Yoga Nidra

(योग निद्रा)

Literal Meaning

Yogic sleep

Etymology & Sanskrit Root

'Yoga' (union) plus 'nidra' (sleep); a guided, systematic relaxation technique that leads the practitioner to a state between waking and sleeping, described in tantric texts as a threshold state of deep awareness.

Spiritual Insight & Context

A single hour of yoga nidra is often said to be as restorative as several hours of ordinary sleep, since the practitioner remains consciously aware even as the body rests completely.

Where Yoga Nidra Comes Up

Devshayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Ashadha Shukla)

The divine katha of Harishayani Ekadashi marking the beginning of the four sacred months of Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu rests upon Sheshanaga.

Devutthana (Prabodhini) Ekadashi Vrat Katha & Tulsi Vivah

The divine katha from the Skanda Purana marking the awakening of Lord Vishnu after four months of Yoga Nidra, concluding Chaturmas and beginning Tulsi Vivah.

The Significance of Ekadashi Vrat

A guide to Ekadashi Vrat: Ekadashi Devi's origin, the three modes of fasting, foods to avoid, puja vidhi, and the rules of Dwadashi Parana and Hari Vasara.

Parivartini (Parsva / Vamana) Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The glorious story from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana of Lord Vishnu turning onto His side in Yoga Nidra and the advent of Vamana Avatar liberating King Bali in Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha.

Utpanna Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Origin of Ekadashi Devi)

The divine origin of Ekadashi Devi manifesting from Lord Vishnu's transcendental body to slay the demon Mura in Margashirsha Krishna Paksha.