to leave his place and go to the underworld for some time, what is the unwritten story of the words of King Bali, let us know in detail.

Story of King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu

According to Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran and Vishnu Puran, Asurraj Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad. He was known not only for his bravery but also for his generosity. King Mahabali, with his might, took control over all the three worlds – earth, heaven and underworld.

All the gods including Devraj Indra were deprived of their world. On the prayer of the gods, Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Vamana as the son of Maharishi Kashyap and Mother Aditi and reached King Bali in the form of a child.

Vaman Avatar measured the world in three steps

The king was performing a sacrificial fire. At the same time Lord Vaman Brahmin child reached there and requested for charity from him. He asked for three paces of land as donation. King Bali promised to donate without any hesitation. God assumed a huge form and measured the earth in one step, heaven in the other and all the worlds.

When there was no space left for the third step, King Bali bowed his head at the feet of the Lord. God placed the third foot on his head and made him the ruler of Sutal Lok.

Why did Lord Vishnu go to live in Hades?

Mahabali had lost everything, but he did not give up his religion, words and devotion towards God. Seeing his selfless devotion and dedication, Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased and asked him to ask for a boon.

King Bali said, if you are happy with me, then I want your company. You reside with me in Sutal Lok. Hearing this wish of his devotee, Lord Vishnu honored him. He made Mahabali the king of Sutal Loka and promised to live there as his gatekeeper and protector.

According to the verse mentioned in Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran (8.22), Lord Vishnu promises King Bali to live in Sutal Lok.

Matsannikarsho nranam bhuyat. Twine to future. Tatraham bhavita sakshad, bhagwan te madashrayah.

Meaning – Vishnu says to King Bali, O Bali, I give you Sutal Lok. There I myself will reside with you. You will have no fear of my presence and I will protect you myself. In this way Lord Vishnu goes to reside in Sutal Lok. Chaturmas starts from Devshayani Ekadashi. It is a popular belief that during this time, Shri Hari resides at the place of King Bali in Sutal Lok.

(FAQ)

Q1. What is Sutal Lok?
Answer. Sutal Loka is one of the seven underworlds, which was given as a boon by Lord Vishnu to King Mahabali.

Q2. Whose descendant was King Bali?
Answer. He was the grandson of Prahlad, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and the son of Virochan.

Q3. Why was King Bali sent to Hades instead of being punished?
Answer. Mahabali was truthful, true to his word, and generous, but after establishing his rule over the three worlds, he became arrogant. Lord Vishnu removed him and after seeing his devotion and charity, instead of punishing him, he made him the ruler of Sutal Lok.

Devshayani Ekadashi 2026: Ekadashi Tithi will start from 9.13 am today, when will the fast be observed, know from the Panchang.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based only on assumptions and information. It is important to mention here that ABPLive.com Does not constitute any endorsement or verification of information. Before implementing any information or belief, consult the concerned expert.